8 Most Memorable Kobe Bryant Games
3. 2010: NBA Finals Game 7
"I don't consider someone a Hall of Famer if he's never played in the finals and never played in a game 7" ~Kevin Garnett
Kobe had gotten his ring without Shaquille O'Neal the year before. With that weight off his shoulders, the next challenge was even more personal. Because of his competitive nature, Kobe needed to get one more championship to best Shaq. What better way to do it than while also taking revenge on the Boston Celtics?
The 2008 Celtics had brought together a trifecta of Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, and Paul Pierce. Combined with the formidable 21-year-old Rajon Rondo, Boston was the most dangerous team in the league. Even with the recently acquired Pau Gasol, Bryant's Lakers would fall in a brutal 6 game finals matchup.
2010 was a different story, as the Lakers could now count on a healthy Andrew Bynum to man the center position. The Celtics wouldn't go down without a fight, forcing the series to seven. Kobe would finish the game with a fairly unimpressive (for his standard) box score of 23 points and 15 rebounds. The first quarter was one of his worst on 1 for 7 shooting. This game wasn't about the stats. Kobe got the job done and received his second Finals MVP award. In getting his 5th ring, Kobe cemented his championship pedigree.
"Everything negative - pressure, challenges - is all an opportunity for me to rise." ~Kobe