8 Most Memorable Kobe Bryant Games

8. 2000: NBA Finals Game 4

For the first three games of the 2000 Finals, Shaquille O'Neal had to be a one-man wrecking crew against the Indiana Pacers. Kobe Bryant would only play about nine minutes into game 2 after spraining his ankle. Indiana was able to claim a victory in game 3 while Bryant sat out. The Lakers were up 2-1, but if Indiana would be able to even the series, LA would have an uphill battle going on the road in game 5.

With his ankle still not 100%, Bryant refused to sit and watch game 4. He would put in 47 minutes to help the Lakers take the overtime victory in Indiana, whilst Shaq would pick up his sixth foul two minutes into the overtime period. The 21-year-old Kobe Bryant showed one of the first glimpses at his sheer will and determination in stepping up against Indy's Jalen Rose and Reggie Miller.

He would finish with 28 points on 52% shooting- including 8 in OT to seal the win. In his first finals appearance, Kobe showed he belonged on the NBA's biggest stage.

"Winning takes precedence over all. There's no gray area. No almosts." ~Kobe