Los Angeles Lakers Strike First, Bury Orlando Magic 100-75

The way Kobe Bryant started the opening game of Lakers NBA Finals with the Orlando Magic had absolutely no bearing on how he would finish.

Bryant shot a poor three-of-nine, missing his last four shots as the Orlando Magic took a 24-22 lead at the end of the first quarter. When he returned at 8:32 of the second quarter, the Lakers were down 33-28. That would be the last time the Magic led.

Bryant preceded to hit his first three shots, and the Lakers found themselves up 38-33. Bryant hit three more shots in the quarter and finished with 18 points overall on 9-of-18 shooting to go with six assists and five rebounds. That put the Lakers up 53-43 at the half.

Luke Walton and Derek Fisher were the beneficiaries of Bryant’s assists. Fisher had nine points in the hal...

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