2. Kobe Goes Mamba-Mode in Finals (2010)
The Lakers-Celtics rivalry, after lying dormant for quite a while after both Bird and Magic had played out their careers, was reborn in the late 2000s when the Celtics acquired Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen. The Celtics got the first laugh in the latest chapter of the storied rivalry when the topped the Lakers in the 2008 Finals. After Boston failed to make it to face the Lakers in the 2009 Finals (Los Angeles obviously won), the two teams met again. Then, it was time for Kobe.
Bryant was quite simply absurd for the entirety of the 2010 NBA Finals. In what could be considered his true last hoorah in the postseason, Kobe couldn’t be contained by the Celtics in the series.
Over the course of the seven-game series, Kobe averaged 28.6 points, 3.9 assists, eight rebounds, and 2.1 steals per game. With little to no debate about the subject, Bryant won Finals MVP and the Lakers won their 16th NBA Championship, their fifth with Bryant helping to lead the way. There were certainly great Kobe moments to follow and even great postseason moments for The Black Mamba. However, Bryant’s last series at the top of his game and the top of the league with the Lakers was in those 2010 Finals and it was absolutely a pleasure to watch.
Next: No. 1 Magic's Hook