With the "rookie status" cheat code in his corner, as long as Blake Su scored over Kobe's head, he essentially had unlimited green light to fire away. In their head-to-head battle, Blake Su naturally gained the upper hand.
Of course.
This kind of clash never turned personal. If anything, it only pushed both of them to play even harder.
And it was true—
Kobe couldn't stop Blake Su, and Blake Su couldn't stop Kobe.
The NBA has never lacked elite talent. But players who can fearlessly go one-on-one on both ends against anyone? There aren't many.
Kobe was one of them.
With Blake Su's current talent and ability, he could hold his own even against "Windy City Rose" Derrick Rose. But against Kobe? Against Kobe in the middle of his back-to-back championship peak?
That was a different level.
Still, Kobe couldn't guard Blake Su either.
For a rookie to trade buckets with Kobe was already remarkable. More importantly, Blake Su still had limitless room to grow, while Kobe was already at the absolute peak of his career.
Late in the second quarter.
Blake Su and Kobe—the "monster rookie" and the reigning "best shooting guard in the league"—put on a back-and-forth scoring duel that had fans on their feet, roaring in excitement.
However.
At halftime.
Suns (54) : (62) Lakers.
The Lakers led by 8 heading into the break.
Inside the ESPN studio.
Jeff Van Gundy sighed in admiration. "Incredible. Both Blake Su and Kobe are incredible. Blake Su represents the new generation of supremely gifted players, while Kobe represents the dominance of the old guard.
Their scoring duel has been spectacular.
It's like choosing between the palm and the back of your hand—I love both of them. Watching them go at each other, neither backing down, is just pure enjoyment."
"Absolutely."
Mike Breen nodded, then added, "Even though Blake Su and Kobe delivered an amazing offensive showdown, the defending champions still lead by 8 at halftime.
From the Suns' perspective, the situation on the floor isn't very encouraging."
"Right."
Jeff Van Gundy tugged lightly at his sleeve. "In the latter half of the second quarter, the Lakers clearly ramped up their defense. As defending champions, it's not just Kobe as an elite scoring threat.
Their tough defense is a huge reason they were able to win back-to-back titles.
Pau Gasol, Andrew Bynum, Metta World Peace, and even Lamar Odom off the bench—all four are high-level defenders. And as for Kobe, people think scoring is his specialty.
But in reality, he's been selected to the All-Defensive First Team eight times, including seven straight selections before this season. His defense is no worse than the other four.
It's just that tonight he's guarding the supremely talented Blake Su, which makes it seem like his defense isn't that strong."
In short—
The Lakers weren't just dominant offensively. Their defense was just as ferocious.
Under that defensive intensity, aside from Blake Su and a relatively steady Curry, the rest of the Suns were completely smothered.
Even with Blake Su scoring 27 in the first half and Curry adding 11, the Suns still trailed by 8.
And… this wasn't something they could simply flip with a switch.
Winning tonight would not be easy for Phoenix.
"Exactly."
Mike Breen nodded. After all, they were facing a team that had just won back-to-back championships, and Kobe—"Black Mamba"—was in rhythm.
Of course.
That was just the commentary team's analysis.
On the court.
The explosive duel between Blake Su and Kobe had ignited the arena. An 8-point deficit wasn't insurmountable, and with the DJ hyping up the crowd, the Suns' home atmosphere was absolutely electric.
And in that blazing atmosphere—
The second half began!
They switched ends.
Lakers ball.
Kobe brought it up, with Vince Carter stepping in to defend. To conserve Blake Su's energy, the responsibility of guarding Kobe shifted back to Carter. Kobe understood that and no longer actively sought out Blake Su.
Ron Artest stepped up to set a screen. Kobe curled around Carter and pulled up for three.
A little short.
Clank.
"Smack!"
Pau Gasol rose for the offensive rebound and flipped up a quick hook.
Missed again.
"Smack!"
Blake Su secured the defensive rebound and kicked it out to Steve Nash on the perimeter. Nash pushed it up and swung it back to Blake Su.
But just as Blake Su settled at the top of the arc, Ron Artest darted out.
Gasol stepped up from the wing as well.
Yes.
Right at the start of the second half, Blake Su was met with a double-team from two Lakers enforcers.
He didn't rush the pass.
Instead… he attacked straight into the pressure.
Only after fully drawing both defenders did he kick it out.
Nash caught it on the perimeter and immediately cut into the lane. But Kobe rotated over from the wing, shutting down Nash's drive.
Next possession.
Blake Su once again used his own scoring threat to create an opportunity for Curry. Matched up against Pau Gasol in a small-on-big situation, Curry shifted pace, changed direction, trying to shake him.
Gasol, however, was incredibly agile.
With his length, even when Curry got past him and attacked the rim, the shot was still heavily contested.
Moments later.
Frye set a high screen for Blake Su, giving him a one-on-one against Gasol. Blake Su looked like he was about to drive, but instead fired a sharp bounce pass to Nash cutting to the free-throw line.
Nash caught it cleanly, facing the rim.
But—
Bynum exploded out of the paint.
That fierce stare. That imposing frame. Just standing there was intimidating enough.
Nash went to a running floater.
Clang!
No good.
The Suns had generated several quality looks, but none of them fell.
Meanwhile, on the other end—
Even though Kobe was facing tight coverage and his rhythm dipped slightly, he still managed to score.
And in the paint, Bynum and Gasol were wreaking havoc.
Frye alone simply couldn't hold them back.
Clank.
Swish.
After Curry failed to score on Kobe in isolation, Kobe pushed in transition and rose up over Curry's head for a pull-up jumper.
Bucket.
The lead ballooned to 14.
"Beep! Beep!"
Alvin Gentry called timeout.
"The Lakers' defense is vicious!"
In the stands.
Wade clicked his tongue. LeBron nodded. "The Lakers can defend at every position. Once they turn up the pressure, it's brutal for a team that thrives on run-and-gun and perimeter shooting."
"Yeah."
Wade agreed. "I think… this is where Blake Su has to take over scoring, not just keep passing. The team needs him."
"Hmm…"
LeBron thought for a moment. "There's nothing wrong with Blake Su's passes—they've all been good looks. The problem is, under this defensive pressure, his teammates aren't converting.
The defending champions' defensive intensity has already put the Suns at a psychological disadvantage. You can see it—once confidence dips, even open shots don't go in.
So I think Blake Su has to be more assertive. He needs to make some tough, physical buckets, help the team regain its presence and momentum, inspire his teammates.
That's the only way they can close the gap and maybe mount a comeback."
"Exactly."
Wade nodded in agreement.
Off to the side, Allen Iverson stared at the 14-point deficit before shifting his gaze to Blake Su.
"Back then, I was beaten by the 'OK' duo—their elite offense and suffocating defense.
One man's strength is too thin.
I couldn't do it.
And this Lakers team, even without 'The Big Diesel' O'Neal, still has elite team defense.
Blake Su… can you really do it alone?!"