Sir Charles in Charge
Fansided

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

By Corey Ghee

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) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
8 of 8
Next

1. Los Angeles Lakers vs. Phoenix Suns, 4/30/06

Despite averaging a career-high 35 points per game, Kobe Bryant finished fourth in the 2006 NBA MVP voting, while Steve Nash would go on to win his second in a row. The Mamba had all of the fuel he needed for this series against the Phoenix Suns.

After jumping out to a 2-1 lead in this second versus seventh seed matchup, the Lakers had a real shot at pulling off the upset. Game 4 would be neck and neck the whole way and after a timely bucket from Bryant, it would require an extra period. With the Lakers down one late in overtime, Lamar Odom and Luke Walton would trap Steve Nash at the halfcourt line, resulting in a jump ball. Nash was livid, as he vouched for a timeout and a foul, but he wouldn’t get it.

This allowed Kobe to win the game and with six seconds left, a jump ball would decide the outcome. Walton would win the tip-off with Nash, and the ball almost went out of bounds. Bryant would save it though, find his elbow spot and drain the game-winning jumper over Boris Diaw and Raja Bell, one of the better “Kobe” stoppers. The Staples Center erupted, Lamar Odom and his Lakers teammates mobbed Kobe, while Tim Thomas and the Suns couldn’t believe it.

Mike D’Antoni’s team was down 3-1, after another MVP year from Nash. Things didn’t look bright, being down two games to Kobe Bryant. Steve Nash led a charge though, and despite a 50-piece from the Mamba in Game 6, a buzzer-beater from Thomas would send it into overtime where the Suns would pull away.

Next. Kobe Bryant's Passing, One Year Later, Still Feels Surreal. dark

Mentally and physically drained, the Lakers would lose Game 7 in Phoenix, ending their season. Kobe Bryant would get revenge four years later with one of his finest playoff games ever, and not only end the Suns season, but their run as a whole.