DEN 103, LAL 105 - Kobe Bryant duels with Prime Carmelo Anthony for series first win.
Player of the game: Kobe Bryant, 40 PTS, 13-28 46 FG%, 12-13 FTM, 6 REB, 4 AST, 1 BLK
Notable performance: Carmelo Anthony, 39 PTS, 14-20 70 FG%, 4-5 3PM, 7-8 FTM, 6 REB, 4 AST, 1 BLK
Heading into the Western Conference Finals, Melo was in peak form, averaging 27.0 points and 6.4 rebounds, and leading Denver to an 8-2 record through the first two playoff rounds.
The Lakers had a tougher journey, defeating Utah in five games but needing all seven to overcome Houston in the semifinals. Kobe Bryant, averaging 27.4 points through 12 games, set the stage for an epic showdown.
Kobe’s competitiveness fueled Melo. Their intense skirmishes, like the memorable rebound battle, highlighted their rivalry. Game 1 was marked by Kobe’s heroics: despite injuring his finger, he led the Lakers to a 105-103 comeback win, scoring 40 points, including six free throws in the final 30 seconds. Pau Gasol added 13 points and 14 rebounds, while Carmelo Anthony scored 39 and Chauncey Billups 18 for the Nuggets.
“There are no moral victories in playoff basketball,” Denver coach George Karl said. Gasol’s two free throws tied the game at 99 before Bryant's clutch free throws secured the win. “I had to take it upon myself to lead by example,” Bryant said.
