The basketball bounced back and forth between Kobe's left and right hands.
Raja Bell stared fixedly at Kobe with a vicious look in his eyes, as if saying, "If you've got the guts, shoot!"
He knew no one in the league could stop Kobe's shot, but compared to driving, shooting was ultimately far less threatening.
Raja Bell would much rather see Kobe pull up from distance than drive!
To achieve that, during the previous game against the Lakers, when Kobe drove, Raja Bell had directly grabbed him by the throat and swung him out of the air!
When Kobe got back to his feet, that utterly unconcerned look in his eyes had stung Raja Bell even more.
Impossible!
No one could face that kind of malicious foul, get right back up without changing expression or missing a beat!
It had to be an illusion!
Before Raja Bell could confirm whether Kobe truly felt no fear, Stephen Jackson had knocked him to the ground with a punch.
That punch... really hurt.
It made Raja Bell, a player with a somewhat twisted psyche, even more desperate to find out whether Kobe would be afraid under his defense!
Pull up, and I'll slide under your feet! Drive, and I'll hit you with an elbow! If I get the chance, I'll grab your throat again. This time, I'll crush your Adam's apple! Raja Bell thought viciously.
The next instant, Kobe moved!
He drove!
His feet pushed off the floor, and his body shot out like an arrow released from its bow!
His jersey whipped up a rush of wind!
Raja Bell retreated!
He retreated quickly!
He did not even consider the possibility of Kobe stopping for a jumper.
The two streaked all the way to the basket.
And Duncan rotated over at that moment!