Kobe Bryant's career was built on moments that left opponents mentally shattered, but even among his countless iconic performances, there's one that stands out from the rest: Steve Nash.
The Hall of Fame point guard recently reflected on his favorite Kobe memory, and one night during the 2010 Western Conference Finals perfectly captured what made Kobe different from everyone else.
Nash would later become Bryant's teammate on the Lakers, where his experience was the polar opposite of Bryant's, leading the Suns to a tight playoff battle with Los Angeles.
“It all comes together, but the one that sticks out most is the 2010 Western Conference Finals, Suns, Lakers,” Nash told NBA Prime. “We were playing at Staples and it was 2-2. [Center]he [Kobe Bryant] Look at the game winner, he pitched, Metta [World Peace] So, we think we have a good chance here, but we're going to take the ball away at home and they haven't beaten us at home yet. We go back to Phoenix and it's almost like because he missed that game winner, he's like it's all over now. Like literally, hold my beer. Grant Hill was guarding him, Grant's defense was outstanding that night, like his whole body [Bryant] There were shots everywhere and the defense couldn't have been better. Like Grant's 28-footer off the dribble on him. I took my hat off and thought this guy was incredible. “
Bryant scored 37 points that night, ending the Suns' season and earning the Lakers a berth in the NBA Finals.
This performance summed up why the veteran Lakers consistently outlasted their younger, faster opponents – Kobe just stepped up when it mattered most.
That postseason, Bryant earned All-NBA and First-Team All-Defensive honors before leading Los Angeles to his fifth and final championship against the Boston Celtics.
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