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Associated Press Kobe Bryant
SUNDAY'S BEST BET ON TELEVISION - The Celtics try to win another championship for New England tonight in Game 5 against the Lakers. 9 p.m., chs. 7, 2
THE NBA FINALS AND KOBE BRYANT
Midway through this year's playoffs, NBA experts praised Kobe Bryant because he was going to prove the winner of the great feud with Shaquille O'Neal. Many likened him (foolishly, perhaps) to Michael Jordan, adding Kobe would show he could win by being Batman and not just Robin.
As Lee Corso would say, not so fast, my friend.
Sure, Kobe is the best player in the game, but after Thursday night's implosion (6-for-19 shooting, the Lakers blowing a 24-point lead), those comparisons to Jordan must be re-evaluated if not put off until further notice. When his team needed a win to stave off the Celtics, Bryant was an above average player. In other words, he had a bad night.
Bad nights happen to great athletes, but they need to recognize the consequences when those face plants occur on the biggest stages. Kobe gets another chance to show his playoff prowess tonight as the Lakers try to stave off elimination in Game 5.