NBA: Kobe Bryant’s best games against every team

17. Kobe v. Pelicans (New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets at the time) March 23, 2007

50 points (16-29 FG), 7 rebounds, 16-16 FTs

Here we have game four of four on Kobe’s 50-point streak. Unlike the matchup with the Timberwolves (where Kobe shot 17-35), he was able to score far more efficiently by going 16-29 from the field and a perfect 16-16 from the free throw line. The difference in his True Shooting Percentage* between the two games jumps from 59.5% to 69.4%.

The game was tight throughout, and it turned into a duel of sorts between Kobe and the young Chris Paul, who scored 28 points, posted 12 assists and 6 rebounds. The assists number for Paul is even more impressive when looking at the performance of his teammates; David West finished 4-16, Derrick Mason was 4-14, Devin Brown was 4-11 and Rasual Butler was 5-12.

This game also included another quote from a dumbstruck coach, this time Kobe’s current coach and former teammate Byron Scott.

From ESPN:

"“We knew Kobe was going to have one of those nights,” said Scott, who looked like Bryant’s biggest fan in the hallway outside the locker room after the game …"

That’s where Kobe was in 2007. Even if you are an opponent, you know it’s coming. You’re even happy about it.

*True Shooting Percentage factors in three-point shots and free throws

[H/T: ESPN]

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