3: 2001 NBA Finals vs. Philadelphia 76ers, Game 3
It was Kobe Bryant’s first road Finals game in 2001 and as fate would have it, the game took place in Kobe’s hometown. Bryant developed his basketball game and nationwide reputation in Philadelphia, and it was also the place he took on the team’s city for the NBA title.
Bryant and city of Brotherly Love do not share a very friendly relationship and the animosity the fans have for Kobe has been well documented. Kobe got booed every time he touched the ball during the Finals, but that negativity fueled him. Instead of getting depressed and angry, Bryant used the fans’ chants to send a message.
Bryant finished the game with 32 points, six rebounds, three assists and the Lakers won the game 96-91. Los Angeles eventually won the series in five games and Kobe celebrated in front of the fans who so desperately wanted him to fail.
httpvhd://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5FOF7Rj_17k
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