NBA: Kobe Bryant’s best games against every team
12. Kobe v. Rockets, February 18, 2003
52 points (19-38 FG), 8 rebounds, 7 assists, 11-11 FT in 2OT victory
For Kobe’s performances against the Houston Rockets, there were three clear options, all overtime classics where he topped 50:
- On December 15, 2006, he put up 53 on 17-38 shooting, while also pulling down 10 rebounds and dishing out 8 assists. Kobe filled the stat sheet, and closed out a double overtime victory 112-101.
- Later in the season, March 30, 2007, Kobe dropped 53 on the Rockets again. He was slightly less efficient and productive this time, going 19-44 (and 3-9 from three), and with the Lakers fighting for a playoff spot they lost to the Rockets 107-104 in overtime
- This game from 2003, resulting in 52 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists in a double overtime victory.
That is a remarkable trio of games; most All-Star level players don’t have three such games in their entire career, and Kobe has three against one team alone.
Watching this game, you truly get a sense of the fluidity of Kobe’s game. From the first shot he is constantly winning with footwork, quickly using his pivot from a post-up to slide into a fade-away jumper. The best play comes at 1:11, when he sets up his defender to run right into a pick, then finishes strong over a rookie Yao Ming.
What’s interesting to see when watching this video how many long twos Kobe takes. None of these shots would be encouraged with the league’s efficiency obsessed teams, nor should they be for any team – many defenses are designed to allow this shot. But when those shots are dropping, it’s hard to find something that is more fun to watch.
Next: #11