If that was a preview of how this series will be then strap up, because this is playoff basketball. Both teams were hungry, however the teams weren't the main attraction. It was Kobe vs Carmelo, and boy was it good. 
Melo started the game hot, but Kobe finished the game like the clutch performer he always is. Melo led his Nuggets to a eight point first quarter lead, dropping 14 points. He came out on fire, no denying that, but where were his teammates? It may look as if his teammates helped, but they didn't when it counted. Denver missed 12 free throws which is inexcusable since they all are good free throw shooters. Denver's Box Score.
Moreover, the night belonged to who else? Kobe Bryant.
His teammates were no where to be found, so he took it upon himself to win game 1 and I'm glad he did. If Denver was smart, they would've took Billups and Anthony Carter off Bryant after realizing his team wasn't contributing that much. Kobe made them pay, especially in the 4th quarter.
"Once I sensed we didn't have the energy, I had to take it upon myself to lead by example," he said. "It's just part of my responsibilities to this team" stated Bryant on ESPN.com.
The Best Closer!
With the game going back and fourth as it did, i knew Kobe would eventually take over and control the game himself. He dropped 18 points in the fourth and they weren't easy baskets. And if that isn't enough, he was guarding Melo down the stretch, who still had a hot hand. What more can you ask for?
However, while Kobe exceeded my expectations, the Lakers might of been down one game to none if it hadn't been for the Trevor Ariza steal. With 30 seconds left and Denver inbounding, Ariza came off a screen to steal a lob from Anthony Carter to Billups which led to time being drained off the clock. Kobe, in each of LA's last possessions hit 6 clutch free throws which led to the 105-103 victory.
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