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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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21. Game 4, 2000 NBA Finals

The 2000 NBA Finals were, more or less, the Shaquille O’Neal show. The most dominant man in the NBA averaged 38.0 points and 16.7 rebounds as the Los Angeles Lakers pulled out a 4-2 series win over the Indiana Pacers.

During Game 4 of the 2000 NBA Finals, however, Bryant had his coming out party.

Shaquille O’Neal fouled out of Game 4 with 2:33 remaining in overtime. That placed a heavy burden on Bryant, who was tasked with leading the Lakers to a pivotal road win with an uncomfortable 2-1 series lead.

Bryant answered the call, recording 28 total points and five assists on 14-of-27 shooting from the floor.

Playing on a sprained ankle, Bryant took over and annihilated Pacers legend Reggie Miller. He hit a step-back jumper to start things off, pulled up for another over Mark Jackson, and tipped in what proved to be the game-deciding basket with 5.9 seconds on the clock.

Many moments have been regarded as Bryant’s, “Arrival,” but this was his true coming out party.

Next: A Chilling Encounter

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