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#9 Kobe Bryant, Game 5 1997 Western Conference Semi-Finals
Stat Line: 11 Points, 2 Assists, 2 Rebounds, 4-14 FG
Kobe Bryant's style of play ensured that he was likely to end up on a list like this at some point in his career. The Black Mamba has had plenty of off-shooting nights and this was the first one on a big stage.
The Lakers faced off against the 1 seed Jazz in the Conference Semi-Finals and faced the prospect of elimination, down 3-1, with Game 5 in Utah. They played pretty well with Shaq putting up 23 Points and 13 Rebounds, but he fouled out with less than 2 minutes remaining in the game. Now, a rookie Bryant was pushed onto center stage and in typical Kobe fashion, he started to jack up shots.
Bryant missed a potential game-winner with 14 seconds left and the score tied at 89 apiece. He then air-balled three 3 pointers in OT, with the last 2 being shot when the Lakers were down 3. They ended up losing 98-93.
It all worked out in the end for Bryant however, and he has pointed out how this game gave him the drive and motivation to become what he is today.
