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Kobe Bryant: Looking back at Kobe’s top 8 game-winners

LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 18: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the game against the Chicago Bulls at Staples Center on November 18, 2008 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 18: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the game against the Chicago Bulls at Staples Center on November 18, 2008 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty Images)
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7. Los Angeles Lakers vs. Sacramento Kings, 1/1/10

What a way to start the new year.

After coming off of a calendar year full of big-time shots, he began 2010 the same way, against an old friend. Kobe Bryant and the Sacramento Kings way back. During the Lakers’ three-peat run, they ran into the Kings each postseason, with the concluding series in 2002 being an all-time classic, among other things.

Fast forward eight years and the Kings had the Lakers on the ropes again. Up two, with four seconds left, all they had to do was prevent Kobe Bryant from getting the basketball. That’s easier said than done of course, and after screening the inbounder, he’d find a sweet spot right in front of the Kings’ bench.

The pass from Pau was perfect and Kobe hit a climactic shot to complete the comeback win. He got the ball off with less than a second to spare, and the final image of him celebrating emotionlessly in front of the Sacramento bench was cold.