One year after failing in the
finals, Bryant and the Lakers have redemption, and all the
rewards that go with it. Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers
beat Dwight Howard and the Orlando Magic in five games to win
their 15th championship in franchise history and first since
2002. Bryant was named finals MVP averaging 32.4 PPG.
The Los Angeles Lakers earned
their first NBA championship in seven years and 15th overall
with a 99-86 win over the Orlando Magic. Bryant's seven-year
chase of a coveted championship is finally over and now has his
fourth title. Phil Jackson earned his own victory, With the
Lakers' title-clinching Game 5, he passed Red Auerbach for the
most championships by a coach in NBA history. |
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Game 1 in Los Angeles was a blowout for
the Lakers as they won by 25 points, 100-75, as Bryant scored a
game-high 40 points. Game 2 was also in L.A., but this game was a lot
closer than the first one, as Los Angeles took Game 2 by the score of
101-96, and a 2-0 series lead in the NBA Finals. Game 3 was close
throughout with lead changes late in the game. Orlando made their free
throws late and hung on for a 108-104 win to cut the series lead in
half. Game 4 was in Orlando again and was the closest of the series.
Derek Fisher made the 3-pointer with four seconds left to put the game
into overtime. Fisher made another big 3-pointer in OT, and Pau Gasol
put the game out of reach as the Lakers won 99-91 in OT to take a 3-1
series lead. The Lakers closed out the series in Game 5 at Orlando when
they jumped out to a quick ten-point lead at halftime and led the whole
way, winning 99-86 and capturing the NBA title.
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