Shaq vs. Kobe Christmas Duel Decided

If the events were fiction, the story would be criticized for being entirely predictable and even cliche': the team beat the individual. The backdrop materialized as anticipated and
Sylvester Stallone, Nicole Kidman, Dustin Hoffman, Dyan Cannon, Penny Marshall, Henry Winkler, Sugar Ray Leonard, Renee Zellweger, Samuel L. Jackson, Lionel Richie and Courtney Cox were there (source: USA Today). Of course, there was a rousing, pre game video tribute to Shaq (Hollywood disingenuity- you get a kiss when...). In the 104-102 overtime victory for the Heat, Kobe shot 12-30, scored 42 points, committed 9 turnovers and passed for 6 assists, while Shaq netted 24 points and commanded 11 boards. Kobe's 50 minutes and worn-out right elbow probably contributed to his disappearance over the last 2:15 of regulation and the entire overtime. His potentially game-tying shot at the end of overtime typified the game: it was a long, forced three-pointer taken with two defenders draping him. The shot clanged harmlessly off of the rim. Shaq said he "knew" the shot would miss (he must have been remembering last season's NBA finals). At the game's end, Kobe retreated wordlesslessly to the Laker locker room while several other Lakers and Heaters exchanged congratulations for a hard fight. The Heat won its 11th straight and improved to 22-7, while the Lakers fell to 14-12. What a difference a year has made in Miami and Los Angeles. In addition to winning, Shaq landed the best zingers. In the post-game interview, he cited "team" effort and "character" as reasons for winning. The absence of these qualities is precisely the criticism that has recently stuck to Kobe. Ouch.