RealGM

I remember after Kobe sustained the original injury on his pinky around the middle of the season, they said he would definitely require surgery....but he could put it off.

I just read today that Kobe will participate in the Olympics and continue to put off the surgery...

I am not trying to take anything away from the Celtic's Victory, they were the better team that day.

What I am trying to ask is basically, could Kobe have played better in the Finals if his hand wasn't injured?

I'm starting to think it wouldn't have mattered because Kobe still played pretty well and he still isn't getting surgery for the olympics.

Please discuss.

He was pretty effect in all the other series, so I don't think you can pin this one on the pinky.

Yeah, an injury doesnt "set it" months after the actual injury occurs.

It would be a HUUUGE coincidence if Bryant's torn finger happened to come into play right when he faced the best defensive team in the league on the biggest stage in the NBA world.

If Bryant can solidify his MVP with an injured finger, there should be no reason for the finger to "affect him" as much as it did in ONE particular series.

Give Boston credit. They contained Bryant as well as i've seen in years. Amazing performance by them.

serious enuff to need surgery

but not serious enough to keep him from playing with it

He is being really stupid for playing. There is brave and there is stupid. He is being stupid here because I don't think they need him to win this time.