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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Robert Marvi

Kobe Bryant’s top 100 games: No. 73

Despite a roster that was largely devoid of talent, the 2005-06 Los Angeles Lakers somehow won 45 games and claimed the seventh seed in the Western Conference.

They did so largely on the back of Kobe Bryant, who had one of the most remarkable seasons in NBA history. He averaged 35.4 points per game.

Against the Phoenix Suns in the first round of the playoffs, L.A. was expected to have little to no chance of advancing.

But after losing Game 1, it took Game 2 in Phoenix, and when it returned home to win Game 3, the Lakers suddenly looked as if they had a real chance of winning the series.

The fourth contest saw both teams desperately vying for control of the series. Bryant largely trusted his teammates, as he had all series, but when it mattered most, he asserted himself.

Trailing by two with 7.9 seconds left, Lakers guard Smush Parker caused Steve Nash to turn the ball over, and Bryant converted a runner from a tough angle to force overtime.

Then, with 15.7 seconds left in the extra period, he scored a layup to bring L.A. to within one. After forcing a jump ball with Nash, forward Luke Walton won the tip and directed it toward Bryant, who delivered the game-winner at the buzzer.

He finished with 24 points on 9-of-14 shooting and eight assists on the day.

Although the Lakers went on to lose the series, Game 4 remains one of the most iconic moments and memories of the late legend.

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