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Kobe Bryant 2008-09 Season Thread 
after losing the 2008 Finals, the 08-09 was Kobe's revenge season as he shut up all the doubters winning his 1st Championship without Shaq and his 4th Overall
Kobe's Regular Season numbers
26.8 PPG 5.2 RPG 4.9 APG 1.5 SPG
46.7 FG% 35.1 3p% 85.6 FT%
An efficient season by Kobe, 3rd highest FG% of his career, 4th highest 3p% of his career and 3rd highest FT% of his career
26.8 PPG 5.2 RPG 4.9 APG 1.5 SPG
46.7 FG% 35.1 3p% 85.6 FT%
An efficient season by Kobe, 3rd highest FG% of his career, 4th highest 3p% of his career and 3rd highest FT% of his career
Kobe led the Lakers in scoring, assists, was 2nd in steals and 4th in rebound doing it all and leading the team to a 65-17 record which gave them 1st seed in a very deep Western Conference
65 Wins is Kobe's best post Shaq
65 Wins is Kobe's best post Shaq
Kobe would finish the season by making 1st team All-NBA and 1st team All-Defense
He would finish 2nd in the MVP voting and 3rd in scoring
He also got selected to his 11th All-Star game where he reunited and won Co-MVP with Shaq
He would finish 2nd in the MVP voting and 3rd in scoring
He also got selected to his 11th All-Star game where he reunited and won Co-MVP with Shaq
February 2nd, 2009
Kobe Bryant broke the MSG scoring record at the time
61 Points
19/31 FG
3/6 3pm
20/20 FT
Kobe Bryant broke the MSG scoring record at the time
61 Points
19/31 FG
3/6 3pm
20/20 FT
Between December and January, Kobe won back to back Western Conference player of the month awards
Kobe's averages in that 2 month span:
27.7 PPG 5.8 RPG 5.7 APG 1.1 SPG
47.8 FG% 37.1 3p% 86.4 FT%
Lakers went 23-8
Kobe's averages in that 2 month span:
27.7 PPG 5.8 RPG 5.7 APG 1.1 SPG
47.8 FG% 37.1 3p% 86.4 FT%
Lakers went 23-8
Between 30th Jan and 8th February 2009, Kobe and the Lakers went on a tough 6 game road trip
Kobe led the Lakers to a 6-0 record while averaging this
32.8 PPG 5.2 RPG 4.5 APG 1.2 SPG
48.6 FG% 37.5 3p% 85.4 FT%
Beat Boston and Cleveland back to back
Kobe led the Lakers to a 6-0 record while averaging this
32.8 PPG 5.2 RPG 4.5 APG 1.2 SPG
48.6 FG% 37.5 3p% 85.4 FT%
Beat Boston and Cleveland back to back
In the win against the Celtics, Kobe didn't shoot well but would nail 3 HUGE, clutch threes in the 4th Quarter
In the Cavs game, Kobe was playing with the flu but would score 19 on 47% and hit this clutch fadeaway over LeBron
When it came to playing against 50 win teams that season Kobe's scoring and efficiency both went up compared to his overall reg season numbers
27.9 PPG 5.8 RPG 4.6 APG 1.1 SPG
47.7 FG% 37.9 3p% 83.1 FT%
Kobe's Lakers were 18-6 against 50 win teams
27.9 PPG 5.8 RPG 4.6 APG 1.1 SPG
47.7 FG% 37.9 3p% 83.1 FT%
Kobe's Lakers were 18-6 against 50 win teams
and that includes sweeping the season series with the defending champions Celtics and sweeping the season series against his MVP rival LeBron
Kobe's Home vs Road splits in the 08-09 Reg Season
At Home
25.1 PPG 5.1 RPG 5.1 APG 1.5 SPG
49.1 FG% 38.5 3p% 87.5 FT%
36-5 Record
On Road
28.6 PPG 5.4 RPG 4.7 APG 1.4 SPG
44.7 FG% 32.2 3p% 84.3 FT%
29-12 Record
At Home
25.1 PPG 5.1 RPG 5.1 APG 1.5 SPG
49.1 FG% 38.5 3p% 87.5 FT%
36-5 Record
On Road
28.6 PPG 5.4 RPG 4.7 APG 1.4 SPG
44.7 FG% 32.2 3p% 84.3 FT%
29-12 Record
Kobe did play all 82 Regular Season Games that season playing 36.1 Minutes per game
Kobe's 2009 Playoff run would start against a 48 win Jazz team led by Deron Williams and Carlos Boozer, a team he faced and got tested by the year prior in the WCSF.
