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Los Angeles Lakers: Kobe Bryant’s top 5 playoff games wearing No. 8

By Zain Danani

USA - JUNE 16: Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers naps with the NBA Championship trophy on board the Lakers' team flight back to Los Angeles the day after defeating the Philadelphia 76ers to win the 2001 NBA Championship, June 16, 2001. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2001 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
USA - JUNE 16: Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers naps with the NBA Championship trophy on board the Lakers' team flight back to Los Angeles the day after defeating the Philadelphia 76ers to win the 2001 NBA Championship, June 16, 2001. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2001 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Lakers: Kobe Bryant's top 5 playoff games wearing No. 8
INDIANAPOLIS – JUNE 14: Kobe Bryant #8 of the Los Angeles Lakers displays emotion against the Indiana Pacers during Game Four of the 2000 NBA Finals on June 14, 2000 at Conseco Field House in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2000 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

June 14, 2000 – A Young Kobe Takes Over

In the 2000 NBA Finals, the Los Angeles Lakers faced the Indiana Pacers. After playing the first two games in STAPLES Center, the team made its way to Indiana. Keep in mind that at this time the Finals home court format was 2-3-2. L.A. had led the series 2-0, but lost Game 3 to make it 2-1. Kobe was also out for Game 3 as he was battling an ankle injury.

Game 4 was the most important game for both teams. If L.A. won, they would hold a 3-1 lead and push the Pacers’ hopes to the brink. Contrarily if Indiana won, the series would be tied at two apiece and momentum would swing to the Pacers as the next game would be at their home.

The game was a classic as it went down to the wire and to overtime. With two and a half minutes remaining in overtime, Shaq fouled out. This was the first time the big man had fouled out in the playoffs and the Lakers only held a one-point lead.

In the time that was left, Kobe created his own legacy. He kept the Lakers lead alive and helped them win the game, scoring six of the team’s last eight points on 75 percent shooting. He finished the night with 28 points, four rebounds, and five assists on 51.9 percent shooting.

The Lakers went on to win the series in six games and Kobe Bryant became known as the clutch legend he is today.

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