Matt Barnes

Matt Barnes is Gritty. Kobe Bryant wasn't phased by Barnes, but you could tell the superstar was not getting everything he wanted. Kobe was guarded by Barnes and Mickael Pietrus throughout the game. Bryant had a chance to tie the game as time expired. With Barnes on him, Kobe missed the shot far left and the Magic escaped with a victory.

The Finals rematch between the Orlando Magic and the Los Angeles Lakers was electric. With the game getting physical, both teams played tough playoff style basketball. The atmosphere alone was reminiscent of the Finals, with the Orlando Magic proving they weren't going to be pushed around again.

Nobody sent that message out clearer than Matt Barnes. A slight elbow by Kobe Bryant into Barnes began a confrontation. Many players would not dare to begin a dispute with Kobe Bryant. Kobe gave Barnes a stare and as the Magic were attempting to throw the ball in, Barnes faked a pass into the face of Bryant as if to dodge the ball. Bryant did not flinch.

The game continued to get physical. Howard and Gasol exchanged elbows. In one sequence Howard blocked Gosal, and Gosal retaliated by drawing a key foul on Howard. Howard later in the game dunked on Gosal after they were tangled up on a previous possession.

Last season the Magic made it to the Finals, perhaps prematurely. They lacked a physical and mental toughness. This season with Barnes and a tougher Howard, the Magic look new and improved. Against a Laker team which is perhaps the toughest in the league, the Magic held their own.

Barnes had been a veteran pick-up by the Magic in the summer. Now he has become a starter and his value on the defensive end is unprecedented. Barnes allows Pietrus to come off the bench. The two combined, present a great tag team when defending elite players like Joe Johnson, Paul Pierce, LeBron James, and Kobe Bryant.

Recently Barnes and Lamar Odom have been exchanging words on Twitter following Sunday's match. Odom saying that it was the last time the teams would meet, (insinuating their would be no Finals rematch)said Barnes played like a "super hero." Barnes picked up the sarcasm. His twitter response went something like this, "Morning yall up early w/ the babies watchn Dora. Seems Lamar can’t keep my name out his mouth maby I need 2 put my sons shitty diaper n it." Barnes gives the Magic a new toughness,even if it involves twitter.