December 17th, 2000
Air Canada Centre
Toronto, CA
Boxscore: http://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/TOR20001217.html
Statline: 40 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 blocks, 14-29 FG, 1-5 3 pt
Already in his young career, Kobe Bryant at the age of 22 was leading the league in scoring at 28.8 points per game. He already had the total package and during the season showed why at the same age, he was better than Lebron James. Along with it, he was the youngest defensive player to make it onto the all defensive team couple years ago and it clearly showed in this game.
The Raptors led early and they lured Shaquille O’neal, the Lakers star center, into early foul trouble in both the 1st and 2nd quarters. For Kobe Bryant, it was his chance to showcase his skills without Shaq in the game. He did just that. Bryant had the crowd buzzing with his tantalizing 1st half performance. He scored 21 1st half points on mostly jumpshots on 8-13 shooting. Although his scoring was the highlight of the 1st half, his tenacious defense on Mark Jackson of the Raptors was also a factor in giving LA the lead despite Shaquille O’neal not playing in most of the 1st half. He hounded Jackson to the point he could not even cross the halfcourt line. However the Los Angeles Lakers could not stop Vince Carter who scored 22 1st half points of his own on 7-13 shooting which helped the Raptors hang with the Lakers.
In the 2nd half, the Lakers put Bryant on the red hot Vince Carter. Although Kobe played a more passive and quiet 2nd half, his pressure defense on Vince Carter was very apparent throughout the half. Carter, who put up 22 on 7-13 shooting in the 1st half was held to 3-19 in the 2nd half on 8 points due to the lockdown defense of Bryant. The Los Angeles Lakers pulled away from the Toronto Raptors and led by 15 at one point with 4 minutes to go in the 4th. However a furious run by the Raptors late in the 4th energized the crowd and the entire team when they went on a 20-4 run to end regulation. Despite the defense of Bryant on Carter, his teammates came through for him and the Raptors came tied the game on 2 free throws at 91 apiece. On the final possession, the Lakers went to Kobe who was ambushed by the Raptor defense. He was doubled off the ball and was forced into a wild three that was rejected by Vince Carter leading to overtime. In overtime, the Los Angeles Lakers ran away from the Raptors although they made another furious run at the end that nearly went through for them. The Lakers ultimately won the game 104-101 mostly due to the tenacious lockdown defense of Bryant on Mark Jackson in the 1st half and Vince Carter in the 2nd half.
Kobe Bryant finished the game with 40 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 blocks on 14-29 shooting.
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Kobe Tags: 2001, 2002, 4th, assist, Championship, Clutch, defense, Dunk, Kobe Byrant, Lakers, lockdown, O'Neal, Raptors, shaq, Sports, Toronto, Vinsanity
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