Kobe Bryant: Top 10 Best Career Performances

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November 1, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) reacts after fouling Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11, not pictured) during the third quarter at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Lakers 127-104. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

May 13, 2001 — Los Angeles Lakers at Sacramento Kings

48 points, 16 rebounds and three assists in 48 minutes

Just one game prior to Kobe’s spectacular showing against the Spurs that we just discussed, he ended the Kings’ season in epic fashion.

Kobe went the distance in Game 4 of the 2001 Western Conference Semifinals and scored 48 points by shooting 15-of-29 from the field and 17-for-19 from the line and posting a career playoff best 16 rebounds.

The Kings appeared to have a good shot at winning this one, as they led entering the fourth quarter. However, Bryant scored 15 in the fourth and that was that.

The Kings weren’t as strong as the Spurs on defense, but they were still ranked seventh in defensive efficiency and were 33-8 at home during the regular season. It truly is incredible that Bryant had those two performances back-to-back, on the road, against very good teams.

It’s worth mentioning that Bryant was just 22 at the time.

Next: Game No. 5