LOS ANGELES - The comparisons between Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan fell as flat as Bryant's jump Thursday night. Instead, Bryant was conjuring up memories of John Starks circa Game 7, 1994 with each excruciating minute.
Arguably the best player on the planet, Bryant turned in a simply horrific shooting performance on the Thursday night of the NBA season, with a little help from the Boston Celtics of course. But when it came down to winning time, or as Phil Jackson called it "the moment of truth," Bryant and the Lakers found a way to retain their championship status.
Pau Gasol's size and skill along with Bryant's grit and determination sealed the title for the Lakers, who overcame a 13-point second-half deficit to finally defeat the Celtics, 83-79, and capture their 16th championship.
"It's by far the sweetest because it's against them," Bryant said after being named MVP. "And it was the toughest."
The score truly reflected what transpired on the court for 48 pulsating minutes. It was two teams competing at the highest level, especially on the defensive end. Every shot was contested, resulting in offensive numbers that were reminiscent of the great Knicks-Heat playoff wars of the '90s.
"It wasn't well-done but it was done," said Jackson, who won his 11th championship and hinted that his chances of returning for another season improved. "We did it with perseverance and defense."
Bryant made only 6 of 24 shots but still scored 23 points by making 11 of 15 free throws along with 15 rebounds. He made just 3 of 14 shots in the first half.
"I just wanted it so, so bad," Bryant said. "On top of that, I was on (empty). I was getting real, real tired. The more I pushed, the more it got away from me. I'm really glad my teammates got us back in the game and I'm happy I made one damn shot."
When asked what the title meant to him personally he quickly responded, "I have one more than Shaq. You can take that to the bank."
It was a physical game as the officiating crew let the players decide it. That said, the Lakers attempted 37 free throws compared to 17 for the Celtics. The disparity can be traced to the disparity in rebounds. Los Angeles out-rebounded Boston 53-40 including an astonishing 23 offensive boards. This is where the Celtics felt the loss of starting center Kendrick Perkins, who suffered a knee injury in Game 6.
Gasol took advantage by grabbing nine offensive boards and proved to be too difficult for the Celtics to handle. Gasol made a strong bid for MVP honors by finishing with 19 points and 18 rebounds. He attempted 13 free throws, making seven.
Ron Artest, who Jackson called "our MVP tonight," added 20 points including a key three-pointer in the final minute. Artest, who was passed over by the Knicks in the 1999 NBA draft and later became notorious for attacking a fan in Detroit, could not contain his emotions afterward. The Queensbridge native blew kisses to the crowd and during an on-court interview thanked everyone from his mother to his psychiatrist.
Perkins' absence allowed Rasheed Wallace to turn in one of his more memorable performances. Wallace, playing with a bad back that may force him to retire, finished with 11points and eight rebounds before fouling out.
"He was a warrior," said an emotional Doc Rivers, who is considering stepping down as coach. "He left it all on the floor."
Paul Pierce led the Celtics with 18 points, Kevin Garnett added 17 while Ray Allen, who becomes a free agent in two weeks, had a dreadful game. Allen went 3-for-14 and made just 2 of 7 three-pointers.
"Obviously," Gasol said, "it wasn't the prettiest game."
The Celtics didn't break the 60-point mark until there was 8:26 left. The Lakers hit 60 with 7:29 remaining when Artest's three-point play tied the game at 61. Moments earlier, Allen foolishly fouled Bryant - who couldn't make a shot - as he attempted a three.
The game changed when Derek Fisher's three tied the game at 64 and ignited a 9-0 run, including Bryant's only field goal of the fourth. The spurt helped L.A. to take its first lead since the second quarter, and each time the Celtics drew close, Los Angeles managed to draw fouls. The Lakers attempted 19 free throws in the period, including 12 in the last 5:56 and two from Sasha Vujacic with 11 seconds left after Boston closed to within 81-79.
Bryant was emotionally and physically drained afterward, but he summoned up enough strength to issue a challenge to the rest of the league.
"Let's go for it again," he said.
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