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Sports

Kobe, T-Mac carry teams, but A.I. brings more to court

Sports Guy

Eli Jabbe

Kobe Bryant, Tracy McGrady and Allen Iverson have proven themselves to be the NBA's most prolific scorers. They are the perennial leaders when it comes to points per game averages. But the question is: Which one has had the biggest impact on his team this season?

Bryant a one-man show

The Los Angeles Lakers' Bryant made history against the Toronto Raptors on Sunday when he scored 81 -- yes, 81 -- points in one game. As everyone knows, Bryant is one of the most polarizing figures in sports. Though I'm from L.A., I've never been a big fan of Bryant, mainly because he obviously copied Michael Jordan's style. But even those who don't like Bryant have to give him props. His performance last weekend was unbelievable. Bryant hit 28 out of 46 shots and scored 81 of the Lakers' 122 points. 

That game epitomizes the Lakers' season: Bryant has taken a bunch of shots, not only because of his usual me-first attitude, but because he also has few decent teammates. Bryant has carried the Lakers, who are on track to make the playoffs, which is a surprise. 

What I don't understand is why people have been knocking Bryant for taking 46 shots and only having two assists in that game. That shouldn't surprise people. Remember, this is Bryant we're talking about. The same man who has hogged the ball his entire career and the same man who got rid of Shaq, thus stealing the entire spotlight for himself. People shouldn't be surprised. It's not like "Kobe Bryant" and "unselfish" have ever been mentioned in the same sentence.

Rockets need T-Mac

The Houston Rockets have a record of 14-26 and have been carried by star Tracy McGrady. This week, T-Mac has routinely scored 30 to 40 points every night, with varying results. T-Mac scored 35 in a 109-108 overtime win at Chicago. He scored 43 in a last-second 97-99 loss to Detroit. He scored 41 points in a 90-87 win over Milwaukee. 

With Yao Ming injured, T-Mac has had to carry the team. The Rockets' 0-13 record without the All-Star guard makes it apparent how much he is needed. Fans hope he can stay healthy, and with Yao possibly returning this weekend, the team can make a run for the playoffs in the second half of the season.

If T-Mac and key supporting players like Juwan Howard continue to play well, maybe the team can make a turn-around similar to that of the Houston Astros, who went from a 15-30 record to the playoffs. One thing is for sure: When the All-Star game is played at the Toyota Center on Feb. 19, T-Mac will be on the court, along with Yao, who has more votes than any player.

Allen Iverson putting together another MVP season

The Philadelphia 76ers' Allen Iverson is having arguably his best season ever. The six-foot guard is averaging 33.5 points and 7.4 assists per game.

"The Answer" has been carrying the Sixers. He has to play a spectacular game every night just to give the team a chance to win. 

Everyone expects high-scoring games from A.I., but one statistic that stands out is his shooting percentage: 45.5, which is high for a player who takes a lot of shots. Unfortunately, the majority of Iverson's teammates are below-average players, so the 76ers are barely hanging in with a 21-20 record, which is still good for sixth place in the typically mediocre Eastern Conference.

When it comes down to it, McGrady hasn't been able to make a big impact on the Rockets because of his nagging injuries. Bryant and Iverson have both carried their teams, but in the end, Iverson has made the biggest impact. The reason is Iverson has made his teammates better. He's been unselfish (as his seven assists per game show), unlike Bryant, whose one-against-five style of play has NBA fans jokingly referring to his team the "L.A. Kobes."
 

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