Remembering Kobe Bryant And His Best Performances Against Miami Heat
The anniversary of Kobe Bryant’s death recently passed, leading many to remember the all-time great. He passed away on Jan. 26, 2020, in a helicopter crash that also took the lives of eight other people.
Bryant was one of the best players have his generation. The Black Mamba won five NBA championships, was named to 18 All-Star games, was a two-time scoring champion, the 2007-08 MVP, and much more.
Bryant averaged 23.8 points, 4.5 rebounds and 4.2 assists across 33 matchups with the Miami Heat. His Los Angeles Lakers never had to face the Heat in the postseason, but that doesn’t mean the Hall-of-Famer didn’t have exceptional performances against Miami. What are some of his best moments against the Heat?
Bryant’s highest-scoring game against Miami came on Christmas in 2004. He played 50 minutes in the Lakers’ 104-102 overtime loss to Miami. Bryant led his team with 42 points and nailed five triples.
The holiday must have been one that Bryant enjoyed as he had another great performance on Christmas one year later. The Heat once again came out victorious in 2005, winning 97-92. Bryant scored 37 points, which was easily the most by a player in the game. He also grabbed eight rebounds, had six assists, and even recorded two blocks.
Bryant hit eight winning shots during his NBA career. One of them came against Miami. On Dec. 4, 2009, the Lakers trailed 108-106 with just seconds left on the game clock. Bryant was inbounded the ball and then heaved up a three-pointer at the buzzer. The Staples Center erupted as Bryant capped off a 33-point performance with a game-winner.
The legacy of Bryant will continue to live on throughout the NBA.
Casey Fahrer is a contributor to Inside The Heat. He can be reached at caseyfahrer716@gmail.com.
You can also check out his personal blog HERE
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