Vs. Orlando Magic – Game 1, 2009 NBA Finals
With Pau Gasol finally in tow and the Lakers mowing through the rest of the league on the way to the 2009 NBA Finals, Kobe and company were met with the Orlando Magic standing in the way of the first title of this new era in Los Angeles. Right out of the gate, though, Kobe sent an emphatic message to the Magic that he was going to run right through them by himself if that’s what it was going to take for another championship.
In Game 1 of the 2009 NBA Finals, Kobe came out of the gate ready to just destroy the Magic. In only 38 minutes on the floor, Bryant put up 40 points, eight assists, eight rebounds, two steals, and two blocks. Moreover, he put up his 40 while only attempting one three-pointer which he also happened to miss. With how he stepped up all across the board in such a big moment, this is honestly one his most impressive games ever, not just against the Magic.
The Lakers would obviously go on to get the chip, but Kobe’s performance in the first game of the series set the tone in a big way that the Lakers fed off of to get the title.
Next: Vs. Sixers