Kobe about to be fouled

Image details: Utah Jazz v Los Angeles Lakers, Game 1 served by picapp.com

Kobe is expected to be presented with the NBA MVP award, but he got in a hurry and put on an MVP performance for the LA crowd in defeating the Utah Jazz.

Los Angeles 109 Utah 98

Kobe set a foul shooting franchise record.

Bryant, celebrating what’s expected to be his first NBA MVP award, converted six of his franchise playoff-record 21 foul shots in the fourth quarter, and the Los Angeles Lakers held off the Utah Jazz 109-98 Sunday to begin the second round of the playoffs.

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So just how good are the Lakers?

The Lakers were outrebounded by the Utah Jazz 58-41 on Sunday afternoon. The disparity in offensive rebounds was even more pronounced, 25-8. No surprise then that the Jazz also posted a significant edge in second-chance points, 26-12.

I don’t offer these numbers as mere arithmetic, but as statistical anomalies in evidence of just how good the Lakers really are. The team that controls the boards — especially the offensive boards, especially come playoff time — is almost always the winning team. But these Lakers do so many things so well — a more diversely talented team than any in the game — they can actually overcome an ass-kicking on the glass.

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Mehmet Okur had 21 points and 19 rebounds in the losing cause.

Kobe had 38 points 7 rebounds and 6 assists. Not a bad night for the MVP.

As always, any NBA Basketball related comments are welcome.

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Post from: NBA Obsessed

By Guest Blogger, Kori Ellis

While it’s a bit early to be talking MVP, here’s an early look at the current leaders in the race for the 2007-08 NBA MVP award:

1) LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers
James built on a very good playoff run last year and this year he’s been fantastic. In fact, he’s on pace to have one of the best seasons in NBA history. He’s averaging 31.7 points, 8.5 assists, 8.0 rebounds, 2.1 steals and 1.6 blocks. Those numbers make him the clear cut MVP favorite.

2) Kevin Garnett, Boston Celtics
Coming into this season, the MVP award was basically Garnett’s to lose. He’s held up his part of the bargain but so far LeBron has just been too good. If LeBron cools off, Garnett is the next in line to take home the MVP award.

3) Dwight Howard, Orlando Magic
Howard is simply a beast. He’s so big and strong that he’s no almost impossible to keep off the boards. His scoring touch has improved to the point that he’s now a capable go-to scorer. 22.5 points and 14.4 rebounds per game isn’t bad for a 21-year-old.

4) Steve Nash, Phoenix Suns
When it comes to MVP talk, Nash has to be in the conversation. The Suns are yet again off to a good start and Nash is playing as well as ever. He’s shooting the ball great and his passing is fantastic, as expected.

5) Manu Ginobili, San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs are playing really well to start off the season and surprisingly enough, arguably the best player on the team has been Ginobili to date. His per minute stats are off the charts and he deserves to be listed as a candidate at this early point of the season.

Post from: NBA Obsessed