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Throughout an NBA career that lasted 20 years, Kobe Bryant inspired several generations via his grit, tenacity, and sheer will to dominate. He's the reason why several current stars picked up the game of basketball. Today marks the one-year anniversary of the fateful helicopter crash in Calabasas that claimed the LA Lakers legend's life.
Kobe Bryant's impact on not just modern basketball, but the world at large can be felt significantly even after his passing. A true student of the game, Kobe lived the true hoop life both on and off the court. Even after he retired, he took to coaching young minds via the Mamba Sports Academy that he launched in 2018.
Kobe Bryant and his mamba mentality
The one thing that has defined Kobe Bryant's career is his mamba mentality. But what exactly does the phrase mean? In Kobe's own words, "mamba mentality is all about focusing on the process and trusting in the hard work when it matters most."
There were several games where Kobe Bryant stamped his authority but on a few nights, his mamba mentality was truly on display. Let us look at five such outings.
#1 Early flashes of mamba mentality against Golden State Warriors
It was just the third year of Kobe Bryant's career when he showcased the clutch gene that would become his signature in the years to come. The LA Lakers were taking on the Golden State Warriors in a regular season affair on April 20, 1999.
The Purple and Gold were down 20 entering the fourth quarter and Shaquille O'Neal had been ejected in the first half itself. The 20-year-old Bryant took over and recorded a whopping 16 points in the final period.
He also appeared out of nowhere to score the game-tying tip-in off an intentionally missed free-throw from Glen Rice to sent the game into overtime. The LA Lakers went on to win the tie 106-102 and Kobe Bryant finished with 27 points on 10-of-17 shooting from the field.
#2 Kobe Bryant's 81-point game
Already a three-time champion and recognized superstar by this time, Kobe Bryant had his best individual run during the 2005-06 season. He recorded 26 games with 40 or more points and averaged 35.4 for the season. This included the historic 81-point game on January 22, 2006.
Kobe Bryant had a good first half as the LA Lakers dominated the Toronto Raptors. But the Black Mamba absolutely went off after the break, recording 55 points during the rest of the game.
The Raptors didn't know what hit them as Kobe spit fire from all over the park. Be it the crossovers, the mid-rangers, or shooting from range, he pulled every rabbit out of the hat.
Also read: Remembering Kobe Bryant - Top 5 scoring games of his career
#3 Kobe Bryant's game-winner against Phoenix Suns in 2006 NBA Playoffs
Kobe Bryant brought out his best in the playoffs and this game-winner against the Phoenix Suns in 2006 was arguably his most clutch play ever. First, the LA Lakers converted defense into offense to force a steal and tie the game at 90 apiece in the fourth quarter. Bryant scored the floater that sent the game into overtime.
The Suns held a 98-97 advantage in the extra period with just 6.1 seconds left on the clock. The Purple and Gold won a jump ball and Bryant took control of the possession. He dribbled the ball up the court and drained a jumper from 18 feet out to seal the deal for his side.
The shot was well contested by Phoenix's Raja Bell and Boris Diaw but the Black Mamba still had his way. This gave the LA Lakers a 3-1 lead against the Phoenix Suns but they would eventually need seven games to win the series.
#4 Kobe Bryant's Game 7 heroics in the 2010 NBA Finals
Despite being laden with injuries, the LA Lakers set aside a slow start to the postseason and eventually found their way to the 2010 NBA Finals. They battled the Boston Celtics there and the series went all the way to the seventh game.
Kobe Bryant wasn't at his best physically as he dealt with an injured index finger and sore right knee. That didn't prevent him from taking over proceedings when it mattered the most. In a game where offense was hard to come by, Bryant recorded 10 fourth-quarter points to hand the LA Lakers an 83-79 win.
Bryant himself wasn't too efficient on the night and went just 6-of-24 from the field for his 23 points. However, it was his utmost will to win that saw him head to the free-throw line regularly. He played impeccable defense and attacked the glass to grab 15 rebounds.
#5 Kobe Bryant scores 60 in his final NBA game
Playing the final game of your career in front of celebrities and some of the greatest legends in NBA history can be intimidating for som, but not for Kobe Bryant. The Black Mamba saw his mamba mentality come through one last time as he led the struggling LA Lakers to a win over the Utah Jazz.
Bryant wasn't making his shots early on but he just didn't care. He kept pulling up from mid-range and eventually the points started to rack up. He played like no one was watching when the entire world was.
Kobe Bryant burst out for 23 points in the final quarter as the Purple and Gold overcame a huge deficit to win the game 101-96. It took him 50 attempts, but the way in which Kobe brought up his 60 points embodied his career's mantra – keep putting in the hard work, and the results will follow.
Also read: Why did Kobe Bryant have two jersey numbers with the LA Lakers?
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