2. vs. Toronto, March 8 – 41 points, 12 assists, 6 rebounds, 2 steals
1. at Portland, April 10 – 47 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals, 4 blocks
Mar 8, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Kobe Bryant (24) reacts after making a three pointer against the Toronto Raptors during the game at the Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
The 2nd greatest performance from Bryant this season will never be remembered for anything other than his final three shots in regulation. Down five with two minutes to go, Bryant buried a three pointer as the shot clock expired. The Raptors answered and forced a couple misses by the Lakers, hanging on to a four point lead with 31.7 seconds left. Bryant was hardly finished, as he buried a fadeaway corner three to cut the Lakers deficit to one. Following two free throws by Kyle Lowry, the Lakers had 8.4 seconds and a 3-point deficit. Bryant had one more miracle left, catching the inbounds pass, pump faking, and burying one last three pointer, essentially sending the game to overtime. In the extra period, Bryant’s driving dunk with 10.6 seconds left iced the game.
Despite the heroics, the Raptors game was not Bryant’s best performance. The Lakers have always struggled in Portland, which meant the game on April 10 was a crucial game. With just two games remaining, the Lakers HAD to win each one. It didn’t bode well that Damian Lillard exploded for 17 points in the first quarter. Bryant, however, refused to be stopped on this night, shooting an efficient 14-27 from the field, grabbing 8 rebounds, dishing out 5 assists, nabbing 3 steals, and rejecting 4 shots. But it wasn’t just the stats, but the timeliness of it. When the Lakers needed him, Bryant stepped up. Where ever there was a big play, Bryant was involved. It was arguably one of Bryant’s greatest performances in his career, and easily tops the list for this season.