Vs. Atlanta Hawks – Nov. 1, 2009
After all of the trials that the Lakers had to endure after Shaquille O’Neal’s departure in the mid-2000s, the arrival of Pau Gasol changed the landscape of the league and the Lakers. At the start of the 2009-10 season, the team was coming off of their first title with Kobe and Pau. Subsequently, Kobe set the tone right out of the gate against the Atlanta Hawks at the start of the year with an unreal performance.
Kobe was absolutely phenomenal in this game as he contributed in every facet of the game at a high level. The Mamba put up 41 points, eight rebounds, three assists, and an incredible five steals in the contest. Even better, he put up those 41 points with an incredibly efficient shooting night as he went 15-29 from the floor. Even more impressive is that he put up 41 points while only making one of his two three-point attempts on the night.
Kobe undoubtedly set the tone on Nov. 1, 2009 in that matchup at the beginning of the season against the Hawks. They were the reigning champions, but Kobe and the Lakers made it clear that night that they weren’t going to be satisfied with just the one ring.
Next: Vs. Celtics