NBA: Kobe Bryant’s best games against every team

13. Kobe v. Heat, December 4, 2009

33 points (12-25 FG), 7 rebounds, 3 steals and a buzzer-beater to win the game

I like how open Derek Fisher is before Metta World Peace finds Kobe. Fisher absolutely could have gotten a better shot attempt than Kobe. But are you giving it to Derek Fisher in this situation? Hell no. I know Fisher has a penchant for playing well in the clutch, but he’s not about to step into the Kobe Bean Bryant warpath.

This is the second-lowest scoring game for Bryant on this list, and he has had better statistical performances against the Miami Heat – he scored 42 against Miami in an overtime loss in 2004 – but it demonstrates a different side of Bryant’s greatness.

The action preceding this final moment is important. With the Heat up by one, Bryant was responsible for a foul on Dwyane Wade. Wade made one of his two free throws, setting up this final shot of the game. The whole final sequence is personal and adversarial. Wade was so tight on Kobe, the Laker might has well have been trying to get past his reflection.

The moment is helped by the Mike Breen call – “HE BANKS IT IN! GHAH!” – but this game truly showed how ruthless Kobe was in the clutch.

Next: #12