Kobe's averages
27.4 PPG 5.0 RPG 5.6 APG 2.4 SPG
46.6 FG% 35.3 3p% 89.7 FT%
Lakers win in 5
Kobe's averages
27.4 PPG 5.0 RPG 5.6 APG 2.4 SPG
46.6 FG% 35.3 3p% 89.7 FT%
Lakers win in 5
Kobe's most notable game was Game 4
After shooting 5/24 and losing in Game 3, he bounced back with a 38 Point performance shooting 16/24 from the field, hitting a variety of ridiculous shots demoralizing Utah and leading the Lakers to a 3-1 series lead
After shooting 5/24 and losing in Game 3, he bounced back with a 38 Point performance shooting 16/24 from the field, hitting a variety of ridiculous shots demoralizing Utah and leading the Lakers to a 3-1 series lead
In the closeout Game 5, Kobe would score 31 on 10/21 Shooting and get 4 Steals to eliminate the Jazz for the 2nd straight year
In the 2nd round Kobe's Lakers would face the Rockets
Kobe in that series
27.4 PPG 5.0 RPG 3.7 APG 2.0 SPG 1.3 BPG
45.3 FG% 34.4 3p% 83.3 FT%
Lakers won in 7, they were pushed further by Houston than anyone else in the 09 Playoffs
Kobe in that series
27.4 PPG 5.0 RPG 3.7 APG 2.0 SPG 1.3 BPG
45.3 FG% 34.4 3p% 83.3 FT%
Lakers won in 7, they were pushed further by Houston than anyone else in the 09 Playoffs
Lakers actually trailed in this series after losing Game 1 (only time they trailed in a series in this title run)
Similarly to G4 at Utah, Kobe would bounce back in Game 2 scoring 40 Points and absolutely destroying an elite defender Shane Battier
Similarly to G4 at Utah, Kobe would bounce back in Game 2 scoring 40 Points and absolutely destroying an elite defender Shane Battier
in Game 3, Kobe dropped 33 Points to give the Lakers back homecourt advantage. This win was significant considering they couldn't win in Houston again
Kobe shot 11/28, but was hot from 3 going 4/6 including hitting these two amazing threes.
Kobe shot 11/28, but was hot from 3 going 4/6 including hitting these two amazing threes.
Houston's star big man, Yao Ming got injured this game and it looked like the Lakers would comfortably close this series out, but it wasn't the case
The home team won every game by double digits since
The home team won every game by double digits since
Houston won by 12 in G4 thanks to Aaron Brooks 34 Points
Lakers won Game 5 by 40 points, Kobe was great with 26 points in 30 minutes
Kobe had 32 in G6, but Aaron Brooks and Luis Scola combined for 50 to force G7 in a 15 point win
Lakers won Game 5 by 40 points, Kobe was great with 26 points in 30 minutes
Kobe had 32 in G6, but Aaron Brooks and Luis Scola combined for 50 to force G7 in a 15 point win
Kobe didn't really have a great Game 7 but the Lakers hold Houston to 70 points in a 89-70 win
Kobe had 14/7/5 with 3 steals and 2 blocks, his star teammate Pau Gasol helped a lot with a 21/18 game
Kobe had 14/7/5 with 3 steals and 2 blocks, his star teammate Pau Gasol helped a lot with a 21/18 game
in the Conference Finals, Kobe battled Carmelo Anthony, Chauncey Billups and the Nuggets
Kobe had an all-time great series, arguably his best
Kobe vs Denver in 09
34.0 PPG 5.8 RPG 5.8 APG
48.1 FG% 34.4 3p% 93.1 FT%
Lakers won in 6 to make the Finals
Kobe had an all-time great series, arguably his best
Kobe vs Denver in 09
34.0 PPG 5.8 RPG 5.8 APG
48.1 FG% 34.4 3p% 93.1 FT%
Lakers won in 6 to make the Finals
Kobe was unbelievably clutch in this series
