He first made a signature turn-around fadeaway to score the first basket after halftime.
Then followed up by crashing into the three-point line to grab an offensive long rebound after a missed shot from the outside, and immediately pulled up for a mid-range jumper to add another two points.
A 20-year career honed his elite mid-range skills, keeping his scoring ability intact even as his physical prowess declined.
He even completed a tough 2+1 after a breakthrough.
Kobe scored 8 points in just two and a half minutes.
His eyes were filled with nothing but cold determination.
At this moment, fans felt that the king of Los Angeles, the Black Mamba they needed most, was back!
The Lakers steadied themselves for a moment, but the score didn’t close in.
Because Hansen was still scoring.
When Hansen, from beyond the three-point line, faked Delavadova into jumping and then dashed into the paint to throw down a dunk over Frye, Lakers fans were in despair.
Even James on the court was in a state of confusion.
Tonight, they successfully drew out Hansen, but such a Hansen was unbeatable.
Love worked hard on the pick-and-roll to create an outside three-point opportunity for James, but he still chose to pass the ball to Kobe.
Kobe had no time to complain about James’ timidity; he drove towards the basket with the ball.
The Cavaliers realized he was attempting a shot from outside, pressing out on defense.
Kobe charged into the paint, leaping high to shoot after the confrontation with Jokic. Newest update provıded by 𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹⟡𝓯𝓲𝓻𝓮⟡𝙣𝙚𝙩
The basketball hit the front of the rim and bounced out; the referee’s whistle blew, signaling Jokic’s defensive foul.
Jokic held his head in frustration.
But at this moment, a huge commotion erupted on site.
Kobe, after the breakthrough, remained on the ground for a long time without getting up, looking to be in significant pain.
After the referee realized, he quickly stopped the game.
The LED screen on site began replaying that play.
While coming down, Kobe clearly didn’t control his body well, twisting his ankle at a sharp angle.
The TNT Big Three’s guess was correct; to avoid Bowen’s undercutting foot in his early years, Kobe specifically studied landing. Under normal circumstances, he wouldn’t be injured in such a situation.
In other words, launching off with injury clearly caused trouble during that jump.
In fact, after a grueling series against the Warriors, it was already incredible that Kobe could perform in the finals.
Kobe was eventually assisted by teammates to the bench, his eyes helpless, and the situation looking bleak.
The fans on site were holding their heads, clearly, Kobe’s fall meant their end.
According to the rules, with Kobe injured, the Lakers could choose someone to shoot free throws in his place.
But just as Scott turned to find someone, the unexpected happened.
Kobe gritted his teeth and stood up from the bench, letting go of the medical staff’s and teammates’ hands, limping onto the court heading for the free-throw line.
Everyone on site was stunned by this scene.
What a display of willpower!
This was followed by overwhelming cheers.
When Kobe really stood at the free-throw line, with a determined gaze indicating to the referee that he was ready, when the ball reached Kobe’s hands.
The site was filled with the unified cheers of the Lakers fans, and even amid the cheers were tremors.
Kobe, amidst the shouts of the fans, made both free throws, helping the Lakers close the score to 80-86.
Then he left the court aided by the medical staff.
Before leaving the court, he paused, then blew a kiss to the Lakers fans.
Then, he let go of the medical staff’s shoulder and walked into the players’ tunnel on his own.
He ultimately didn’t leave lying down.
His back became the last image he left on an NBA court for all to see.