5. Denver, 2009 Western Conference Finals – 34.0 points, 5.8 assists, 5.8 rebounds, 48.1% FG
2009 was a year when Bryant pulled out all the stops. After being thoroughly embarrassed in the Finals the year before by the Celtics, the Lakers were on a mission for redemption. This is the only year to have multiple series on the list, and rightfully so.
First, we have the Conference Finals, where Bryant dismantled the Nuggets in six games. Only once in the series did he score less than 34 points. Twice he eclipsed 40 points. Considering four of the games were decided by less than 10 points, Bryant’s performance was a necessary one, too. But it was the closeout game that was most dominating, with his final line reading 35/10/6 on 60% field goal shooting.