The postgame statistics appeared on the big screen:
O'Neal: 28 points, 16 rebounds, 4 blocks.
Kobe: 32 points, including the Lakers' final 6 points over the last three minutes.
For the San Antonio Spurs, Duncan put up an empty 26 points and 12 rebounds, while David Robinson scored 18.
In TNT's studio, Kevin Harlan was still savoring those heart-stopping final three minutes.
"Unbelievable! We thought this would be an inside battle between Shaq and the Twin Towers, but the one who ultimately decided the game was that 21-year-old youngster!"
Marv Albert adjusted his glasses and analyzed the game with a grave expression. "This is the value of a superstar. Popovich's tactics weren't flawed at all. He successfully limited Shaq's dominance, but he never expected Kobe's mid-range game to become this ruthlessly lethal."
Bill Walton sighed as well. "The gap between these two teams is minuscule. You could even say the Spurs looked more like a cohesive unit for most of the game. But in the closing moments, tactics lose their meaning. It comes down to whose star is on a higher level, whose form is crazier. Tonight, the goddess of victory wore the Lakers' purple and gold, but next game? Nobody can say."
In the media interview area at Staples Center, a sea of cameras had completely surrounded Kobe.
Kobe had a white towel draped over his shoulders, with none of the excitement of victory on his face.
He mechanically wiped the sweat from his face, his gaze as cold as ice.
"Kobe, what were you thinking on those final three shots? Was that part of the game plan?" a reporter asked excitedly.
Kobe raised his eyes and answered blandly, "No. I just saw the space and made the shots. It was that simple. The series isn't over. This was