NBA: Kobe Bryant’s best games against every team

24. Kobe v. Pacers, January 9, 2006

45 points (14-32 FG), 10 rebounds, 5 assists

Kobe’s most notable matchup with the Pacers was his first NBA Finals victory, happening during the Lakers’ great 1999-00 season.

However, in that series Kobe took a back seat to eventual series MVP Shaquille O’Neal, scoring only 15.6 points per game, shooting 36.7% from the field and failing to contain Pacers shooting guard Reggie Miller. The Lakers won in six largely on the back of Shaq, who posted 38 points and 16.7 rebounds per game, shooting 61% from the field and giving the Lakers a much-needed offensive boost.

Instead, we turn to Kobe and the Lakers post-Shaq. This game was Kobe’s fourth consecutive where he scored at least 45. No other player had done that in NBA history since Wilt Chamberlain in 1964. It was good that he did; outside of his 45, the only other player to crack double-digits for the Lakers was Lamar Odom with 17.

Of course Kobe got 17 in the fourth quarter alone, closing off a victory for a Lakers team who, at that point in the season, was struggling to go beyond mediocrity.

Next: #23