Kobe Bryant: Top 10 Best Career Performances

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December 2, 2012; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Kobe Bryant (24) reacts during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

June 4, 2009 — Orlando Magic at Los Angeles Lakers

40 points, eight rebounds and eight assists in 38 minutes

Kobe kicked off the 2009 NBA Finals with a bang.

The Black Mamba lit up Dwight Howard‘s Magic for 40 points by shooting 16-for-34 from the field and 8-of-8 from the line. He also added eight boards and eight assists.

It was a critical performance for Kobe. He and the Lakers had fallen short in the NBA Finals the year prior, losing in six games to the Boston Celtics. This series was his shot at redemption and an opportunity to get that elusive fourth ring to prove that he could win a championship without Shaquille O’Neal.

Bryant’s Game 1 eruption helped set the series tone that he was going to do everything in his power to not be denied again. The Lakers ultimately won the series in five games, with Bryant capturing his first NBA Finals MVP.

Next: Game No. 7