TITLE: Masked Kobe Bryant Scores 33 in Lakers’ 93-83 Win Over Heat
SLUG: masked-kobe-bryant-33-lakers-heat-2012
CONTENT:
LOS ANGELES — On March 4, 2012, Kobe Bryant—playing with the clear protective gear that spawned the “Masked Mamba” nickname—poured in 33 points to power the Los Angeles Lakers past the Miami Heat, 93-83, at Staples Center.
Still nursing a broken nose and concussion suffered in a collision with Dwyane Wade during the All-Star Game one week earlier, Bryant hit 14 of 23 shots and logged his third consecutive 30-point performance since adding the mask.
Wade Booed, Lakers Strike First
Wade was greeted by loud jeers each time he touched the ball, but the Heat guard and his teammates could not erase an early Lakers surge. Los Angeles opened a 28-20 edge after one quarter and held a 50-38 advantage at halftime. Miami never led during the final 44 minutes.
Frontcourt Dominance Without Bosh
With Chris Bosh absent while attending his grandmother’s funeral, Miami struggled inside. Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum combined for 27 points, 23 rebounds and five blocks, exploiting the paint against a Heat lineup of LeBron James, Wade, Mario Chalmers, Joel Anthony and Udonis Haslem.
World Peace Contains LeBron
Metta World Peace added 17 points, seven rebounds, three assists and four steals while spending much of the night guarding James. The defensive effort helped the Lakers improve their home record to 17-2 and push their overall mark in the lockout-shortened season to 22-14.
Bryant’s outburst ensured Miami’s West Coast trip ended on a sour note and gave Los Angeles a measure of revenge after the All-Star incident. The Lakers closed out the contest without relinquishing control, sealing a nationally watched victory that kept their momentum intact at Staples Center.
Source: lakersnation.com
