Kobe and Jordan Trade Blows!

"That was exactly what I had in mind." Kobe's battle-filled gaze locked directly onto His Airness!

Kobe had already planned to finish this game early!

Since Jordan was turning it on, Kobe naturally had to answer in kind!

In Game 1, the two greatest players in basketball history had only put up unremarkable totals of 39 and 41 points. Compared to last year's phenomenal showdown, it still fell quite short.

That had to do with many factors. It wasn't that either of them had become weaker; if they wanted to, they were still GOATs capable of dropping 60 or 70-plus.

First of all, they wanted their teammates to get a feel for the intensity of the Finals. They also needed to integrate themselves into the team's offense and get their teammates involved.

This year's Lakers and Hornets were the deepest teams Kobe and Jordan had ever played on!

For these two, of course they would make full use of their teams' depth.

The front offices had paid such a huge price to build these rosters. If it still came down to just the two of them taking turns going one-on-one, there would have been no point.

Their teammates had the ability to change an entire series as well!

Then there was the Hack-a-Shaq Strategy.

Most of Kobe and Jordan's shootouts had been concentrated in the decisive moments late in games.

Once the Hack-a-Shaq Strategy came out, the crucial moments became fragmented.

Kobe couldn't get the ball consistently.

Jordan couldn't string together attacks and find his rhythm either.

But this game was completely different!

"Michael Jordan has issued a challenge to Kobe! How will Kobe respond on the next possession?"

Kobe brought the ball up.

Grant Hill was still guarding him.

"Hill is defending Kobe, while Bowen is guarding Jordan. The