Vs. Denver Nuggets – Game 2, 2008 Western Conference First Round
The Denver Nuggets and Kobe Bryant actually have a surprisingly storied (if not one-sided) history together has Kobe has lit them up in a big way on a number of occasions throughout his career. Given that, it was a difficult choice as to which game to choose as Kobe’s best, but given that one of his best overall performances happened in the playoffs against Denver, the matchup on April 23, 2008 in the first round of the Western Conference Playoffs seems like a no-brainer.
Kobe put up an unreal stat-line across the board to kick off the 2008 NBA Playoffs with the series against the Nuggets. Kobe exploded for 49 points on 18-27 shooting from the floor and 5-9 shooting from three-point range. Even better, though, Bryant filled up the stat sheet across the board as well as he accrued 10 assists, four rebounds, one steal, and one block in the matchup against the Nuggets.
Though he’s undoubtedly been a bit of a ball-stopper and shot-happy guard at times in his career, Kobe operating simply as a playmaker has always been just incredible to watch. As evidenced by the double-double, that was on full display against the Nuggets in this game and it was greatness.
Next: Vs. Pistons