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Published on Wednesday, May 14, 2008
By Elliott Teaford
Kobe Bryant swished a 3-pointer on the Lakers' first possession Wednesday night, sending an unmistakable message to his teammates, to the Utah Jazz, to a sellout crowd at Staples Center and to a national cable TV audience.
His wonky back would hold up just fine.
Bryant scored 26 points, propelling the Lakers to a 111-104victory over the Jazz in Game 5 of their Western Conference semifinal playoff series and a 3-2 series lead. He made 6 of 10 field-goal attempts and 13 of 17 free throws. He added seven assists and sixrebounds.
Outwardly, at least, there were no signs of the debilitating back spasms that troubled him during the Lakers' loss in Game 4 Sunday afternoon in Salt Lake City. He did not wince in pain. He did not tumble to the floor and cry out in agony.
"He's the ultimate competitor," Lamar Odom said of Bryant.
Bryant did not force the issue in Game 5, as he did at times in Game 4. His teammates eased his burden down the stretch
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