Harlan nodded. "Then let's see whether Sabonis can break your expectations."
Jump ball.
O'Neal beat Sabonis again, tipping the ball backward.
Fisher dribbled across half court and, without hesitation, passed directly to Kobe, who was calling for the ball at the right wing. Facing Sprewell's defense, Kobe's eyes were as cold as ice.
He had scored thirty-two points in the first game, but Sabonis's explosion in the first quarter had thrown off his rhythm, keeping him from taking over early. Tonight, he would not let the same thing happen.
Kobe took one dribble and drove left. Sprewell kept up with him, but Kobe's sudden stop was quicker. He rose near the free-throw line, faded away, and fired.
Sprewell's hand reached Kobe's face, but the ball still sailed over his fingertips and swished through the net.
2-0.
The boos at Madison Square Garden were deafening, but Kobe's expression did not change at all.
On the next possession, Kobe called for the ball in the post. He backed into Sprewell, took one dribble, and leaned backward. Sprewell possessed elite strength for a perimeter defender in this league, but Kobe's core strength was even greater.
He leaned in again, and Sprewell gave half a step.
That half-step was all Kobe needed. He spun, faded away, and shot. The ball swished again. 4-0.
"Kobe! Back-to-back fadeaway jumpers!"
Harlan's voice echoed from the commentary booth. "He's on fire! Sprewell's defense was right in his face, and the ball still went in! This is Kobe Bryant! This is the 'more lethal attack' he said he would bring after Game One!"
Walton picked it up. "And pay attention to Kobe's shot selection. He isn't dribbling around the perimeter and wasting time. He's demanding the ball in the post, using his height and strength to shoot over Sprewell.