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Whenever there is a conversation about the greatest NBA players, Kobe Bryant is always included. His legend, his game far exceeds the boundaries of the NBA. An inspiration to millions all over the world, Kobe enjoyed a reverence suited to a demigod born on Earth and rightly so.
From his brilliance on and off the court, from his debut season to his last match, it was a treat to watch him play. In memory of his 60-point final match, here's a list of the five best farewell match performances by NBA players.
Five best farewell NBA match performances
The list includes NBA players who performed as key figures in their farewell matches.
#5 Dirk Nowitzki
The ninth pick in the 1998 NBA draft, Dirk Nowitzki played for 21 seasons. He was an NBA All-Star player 14 times, the MVP in 2007, and the Finals MVP in 2011. During his championship run in 2010-11, he averaged 23 points, seven rebounds, and 89.2 free throw percentage.
Dirk is one of only nine people to record an average of 50 percent field goals, 40 percent three-point field goals, and 90 percent free throws. Nowitzki's offensive arsenal included his signature fade-away shot, pivot and reverse pivot jump shots, and drives to the basket. For such a big man, Nowitzki's game was unconventional and fearsome.
In his NBA farewell match, with a distinguished career behind him, Nowitzki went all out. The then 40-year old player scored 20 points and gathered 10 rebounds. He played for only 33 minutes, had 100% FT and 33.3 3P%. Even though the Dallas Mavericks lost the match, Nowitzki's farewell NBA match performance deserves a spot on this list.
#4 Dwayne Wade
Dwayne Wade has won three NBA championships in his illustrious career. Dwayne appeared in 13 NBA All-Star games and was awarded the NBA Finals MVP in 2006.
D-Wade's hunger for winning surpassed most players. He infamously broke Kobe's nose in the 2012 NBA All-Star game while drawing a hard foul.
He played his last game with the same intensity as played all the other games. Wade scored 25 points, snatched 11 rebounds and dished out 10 assists. A triple-double in his NBA farewell match cements his position here.
#3 Reggie Miller
A sharp shooter before the dawn of the Step Curry-led NBA shooting era, Reggie Miller ranks pretty high among the best NBA players of all time discourse. In the NBA season of 1990, Reggie averaged 24.6 points and 41 percent three-pointers made.
Despite his greatness, Miller never won a ring. He came awfully close several times. In the 1998 NBA Finals, the Reggie-led Indiana Pacers almost beat the Michael Jordan-led Chicago Bulls in the Eastern Conference Finals. In the 1999-00 postseason, the Indiana Pacers lost to the Phil Jackson-coached LA Lakers in the NBA Finals.
Reggie played in the playoffs 15 times in his career; he even retired from being an NBA player in the playoffs. On May 19, 2005, Indian Pacers clashed with the Detroit Pistons in the sixth game of second round playoffs. Reggie scored 27 points and had a three point percentage of 50.
Larry Bird watched from the sidelines as fellow Future Hall of Fame player Reggie Miller bid farewell to a weeping crowd stupefied on their feet.
#2 Kobe Bryant
The 6' 6" shooting guard, Kobe Bryant, is perhaps the most famous NBA player in the world after Michael Jordan. His fame is mentioned in the present tense because Kobe lives on through his game and his name even after his tragic demise.
His mamba mentality inspired ballers and enthusiasts all over the world, his matches were more thrilling than any terminator movie. His unshakable spirit and love for basketball touched lives beyond the sports or the NBA league.
An 18 time NBA All-Star, five time NBA championship winner, two times NBA Finals MVP, and four times NBA All-Star MVP, Kobe's career is heavy with records and accolades.
Regarded as one of the greatest scorers of the game, Bryant had a career high of 81 points against the Toronto Raptors. Mirroring his unbelievable career, Kobe scored an unprecedented 60 points against the Utah Jazz in his NBA farewell match. Shaquille O'Neal famously challenged Kobe to drop 50 points and Bryant scored 60. There could not have been a better way for Mamba to leave the league.
#1 David Robinson
As far as NBA farewell match performances go, David Robinson sits atop the ladder. The San Antonio Spurs legend has won two NBA Championships, one ROTY and one regular season MVP. He appeared in six NBA All-Star games, had a Scoring Title and a Rebounding Title.
David Robinson began as a defensive asset to his team. His dominance over the paint was unrivaled and his rebounding abilities were comparable to Shaquille O'Neal and Dennis Rodman.
In his farewell game, David Robinson faced the New Jersey Nets in the seventh game of the 2002-03 NBA Finals. David Robinson scored 13 points and snatched 17 rebounds in the electric match and ensured a San Antonio Spurs win. Winning his second championship in his last NBA game is the greatest farewell match performance ever.
