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.