Flashback Friday: Kobe Dominates Magic To Clinch 2009 Championship

After trading away star center Shaquille O’Neal, many doubted whether Kobe Bryant would ever be able to lead the Lakers to a championship as the lead dog. When the Lakers struggled immediately after the trade, those doubters got louder. When the Lakers were dominated by the Boston Celtics in the 2008 NBA Finals, those screams were at a fever pitch.

When the Lakers returned to the Finals in 2009, they were heavily favored against an up-and-coming Orlando Magic team that was not expected to make the NBA Finals. Bryant made sure that the Lakers followed through this time with a dominant Finals performance capped off by a Game 5 in which he was unstoppable.

Ultimate Kobe Bryant Quiz: Take the Challenge!

Bryant totaled 30 points, six rebounds, five assists, four blocks, and two steals in the Lakers 99-86 Game 5 victory on the road to clinch the NBA Championship and Bryant’s first NBA Finals MVP.

The Magic had no answer for Bryant the entire series as he averaged just over 32 points, seven assists, and five rebounds. Bryant established himself as one of the greats of all-time with his performance in this series, and showed that the Lakers were on another level than the young Magic.

On this Flashback Friday, we remember Kobe Bryant’s excellent performance in Game 5 of the 2009 NBA Finals.
————————————————————–
VIDEO: Kobe Bryant Says Flagrant Foul Calls These Days Make Him Nauseous

You May Also Like

Kobe Bryant Says Bill Russell Mentored Him About Managing Teammates

The Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics are bitter rivals that date back to the days of the Bill Russell-led Celtics teams squaring off against Jerry West and the Lakers…

Darvin Ham: Analytics Showed Lakers Played Good Defense Despite 3-Point Barrage From Trail Blazers

The Los Angeles Lakers were blown in Portland by the Trail Blazers on Monday night and it is easy to pinpoint why…

Byron Scott On Jabari Brown: ‘He’s Just Got A Demeanor About His Self’

Some fans may have been unhappy with the outcome, but the Los…

Lakers News: LeBron James Credits Mavericks Head Coach Jason Kidd For Teaching Him Patience

The Los Angeles Lakers fell in thrilling fashion in a double overtime loss to the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday night…