Su Xi quickly adjusted, closing in and applying pressure.
Su Xi's suffocating defense was tough to handle.
Kobe's offensive rhythm was disrupted.
But he used his incredible core flexibility to turn. Even though his body wasn't in perfect position, he forced himself into the air for the shot—it was the only window he had.
Kobe seized it perfectly.
Su Xi reached out to block, but he was just a hair short.
The ball flew less than a centimeter over Su Xi's fingertips. It was a fast, rushed shot with an ungraceful arc.
But… SWISH!
Right on target.
Like a bullet hitting a bullseye.
Kobe's shot wasn't as elegant as Tracy McGrady's, but it was just as deadly.
It was the kind of shot that could easily break a defender's will.
Because even when the defender did everything right, forcing him into an impossible spot, he could still make the shot.
A unified chant echoed through the Staples Center: Kobe! Kobe! Kobe!
