Kobe Bryant Game Quotations

When we all walked in, you could feel their spirits being uplifted, like they felt very encouraged and happy that we were there. It was just real cool to see that. To be able to go back (to New Orleans), play a game there and be able to uplift them again, that's special.

We wanted to win the game, the game was in the bag, it was in the refrigerator. There was no reason for me to go back in.

If we're in a situation where I need to put points on the board, then I'll do it. I really do it on a needed basis. I don't do it just to do it. I don't try to go into a game saying, 'this is what I'm going to do.' We've had a couple games where my teammates were struggling shooting the ball. Then I take it over.

We've been through so much. When I try to play the game, I try to please him. So when he's happy with my performance, it makes me happy because I learned the game from him. He taught me how to play.

We're not worried about getting him more touches. We're worried about winning the game and getting everybody better looks.

It is a physical game and especially in the playoffs it steps up to another degree. It is fun to be a part of those types of games. It is nothing personal.

I think this was our best game this season. We played very well at both ends of the court consistently. We did a great job containing our energy and when we went to our bench they came in and maintained our energy. We had guys step up consistently and make big plays. That is what we have to do. If we can keep this rolling, we will make a lot of noise.

Weird things happen in the NBA, and tonight was one of them. We had a chance to win the game and just didn't close it out. They made some big shots down the stretch and came away with the victory. Even though (Odom) made a mistake, as a team, defense down the stretch cost us the ballgame.

We are a young team and we played extremely well tonight. We just take it game by game and we are starting to see more success.

When the game is on the line, they put the ball in my hands. I've gotta do what I've gotta do, I don't care if it's 50 shots, 60 shots, five shots.

This weekend is smooth for me. I'm looking forward to competing with these guys, getting out there on the floor and competing and trying to raise the game for all of us.

During the regular season, when everyone was trying to learn the offense, Phil and I both knew I was going to have to shoulder the scoring load. Now in the playoffs, everyone has a rhythm for the game and we can start attacking as a union.

This is Generation Next coming up to see the game, appreciate the game and know what it's about.

For him to just call me and tell me what a great game it was and how proud of me he is meant more to me than the 81 points. That means more to me than even the game itself, because I idolized him as a kid.

That's not what we play for. That's not what it's about. It's not to score 70 points. We wanted to win the game, and the game was in the bag. It was in the refrigerator.

It's an encouraging game, ... The fact that I can shoot the ball horrendously and we can still have an opportunity to win the game is encouraging.

It's definitely the best scoring game I've ever had.

It was a big game for us, ... We are a young team and we had to battle back to get the win.

Not when we're winning ballgames. We have to keep that in perspective. The most important thing is winning. That's why I go out there and I do what I do. I sense the moment. I see if we need me to take over the game and that's when I do it.

I have played a lot of playoff basketball and I have never had a game quite like this, with our backs against the wall, seemingly out of it, and us just battling back and getting this win. We matured about 10 to 15 years today.

I just score buckets when we need them. I just take the game over. Doing what I do.

In the second half they looked to stop everybody else, and I got going. I picked up the momentum and was able to break the game open.

He's my man here. Every time I'm in Houston he comes out and checks out the game and I hook him up with stuff.