One-on-one, Bryant outscores James

[Real Deal]

As it turns out, Bryant may be right.

 

According to ESPN researcher Alok Pattani (using Synergy Sports Tech's video tracking of individual in-game possessions), Bryant has outperformed James in one-on-one situations.

 

http://imgur.com/PWoCx.png

 

Looking at times when Bryant and James guarded one another on-ball in "isolation" situations over the past six seasons, Bryant has scored 20 points in 27 isolation plays, while James has managed just seven points in 13 isolation plays.

 

On a points-per-play basis, Bryant wins, 0.74 to 0.54.

http://sports.espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/news/story?id=5688205

[YugoRocketsFan]

Iso situation is much more different than a 1 on 1 game.

 

Kobe had much more plays (27-13) so it would be a bit different if the plays were equal.

 

Also I would imagine that players would shoot the ball rather than drive it in, in an iso situation.

 

And rly, who cares, who would win in a one-on-one game, basketball is a team sport.

Edited October 16, 2010 by Yugo the TEЯЯИБЛE

[Real Deal]

Also I would imagine that players would shoot the ball rather than drive it in, in an iso situation.

LeBron is the first player that comes to mind that would drive the ball in. You stick one player on him, and he's headed to the rim.

 

While most won't want to admit it, Bryant has defended James better than most, including Ron Artest. James has attempted to take Bryant into the post a couple of times, but due to his lack of post skills and Kobe's defensive IQ, it hasn't worked out.

 

If James had a pump-fake, and excellent footwork in the post, he would be unstoppable down low because he's too strong for any other small forward in the league (argue Carmelo).

 

Bryant's defense threw Russell Westbrook and Rajon Rondo in sticky situations. He gives them just enough room to want to shoot, yet not too much so he can quickly close in on the shot. He baits them into the jumper, and uses his teammates' presence well enough to disallow the drive.

 

James has excellent help defense, by the way, but his on-ball defense is nowhere near Bryant's, when Kobe smells a challenge...and that's how it's been when he defends LBJ.