Phil always said he has never seen anyone get hot like Kobe and sustain it like he does. I'm happy for me and fellow Laker fans, but I'm more happy for Kobe that he got 60. Went out like an assassin.
Kobe was ridiculous in the 2008 playoffs. Then we ran into one of the great defensive teams of all time and he just ran out of gas.
I can't believe 60pts is winning, he took 50 shots! He had 62pts against Dallas on just 31 shots in 33min!!!! Shooting 58% from the field and 40% from 3pt. Greatest game of Kobe's career hands down. Some of you are victims of the moment.
I was sooooooooo confident heading into the finals vs Bos that year and then it happened... 2008 Kobe was the crossroads between the 05-07 monster and the more cerebral player that followed.
Game 7 2010 finals, also game 5 2010 finals. That series was a meat grinder, and having to keep his team mentally from falling apart is the most impressive feat, especially considering who the opponent was. I'd also include game 6 2010 wcf, game 4 2000 finals, and the 48 16 2001 wcds against the queens. As far as regular season performances, the 65 point game against Portland to cap off the 4 50 games in a row streak when the team was injury ridden to get us into the playoffs.
I picked the 62 in 3 quarters vs Dallas, that Dallas team made the finals and Kobe completely destroyed them. He may have gotten even more than 81 that game had he played the 4th, would of made 70+ easy.
No. I'm trying to show you the situation. For instance, I totally get your reasoning that 62 was more impressive than 81. He did it against a better team. I'm not arguing 60 is more points than 62 or 81. I'm saying, based on the situation, his 60 point game was more impressive. So, my "energy" question was me trying to get you to look at the whole picture instead of just the numbers.
I agree with John, context matters. When you consider the situation: Kobe on his last legs, final game of his career, all eyes on him, he goes and delivers that type of performance. It's incredible.
I don't think you can really argue AGAINST any of these being his best game, but you could certainly argue FOR any of these being his best game. If that makes sense.
He had so many, the ones for me weren't even his greatest statistical performances.. they were games that kept my mind focused and helped me through times when I was so sick I didn't think I'd be around to see him play again.
Game 7 in Portland because it was not only insane, but we were down big in that 4th quarter. We needed all those "stats" he gave us and if we lose that game, maybe we don't get over the hump. That game is kind of the game that truly launched our 3-peat.
I'm glad you and a few others picked this one. To me, if it's not the 60, it's this game. That Portland team was STACKED! Their 11th or 12th man, Jermaine O'Neal, would've started for us! If Phil coached that team, they sweep us. I really believe that. But it shows how great Shaq was that season and when he couldn't do it (game 7), Kobe had his coming out party, IMO.
^That Portland team... Pippen, Wallace, Smith, Damon Stoudemire, Bonzi Wells, Augmon, Sabonis, Schrempf, O'Neal. One of the best teams in terms of talent not to win it all. On paper, that 2000 Laker team other than O'Neal and Bryant, even Rice was not at the same level.
