Kobe Bryant poses for a portrait inside of his office in Costa Mesa, California, on Jan. 17, 2020. Bryant, one of the greatest NBA players in history, is building an impressive resume in his post-basketball career, including winning an Academy Award.

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Remembering Kobe Bryant: Top 5 ‘Mamba’ moments of Kobe Bryant

Kobe Bryant spent his entire career with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Los Angeles Lakers icon Kobe Bryant is probably one of the best athletes the world has ever witnessed. The legendary shooting guard with a glorious 20-year-old career, was a five-time NBA champion as well as an 18-time All-Star, the 2008 MVP, a two-time NBA Finals MVP.

Originally from Philadelphia, Bryant made his debut with the Los Angeles Lakers and spent his entire career at the franchise. ‘Mamba’ as he was fondly called, Bryant passed away at the age of 41 on January 26, 2020 in the tragic Calabasas helicopter crash. He was accompanied by his daughter, Gianna, along with seven others, and there were no survivors left.

Five years after his death, Kobe ‘Mamba’ Bryant is still missed and is remembered as one of the greatest entertainers of the game, both on and off the court.

Why was Kobe Bryant called ‘The Black Mamba’?

Kobe Bryant, who touched heights with his performance in 2003, suddenly almost had everything on stake after he was charged with sexual assault. However, he proclaimed himself innocent and all the charges were dropped, but the case tainted his reputation.

It was then Kobe came up with his own nickname “Black Mamba” as an alter ego to cope with the backlash he was facing. The name was inspired from Quentin Tarantino’s 2003 classic “Kill Bill” to separate his life on and off the court.

In 2014, he told The New Yorker, “The name [Kobe Bryant] just evokes such a negative emotion.” “

“I said, ‘If I create this alter ego, so now when I play this is what’s coming out of your mouth, it separates the personal stuff, right?’ You’re not watching David Banner – you’re watching the Hulk,” Kobe added.

As the world pays homage to Bryant on his fifth death anniversary, let’s recall his top ‘Mamba’ moments.

Kobe Bryant’s 81-point performance

When Kobe Bryant made his NBA debut, only four players including the Hall of Famer Wilt Chamberlain, David Thompson, and Elgin Baylor had crossed the 70-point mark in one game. During the Lakers’ 122-104 win over the Toronto Raptors in January 2006, Bryant shocked the NBA world by scoring 81 points, which was the second-highest score in NBA history behind Chamberlain’s 100 points.

Bryant started with 14 points in the first quarter, and upped the tally to 26 points by halftime while the Lakers trailed 63-49. He doubled his game in the third quarter and scored another 28 in the fourth to cross the 80-point mark to score 81 points.

Hitting Free Throws with Torn Achilles

In their 118-116 win over the Golden State Warriors, when the Lakers secured a playoff spot in April 2013, Bryant unleashed his inner superhero. Bryant guided the side to a narrow win despite a torn achilles. Even before the game, Bryant drove the side to many wins and entered the game into the third quarter limping.

With three minutes remaining in the game, Kobe sustained an achilles tendon injury. However, he didn’t give up and stayed through the court and sunk game-tying free throws.

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Four-consecutive 50-plus point games

Kobe Bryant scored four consecutive 50-plus points or more during November 2006. Bryant scored 65 points against the Portland Trail Blazers, 50 points against the Minnesota Timberwolves, 60 against the Grizzlies and 50 vs. the Hornets.

16 years ago today: Kobe Bryant drops 60 points against the Grizzlies.

It was Mamba’s third of four straight 50+ point games. pic.twitter.com/ONJHyd7Ulf
— Kobe Bryant Stories & Motivation (@kobehighlight) March 22, 2023

Kobe, who was averaging 40 points per game at the time, scored his second-highest score of 65 points against the Blazers. The game also saw the Lakers hero pulling up a shot in the last minute by doing a 180 degree spin before reversing the move left before pulling off a 3-pointer.

‘Mamba Out’ with 60-point performance

Kobe Bryant called off his career in ‘Mamba’ style as he scored 60 points in the final match of NBA career. Bryant’s last game came against the Utah Jazz, where the Lakers recorded a 101-96 win on April 13, 2016. The Lakers entered the game on the back of a poor 16-65 record and were in hope of making it to the playoffs with a win over the Jazz.

In the game, Bryant pulled a winning shot in the final 31.6 seconds on the clock and walked off his style with a career-high 50-shot attempts from the field.

USA Redeem Team’s Gold Triumph in Beijing Olympics

On August 24, 2008, Kobe Bryant added another feather to his cap, as he led team USA for an Olympic gold during the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Bryant was handed the captaincy of a team featuring All-Stars including the likes of LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, Chris Bosh, etc.

The U.S. began the campaign with 515-354 in group stage games before they took down Australia, Argentina and Spain. Under Bryant’s leadership, USA won its first Olympics gold since 2000.

Kobe Bryant takes over the Gold Medal game in the 2008 Olympics (USA vs. Spain) 🤫
pic.twitter.com/mRE0lgrvbA
— Kobe Bryant Stories & Motivation (@kobehighlight) July 21, 2024

Kobe Bryant

Los Angeles Lakers

Garima Ranawat

Garima is a sports writer with around two years of experience in Indian sports and a newfound interest in the NBA. Inspired by the leadership of cricketing legend MS Dhoni, she wishes to bring in newer perspectives to the NBA fanatics with her writing.