Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here… highlighting the big story line. Because there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.
“It was crazy watching Kobe and the things that he accomplished,” Smart told reporters following Boston’s 100-91 win over New York on Sunday. “He took a beating day-in and day-out, night after night. It’s definitely going to be a fun night Wednesday.”
Celtics forward Evan Turner talked about one of his fondest memories of Bryant.
“I just remember being eight years old watching him do the dunk contest,” Turner said. “I pretty much spent my whole life watching him. He’s great.”
Bryant is scheduled to make the final visit of his 20-year career to TD Garden on Wednesday night when the Celtics host the Lakers. Raised on Kobe, Thomas was asked what he thinks it will mean for Bryant to play his final game in Boston.
“He’s the best player to ever play the game of basketball in my era. It’s going to be probably a little emotional for him. This is one of the most famous arenas,” Thomas said. “It’s going to suck to see him go. But, at the same time, if it was the other way around, he wouldn’t care if it was your last game, so we gotta try to get the win and don’t let him have a big game.”
Kobe Bryant will play his last game in Boston on Wednesday night. The man is undeniably an all-time great. But as a Celtics fan, I’m entitled to hate him.
From the MJ mimicry to the rape case to the underbite to the phony postgame shooting sessions, there’s plenty to dislike. It’s nothing new for me, as this blog post from 2009 proves, “5 Worst Moments of Kobe Bryant’s Life.”
Most of the younger players in the league grew up admiring Bryant. I get it. But they better keep focus on Wednesday night. As Isaiah Thomas points out, Kobe would like nothing more than to rip the hearts out of Celtics fans one final time.
I’m enjoying watching Kobe slog through his final season. Shooting 34%, throwing up air ball after air ball after air ball.
Don’t ruin this moment. As always, Beat LA.
On Page 2, Thomas bitch slaps a trouble-making Kings blogger.
Long story short, a Kings blogger took an innocent tweet by Thomas and connected it to DeMarcus Cousins ejection in last night’s game. (Mass Live’s Jay King details the entire exchange here)
As a blogger who’s taken his share of unfair shots over the years, I understand where Ellington is coming from. Sometimes you get caught up in the moment and think you’re uncovering a potential story when you’re not.
Props to Thomas for taking action and immediately quelling the ‘controversy.’
The rest of the links
CSNNE – Johnson fighting thru foot pain | Herald – KO swings into rhythm | 30 years later, 86 Celtics still a team for ages | Globe – Bryant’s farewell brings IT’s father to town
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