LOS ANGELES ?a A sprained ankle is a small impediment to Kobe Bryant at this point in his playoff profession. Atlanta Falcons jerseys is really a a lot larger obstacle.
Bryant overcame them both on a dunk that propelled the Los Angeles Lakers to a wave of momentum toward the 2nd round.
Bryant scored 19 points on the sprained left ankle, throwing down two impressive jams that led the Lakers past the New Orleans Hornets 106-90 in Game five on Tuesday evening and also to a 3-2 sequence lead.
Bryant's second-quarter dunk on Okafor could flip out to become the Lakers' signature moment of the taxing first-round sequence that started having a stunning Game 1 loss. That's exactly what Bryant was attempting to achieve when he picked up his dribble with two hands and threw down a right-handed slam correct in Okafor's mug.
"I just had a lane to the basket," Buffalo Bills jerseys"It looked like he was going to problem me at the rim, and I decided to accept the challenge. ... It's a concept for us that this was important. It is time to increase up and do what we've got to complete. They're not saved dunks. I do not have a lot of those left."
Bryant left New Orleans on crutches two days previously after obtaining harm late in Game 4, but he refused an MRI exam or extensive therapy when he acquired home. Postseason injuries are absolutely nothing new for your two-time NBA finals MVP, who has persevered via a slew of them during 67 playoff video games within the previous three years.
"That's what he does," said Monty Williams, the Hornets' annoyed coach. "All this talk about his ankle. Did it appear like his ankle was hurting? Okay then."
Trevor Ariza scored 22 points, MarcoCincinnati Bengals jerseys 21, and Chris Paul had twenty points and 12 helps for the seventh-seeded Hornets, who have misplaced 3 of four because their series-opening victory. Ariza hit 5 3-pointers, but managed just six factors in the second half because the Lakers took manage with the game and maybe the sequence.
Game 6 is Thursday in New Orleans.