Lakers-Spurs: San Antonio Blows 20-Point Lead, Lose to Kobe And L.A. In Game 1

The Los Angeles Lakers staged a huge comeback and defeated the San Antonio Spurs 89-85 in the first game of their seven-game series.  Kobe Bryant awoke from his slumber and took over the game midway through the third quarter after the Spurs took a twenty-point lead.

Bryant scored two points in the first half, and was content to facilitate and get his teammates involved.  San Antonio contributed to their own demise by making uncharacteristic turnovers, and going ice cold in the fourth quarter. 

Tim Duncan predictably was too much to handle for Pau Gasol and Ronnie Turiaf, as he torched them for 30 points and 18 rebounds.  The Lakers let him go one-on-one for most of the game, but doubled him in the fourth quarter and raised their defensive intensity against his teammates. 

All of a sudden Tony Parker got no fast breaks, and couldn't get to the rim in their half court sets.  Manu Ginobili was ineffective for most of the game and couldn't find his shot. He has to play well for the Spurs to win. 13 points in the fourth quarter is not going to get it done for the Spurs, as they blew a golden opportunity to steal a game on the road and secure home court advantage for themselves.

Bryant showed why he is the MVP and best player in the league by putting his team on his back.  If he wasn't scoring, he was setting up other Lakers for easy baskets. Kobe is the best closer in the game, and he is to basketball what Mariano Rivera is to baseball. 

This is the Achilles' heel for the Spurs.  At times during their games, they go through scoring droughts and rely on their defense to keep them in, or win games. With all due respect to Bruce Bowen, there is no defense for Bryant when he is on a mission, and he is on his game. 

Give the Lakers credit. Their defense in the fourth quarter was suffocating, and their bench, once again made a huge diffence. The Spurs will need more of a contribution from guys like Michael Finley if they are serious about beating L.A.

The Spurs will recover, and they won't panic.  Now the adjustments begin.  It will be a good chess match between Phil Jackson and Gregg Popovich.