
January 14th, 2002 Staples Center Los Angeles, CA Boxscore: www.basketball-reference.com Statline: 56 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, 21-34 FG, 3-6 3pt Earlier in the day, Shaquille O'neal was suspended for 3 games for throwing a punch at Chicago Bulls center Brad Miller. Before the game, Bryant took responsibility for the losses in the previous games as Phil wanted him take less shots. Bryant said he'd make up for the earlier losses in the Grizzlies game. He sure did respond. Kobe scored 18 1st quarter points on a dazling array of jumpshots, dunks, and drives. His nifty footwork was also on display as he made every move in the book possible. He split doubles, made scoops, and destroyed the defense of Shane Battier, a 3 time defensive player of the year at Duke. He went berserk in the 3rd quarter. He had 42 points with 8 minutes to go in the 3rd. His 3rd quarter was so demorilizing, the Grizzlies had 14 points in the quarter. He topped the quarter off with 2 threes, a behind the back jumpshot, a double pump dunk, and another turnaround jumpshot. After 3, he had nearly outscored the Grizzlies by himself scoring 56 points to the Grizzlies 59, a stat many people forget. Although he didn't play in the 4th, his 56 in 34 minutes is still one of his most tantalizing performances up to date. It's amazing to think of how memorizing this performance could've been had he played in the 4th and the 2 extra minutes. 80 is not out of the question as he scored 18 in the 1st, 18 <b>...</b>
Kobe
Bryant
Shane
Battier
Memphis
Grizzlies
Shaquille
O'neal
Lakers
championship
playoffs
2002
01-02
Kings
footwork
Rule
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