Kobe Bryant’s 45-Point Barrage Sends Lakers Past Grizzlies in Overtime
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MEMPHIS, Tenn., Nov. 29, 2002 — Kobe Bryant erupted for 45 points, including eight in overtime, as the Los Angeles Lakers outlasted the Memphis Grizzlies 112-106 at The Pyramid.
The three-time defending NBA champions arrived with a 5-11 record after a sluggish start to the 2002-03 season. Shaquille O’Neal, still working back from off-season foot surgery that cost him the first five games, and Bryant combined for a quick 35 points to open the contest, but Memphis answered with several double-digit runs. The Grizzlies carried a 77-76 edge into the fourth quarter.
Second-year forward Pau Gasol and guard Jason Williams kept Memphis in front late. Williams buried a three-pointer to give the Grizzlies a 98-97 lead in the final minute of regulation, but O’Neal hit one of two free throws to knot the score and force overtime.
Bryant then took over the extra session, scoring eight of Los Angeles’ 14 points to secure the win. The guard finished 18-for-35 from the field while adding six rebounds, five assists and two steals. O’Neal contributed 31 points overall.
Head coach Phil Jackson acknowledged after the game that he urged Bryant to temper his shot selection, though the prolific effort ultimately snapped the Lakers’ early-season slide. Bryant’s performance came in the midst of a career that would later include two scoring titles, five NBA championships, an MVP award and 18 All-Star selections.
Source: Lakers Nation
