In what was a sloppy, off-target, but intensely competitive Game 7, the Los Angeles Lakers emerged to repeat as NBA Champions. The Lakers trailed the entire 2nd half, until 7:29 was remaining in the 4th quarter. Ron Artest, without argument the best player on the court in Game 7, tied the game with a 3-point play. Seconds later Kobe Bryant game the Lakers their first lead since early in the 2nd quarter on a free throw. The teams, who both struggled to shoot, traded big 3-pointers late in the 4th, with the game close, but Pau Gasol's offensive rebound with under 30 seconds left pretty much sealed the deal. Gasol struggled from the line and Bryant struggled from all over the floor, but the two combined for 33 rebounds, as the Lakers won the rebound battle 53-40 (Kevin Garnett had only 3), which has been the key statistic all series. It was especially key this game, as the Lakers struggled greatly to shoot.
Ron Artest was the clear MVP of the game, with 20 pts, 5 reb and 5 stl, and smothered Paul Pierce, though The Truth did put up 18, including 6-6 from the line.
Kobe Bryant however easily took home the finals MVP award with an outstanding performance throughout. Even in this game, when he couldn't find his range, he went 11-15 from the line to help himself to 23 points, to go with his 15 boards.
Congratulations to the Lakers for pulling out a hard, HARD fought series, exactly the kind of series they needed to prove they could win.
-APT
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