Kobe's clutch stats (score within 5 under 5 mins left)
5.8 PPG 62.5 FG% 100 3p% 84.6 FT%
Totals (16 Mins)
23 PTS 5/8 FG 2/2 3pm 11/13 FT
Kobe's clutch stats (score within 5 under 5 mins left)
5.8 PPG 62.5 FG% 100 3p% 84.6 FT%
Totals (16 Mins)
23 PTS 5/8 FG 2/2 3pm 11/13 FT
In the 4th Quarters overall, Kobe averaged double figures in scoring on 50/40/90 shooting splits against Denver in 09 WCF
10.8 PPG
50.0 FG% 42.9 3p% 90.0 FT%
Had multiple incredible 4th Quarters in that series
10.8 PPG
50.0 FG% 42.9 3p% 90.0 FT%
Had multiple incredible 4th Quarters in that series
in Game 1, Kobe dropped 40 on 46/67/92% splits
In the 4th Quarter he lit Denver up for 17 Points on 4/5 Shooting and 1/1 from the line to get a hard fought win to take a 1-0 series lead.
In the 4th Quarter he lit Denver up for 17 Points on 4/5 Shooting and 1/1 from the line to get a hard fought win to take a 1-0 series lead.
in Game 2, Kobe balled again putting up 32/5/3 on 50% shooting, but Carmelo Anthony would get his Denver team the win this time
in Game 3, Kobe had his best game of the series leading the Lakers to a road win in Denver and getting homecourt advantage back
Kobe went for 41/6/5 on 12/24 FG 15/17 FT
He scored 13 in the 4th QTR (scored 8 in the final 1:10)
Kobe went for 41/6/5 on 12/24 FG 15/17 FT
He scored 13 in the 4th QTR (scored 8 in the final 1:10)
in Game 4, Kobe had 34/7/5 but didn't shoot well going 10/26 as the Lakers lost by 19
in a pivotal Game 5, Kobe led the team in PTS and AST with 22 Points (6/13 FG 9/10 FT) and 8 Assists in a 9 point win to take a 3-2 series lead
in a pivotal Game 5, Kobe led the team in PTS and AST with 22 Points (6/13 FG 9/10 FT) and 8 Assists in a 9 point win to take a 3-2 series lead
in Game 6, Kobe had a masterpiece in Denver again posting 35 Points 6 Rebounds and 10 Assists on 60/50/100% splits
Lakers blew Denver out 119-92 and Kobe would go to his 6th NBA Finals
Lakers blew Denver out 119-92 and Kobe would go to his 6th NBA Finals
In the 3 Games in Denver in the 2009 Playoffs Kobe put up these averages
36.7 PPG 6.3 RPG 6.7 APG 1.0 SPG
48.6 FG% 31.6 3p% 92.3 FT%
Lakers won 2/3 games
This is beyond incredible considering how tough it is to win in Denver especially when they're elite like they were in 09
36.7 PPG 6.3 RPG 6.7 APG 1.0 SPG
48.6 FG% 31.6 3p% 92.3 FT%
Lakers won 2/3 games
This is beyond incredible considering how tough it is to win in Denver especially when they're elite like they were in 09
in the 2009 Finals, Kobe's Lakers would face the Orlando Magic team who had taken down the defending champions Celtics and the team with the best RS Record Cavaliers to get there
Kobe's averages in the 09 Finals
32.4 PPG 5.6 RPG 7.4 APG 1.4 SPG 1.4 BPG
43.0 FG% 36.0 3p% 84.1 FT%
He led the Lakers to a series win in 5 to secure his 4th NBA Title
32.4 PPG 5.6 RPG 7.4 APG 1.4 SPG 1.4 BPG
43.0 FG% 36.0 3p% 84.1 FT%
He led the Lakers to a series win in 5 to secure his 4th NBA Title
This series was a lot closer than you may think though, the Lakers may have won in 5 but Orlando missed some unreal opportunities, specifically in Game 2 when Courtney Lee missed a layup to win the game or in Game 4 when Dwight missed both FTs up 3 late (Lakers won both games)
Kobe started off the Finals with a legendary performance posting 40 Points 8 Rebounds and 8 Assists as the Lakers won by 25.
