"Moneyball" author Michael Lewis wrote a terrific article about Shane Battier a few weeks ago, specifically mentioning Battier's ability to neutralize Kobe Bryant. Well, Bryant torched the Rockets for 37 on 14-of-23 shooting Wednesday, abusing both Battier and former Defensive Player of the Year Ron Artest en route to the win, snapping Houston's 12-game home winning streak.

Said Kobe of Artest after that game: "It wasn't much of a battle. I kicked his (behind). We had some battles in the past, but he never talked trash. He never stopped all game until the end."

Said Artest after the game:
"He's one of the only big names that doesn't back down. I cause a lot of players to back down. He is one of the only guys, even if he is playing bad, he will still shoot it. That's why I respect him."

I didn't watch the game so I didn't see exactly how often Bryant faced Artest as opposed to Battier - from the post-game wrap, it sounded like Artest and Kobe were going at it for most of the night, though GM Daryl Morey (and I'm assuming coach Rick Adelman) know full well Battier's strong track record against Bryant.

Either way, Kobe had his way with one of the best perimeter defenders in the league and let him know about it.