5 Legendary performances of Kobe Bryant in NBA Finals

#4 40 vs Orlando Magic, Game 1, 4th June 2009

Kobe went unconscious and scored 40 points in a blowout-win against Orlando Magic

Stat line: 40 points, 8 rebounds, 8 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks on 47.1% shooting

After completing the 3-peat in 2002, the Lakers lost in the second round of the playoffs in 2003 and were back again in the finals in 2004. This time, they were facing the Orlando Magic and no one really expected the Magic to compete against a very good Lakers team.

In the Game 1 of the finals, Kobe was at his brilliant best and scored 40 points. He was very efficient on the night and was +25. The 18-time All-Star shot the ball pretty well and went for 16 of 34 from the field. He was 8 of 8 from the free-throw line and the Magic defenders had no answers for Kobe.

Bryant was very efficient from the elbow and made a lot of jumpers from that region. He was very aggressive and bulldozed his way to the rim on a lot of occasions. Kobe Bryant and the Lakers were just too hot to handle for the Magic as they lost this game in a blowout, 100-75.

The LA Lakers went on to win the finals in five games and Kobe Bryant averaged 32.4 points, 5.6 rebounds and 7.4 assists in the series.