arguably Kobe's best Finals game of his career
arguably Kobe's best Finals game of his career
in Game 2, Kobe had 29 Points 4 Rebounds 8 Assists 2 Steals and shot 10/22 from the field
The Lakers escaped with an OT win after Courtney Lee blew an open layup to win it
Kobe made a couple of big plays in OT hitting a tough shot and setting up Gasol for an and one
The Lakers escaped with an OT win after Courtney Lee blew an open layup to win it
Kobe made a couple of big plays in OT hitting a tough shot and setting up Gasol for an and one
in Game 3, Kobe would go for 31/3/8 but Orlando would stay alive for their only win in the series
in Game 4, Kobe only shot 11/31, but finished with 32/7/8 and was HUGE in Overtime scoring the first 4 Laker PTS and setting up Fisher for what turned out to be a game winning 3
in Game 4, Kobe only shot 11/31, but finished with 32/7/8 and was HUGE in Overtime scoring the first 4 Laker PTS and setting up Fisher for what turned out to be a game winning 3
in Game 5, Kobe did it all to close the series out in Orlando and not have a repeat of 2000 Game 5 in Indiana
he finished with 30/6/5 with 2 Steals and 4 Blocks as the Lakers won 99-86 to secure his 4th NBA Title and 1st without Shaq
he finished with 30/6/5 with 2 Steals and 4 Blocks as the Lakers won 99-86 to secure his 4th NBA Title and 1st without Shaq
Against Denver and Orlando combined, these were Kobe's averages
33.3 PPG 5.7 RPG 6.5 APG 1.1 SPG
45.5 FG% 35.1 3p% 89.7 FT%
Performed at an insane level on the highest stage against great competition
33.3 PPG 5.7 RPG 6.5 APG 1.1 SPG
45.5 FG% 35.1 3p% 89.7 FT%
Performed at an insane level on the highest stage against great competition
Kobe's 2009 Playoff averages
Overall
30.2 PPG 5.3 RPG 5.5 APG 1.7 SPG
45.7 FG% 34.9 3p% 88.3 FT%
At Home
29.7 PPG 5.4 RPG 5.6 APG 1.8 SPG
48.3 FG% 32.6 3p% 88.1 FT%
10-2 Record
On Road
30.8 PPG 5.3 RPG 5.4 APG 1.5 SPG 1.1 BPG
43.1 FG% 36.7 3p% 88.5 FT%
6-5 Record
Overall
30.2 PPG 5.3 RPG 5.5 APG 1.7 SPG
45.7 FG% 34.9 3p% 88.3 FT%
At Home
29.7 PPG 5.4 RPG 5.6 APG 1.8 SPG
48.3 FG% 32.6 3p% 88.1 FT%
10-2 Record
On Road
30.8 PPG 5.3 RPG 5.4 APG 1.5 SPG 1.1 BPG
43.1 FG% 36.7 3p% 88.5 FT%
6-5 Record
He beat 3 50+ win teams and a 48 win team in this run
The average number of wins per Kobe's opponents was 53.5 wins
48 Win Jazz
53 Win Rockets
54 Win Nuggets
59 Win Magic
Kobe's competition was ELITE in his 09 title run
The average number of wins per Kobe's opponents was 53.5 wins
48 Win Jazz
53 Win Rockets
54 Win Nuggets
59 Win Magic
Kobe's competition was ELITE in his 09 title run
Another thing worth noting is that 3rd leading scorer Andrew Bynum wasnât healthy in the Playoffs as he averaged just 6 PPG in the run after missing 32 RS games. Kobeâs help was still great but not having his starting C play at a high level makes this run more impressive
All things considered I think 2009 playoff run is Kobeâs most impressive. He definitely had a lot of pressure to win as the main guy and he did it averaging 30 a game against very tough competition in the entire run
Some extra Highlights from Kobe's 08-09 season:
Kobe's 61 Point game against the Knicks
Kobe hits a game winner against the Pacers
