If you convert Kobe’s final 9 free throws into the 4 shot attempts they represent, you still have Kobe scoring 61 points on 35 shots, while Jordan scored 55 points on 37 shots — 3 more shots, 6 fewer points.

As far as I can tell (haven’t been able to find a game log for Jordan’s 55 — probably doesn’t exist), Jordan’s 11 free throws represent 5 fouls, while Kobe’s 20 free throws represent 10 fouls. Given the 5-foul difference, that still means it took Jordan 42 real-world shot attempts (i.e., counting shot attempts that result in free throws) to score 55, while it took Kobe only 41 real-world shot attempts to score 61.

Any way you look at it, that’s more points, less shots — more efficient.

And besides all of that, can someone explain to me why taking free throws is considered a detraction from the overall performance? A pair of free throws usually represents a shot opportunity that the player wasn’t given a legit shot to complete. In many instances, it represents a situation in which the player had beat the defense, which was forced to take a foul, rather than giving up an easy bucket. And that was the case on several occasions last night.

of course this is assuming bynum heals in 8 weeks.

…The same playing shape he was supposed to be in for last years playoffs.

I kind of wish they were full strength just so they have no excuses when they lose.