Kobe Bryant: Top 10 Best Career Performances

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Nov 14, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) and San Antonio Spurs forward Tim Duncan (21) react at Staples Center. The Spurs defeated the Lakers 93-80. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

May 19, 2001 — Los Angeles Lakers at San Antonio Spurs

45 points, 10 rebounds, three assists in 47 minutes

The 2001 San Antonio Spurs were the best defensive team in the league, as they gave up just 98.0 points per 100 possessions in the regular season.

But even they were no match for the dominant force that was Kobe on May 19, 2001.

Bryant opened up the Western Conference Finals with 45 points on 19-for-35 shooting from the field and 10 rebounds, helping the Lakers steal home-court advantage from the Spurs in the series opening game.

It’s one thing to have an outstanding playoff performance at home while feeding off your fans’ energy, it’s another thing to go in the building of a 58-win team and completely stun their crowd.

Bryant and the Lakers ultimately dispatched the Spurs in four games and went on to defeat the Philadelphia 76ers in five games to repeat as NBA champions.

Next: Game No. 6