Kobe Calls Late-Game Play for Bynum
In a televised post-game interview, though, (Kobe) Bryant made sure to point out that it was his decision, not coach (Mike) Brown’s, to feed (Andrew) Bynum on the final possession. In fact, Bryant said he told Bynum to scrap the play Brown called in the huddle to improvise a look that would find the ball in the big center’s hands.
“Man, look, everybody in here thought it was coming to me,” Bryant said, referencing his well-known reputation for taking and making game-deciding shots. “Andrew has improved so much. I felt like it’s important to trust him in that situation and throw the ball to him. They’ve had a hard time dealing with him all night long. Decided to give it to him and he went towork.”
Bryant said that his decision to turn over the offense to Bynum in that crucial situation came with some advice.
“I told him, ‘We’re going to come to you. We’re not going to do this play right here, we’re going come to you, post you. Be strong. If they come and double, make the easy play. If they don’t, do what you do.’”
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