Kobe and Pau Gasol bust out the brooms for their sweep of Denver in the first round of the playoffs.

Kobe saved the best for last in Game 4 of LAs first-round series against Denver. With just over five minutes left in the fourth quarter, Kobe scored 14 of his game-high 31 points to secure the 107-101 win. With 7 rebounds and 6 assists to go along with Pau Gasol’s 21 points, their inside-outside combo was just too much for Denver to handle. Their on-court chemistry was the main reason for the team’s 4-game sweep – LA’s first since the 2001 Finals against New Jersey.

The ability to close out a series on the road showed the necessary toughness LA needs to be successful in the playoffs.

“We kept our composure in the third when they made their run…It’s a big step for our maturity. It’s tough to close,” said Kobe.

In the Eastern Conference, Rashard Lewis dropped in 18 points for Orlando as they beat Toronto 102-92 to win the series 4-1. Despite Chris Bosh’s monster 39-point, 15-rebound effort in Game 4 and 16 points and 9 rebounds in Game 5, could not lead his team to victory. Orlando will now play the winner of the Detroit-Philadelphia series.