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#4 40 Points in Game 1, 2009 NBA Finals
We all remember the expression of Kobe Bryant as he walked off the floor with confetti coming down at the TD Garden as the Boston Celtics completely annihilated the Los Angeles Lakers in a series-clinching game 6 which ended with a 39-point thrashing. Kobe Bryant carried that anger into Game 1 of the 2009 NBA Finals and was thoroughly determined to win a championship without the presence of Shaquille O'Neal.
With the game being lob sided, Bryant was required to play just 38 minutes. But even in that timeframe, he racked up 40 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists to go along with 2 blocks and 2 steals while shooting 47 percent from the field. He had a +/- of 25 and was easily the best player on the floor as the Lakers completely decimated Dwight Howard and the Orlando Magic in a 100-75 victory.
Kobe Bryant’s performance set the tone for the series as the Los Angeles Lakers went onto win the series in 5 games.
