When Chris Paul embarrasses Kobe Bryant, it can be a thing of beauty, especially to those who aren't Lakers fans. Last night's ESPN-televised NBA game between the Lakers and Clippers saw CP3 do just that, as he nailed a buzzer beater in highlight-worthy fashion.
Blake Griffin & Clips try to embarrass CP3 (Video)
According to an SBNation report on Jan. 5, the move that Paul put on Kobe was actually revenge for Bryant embarrassing him earlier in the game. In the first quarter of the marquee matchup, Bryant had an impressive layup which turned into a hang-time jam. Chris Paul was the recipient of the posterization as Bryant avoided him, cocked the ball back and hammered it down (see video evidence here).
However, Paul would gain his measure of retaliation. In the fourth quarter, Paul's move on Bryant came as the shot clock was running out, and the Clippers were leading by just 4 points with under half a minute to play. Paul was able to shake off Bryant with some fancy dribbling and steps to the opposite direction before hitting the jumpshot to extend the Clippers' lead to 103-97.
According to LA Times, Paul gave credit to both luck and skill, saying of the huge shot he made:
"The shot clock was running down, and Kobe was forcing me left. I got a shot on him, and luckily it went in."
The Clippers had been up as many as 19 points in the game, but the Lakers made a furious comeback. However, this season has belonged to the other team in Los Angeles. The Clippers are currently 10 games ahead of their "showtime" counterparts in L.A.
Last night's Lakers vs. Clippers showdown was televised nationally on ESPN as an NBA doubleheader following the Chicago Bulls vs. Miami Heat game. Roanoke TV viewers were able to watch both games on Cox Cable channel 25.
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