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Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal
Full Highlights
2002 NBA Playoffs
Western Conference Finals
LA Lakers vs Sacramento Kings
Game 7 - June 2, 2002
ARCO Arena
Kobe - 30 pts, 10r, 7a, 2s / 10-26 fg, 2-3 3pt, 8-10 ft
Shaq - 35 pts, 13r, 2a, 4b / 12-25 fg, 11-15 ft
Kobe & Shaq had many legendary performances as a duo. This WCF game 7 in Sacramento was arguably their greatest. It was truly the peak of their partnership. The ultimate test presented itself in this series. Lakers’ players and fans seemed to recognize this best of 7 matchup as the toughest amidst the 3-peat. Game 4, down 24 points in the 2nd quarter while trailing the Kings 2-1; then down 3-2, Kobe & Shaq combining for 72 points and 28 rebounds in game 6; lastly game 7, at Arco in Sacramento, posting a combined 65 points, 23 rebounds and 9 assists in the overtime victory. The “challenge,” as Kobe states in locker-room interview, was an opportunity to embrace. This mentality proved successful.
People talk about a player’s best game, best season. Personally, I like to consider their best shot; the shot that out of all career field goals would be #1, this is subjective. Whether defined as greatest, most memorable, or favorite, the one that sticks with me for Shaquille O’Neal is his 1 dribble right shoulder turn baseline jumper to tie this game at 106. Its arguably the most clutch shot he ever hit. It exemplifies Shaq’s ability to utilize footwork & post up skills, while maintaining composure in what was a high pressure situation. Plenty of players would’ve shown uncertainty in a moment like that, down 2 with a minute and change left in a dynasty-deciding game 7, and perhaps tried to force something at the rim. Shaq resorted to his most reliable go-to move, catching Chris Webber leaning and drilling the short drifter for points 32 and 33. It doesn’t get much better.
This is one of Kobe’s most underrated performances. 30 points, 10 boards, 7 assists, 2 steals, 2 charges drawn, and 0 turnovers in a Conference Final game 7 on the road. He played 52:33 out of the possible 53 minutes, and likely would have been the full 53 if not for the faulty drawstring. His poise down the stretch was incredible.
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