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Kobe Bryant: 50 Greatest Moments of Black Mamba’s Career

By Maxwell Ogden

Jan 20, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant (24) warms up before the game against the Sacramento Kings at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 20, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant (24) warms up before the game against the Sacramento Kings at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /
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29. 2008: Round 1, Game 2

In Game 1 of the Los Angeles Lakers’ 2008 first round matchup with the Denver Nuggets, Kobe Bryant clearly felt the jitters. It was the first time he’d been playing in the postseason for a championship contender since Shaquille O’Neal left, and he needed Pau Gasol to step up and lead the Lakers to victory.

During Game 2, Bryant provided one of the best postseason performances of his career.

With Carmelo Anthony, Allen Iverson, and J.R. Smith all scoring at least 20 points, Los Angeles needed its leader to step up. Bryant not only rose to the occasion, but put on a performance for the ages.

In 43 masterful minutes, Bryant recorded 49 points and 10 assists to two turnovers on 18-of-27 shooting.

Beyond the obvious—holy wow, he had 49 points and 10 assists—Bryant was obscenely clutch. He scored 19 points in a span of four minutes and 19 seconds during the fourth quarter, effectively closing out the game and giving Los Angeles a 2-0 series lead.

It’s relatively low on this list, but that’s more a testament to how many unforgettable moments Bryant gave us.

Next: No. 1 All-Time, Part I

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