Kobe Bryant’s best game vs. Kevin Garnett: Game 3 of the 2008 NBA Finals
The Los Angeles Lakers did not win the 2008 NBA Finals, but that was not entirely on the account of Kobe Bryant. Bryant did not have his signature ‘Mamba Moment’ in the series, but his best game across the two NBA Finals appearances against the Boston Celtics came in Game 3.
Kobe Bryant and the Lakers entered into the game down 2-0 to the rival Celtics and in signature Kobe fashion, he put the team on his back and refused to go down without a fight. The Lakers wound up winning the game by six points.
Bryant finished the game with 36 points on 12 of 20 shooting from the field to go along with seven boards, one assist, and two steals. Arguably the best part of the performance for Kobe came on the defensive side as he limited Paul Pierce to a horrendous 2 for 14 from the field and 0 for 4 from behind the arc. Pierce ended that game with just six points.
Kevin Garnett had a so-so game, putting up 13 points, grabbing 12 rebounds, and collecting five assists.
As Laker fans, we knew Bryant would not let the Lakers die quickly, especially to the Boston Celtics. Despite the series loss in 2008, Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol led the Lakers to the title in 2010 to get their revenge.