Christmas Day 2008
Kobe posts 27 pts 9 reb 5 ast on 13/23 shooting in a win against the Celtics in 1st game against them since the Finals
Kobe scored/assisted on 12 of the final 13 Laker points in the win (4 pts 4 ast)
Kobe posts 27 pts 9 reb 5 ast on 13/23 shooting in a win against the Celtics in 1st game against them since the Finals
Kobe scored/assisted on 12 of the final 13 Laker points in the win (4 pts 4 ast)
6 Jan, 2009
Kobe erupts for a 20 Point 3rd Quarter shooting 8/9 from the field and 4/4 from 3 against the Hornets
Kobe erupts for a 20 Point 3rd Quarter shooting 8/9 from the field and 4/4 from 3 against the Hornets
Same game, amazing chasedown block by Kobe
Nov 28, 2008
Kobe goes for 35/6/5 against the Mavericks, takes over in the clutch
Kobe goes for 35/6/5 against the Mavericks, takes over in the clutch
Jan 19, 2009
Kobe drills 3 jumpers in Bron's face to start the 4th Quarter
Kobe drills 3 jumpers in Bron's face to start the 4th Quarter
Nov 9, 2008
Kobe Blocks McGrady then scores on him
Kobe Blocks McGrady then scores on him
Feb 24, 2009
Kobe cooks young KD
Kobe cooks young KD
Jan 2, 2009
Kobe drops 40/7/4 against the Jazz
Kobe drops 40/7/4 against the Jazz
March 1, 2009
Kobe goes for 49 Points against the Suns on the road
Kobe goes for 49 Points against the Suns on the road
Jan 14, 2009
Kobe hits a clutch go ahead 3 against the Spurs on the road
Kobe hits a clutch go ahead 3 against the Spurs on the road
March 12, 2009
Kobe hits a clutch 3 against the Spurs on the road once again
Kobe hits a clutch 3 against the Spurs on the road once again
March 17, 2009
Kobe hits a go ahead shot with 6 seconds left against the Sixers (Iguodala did hit a GW tho)
Kobe hits a go ahead shot with 6 seconds left against the Sixers (Iguodala did hit a GW tho)
March 27, 2009
Kobe makes an amazing behind the back assist to Pau
Kobe makes an amazing behind the back assist to Pau
Dec 20, 2008
Kobe dropped 41/8/3 against the Magic on the road in what turned out to be a Finals preview
Kobe dropped 41/8/3 against the Magic on the road in what turned out to be a Finals preview
Nov 11, 2008
Kobe takes over in the 4th against the Mavs on the road
Kobe takes over in the 4th against the Mavs on the road
Jan 13, 2009
Kobe with a clutch 4th Quarter against the Rockets on the road (2 months before the Ron Artest beef game)
Kobe with a clutch 4th Quarter against the Rockets on the road (2 months before the Ron Artest beef game)
March 11, 2009
Kobe destroys the Rockets in the clutch again scoring 18 points on 5/5 shooting in the final 6 minutes + had 2 steals and a block
Kobe destroys the Rockets in the clutch again scoring 18 points on 5/5 shooting in the final 6 minutes + had 2 steals and a block
4th Feb 2009
Kobe posts 36/7/5, takes over in the clutch against the Raptors in the road win
Kobe posts 36/7/5, takes over in the clutch against the Raptors in the road win
10th Feb 2009
Kobe drops 34 pts 7 reb on 50% shooting against OKC
Kobe drops 34 pts 7 reb on 50% shooting against OKC
Rookie Russ had no chance
5th Dec 2008
Kobe with an off the backboard assist to Pau Gasol
Kobe with an off the backboard assist to Pau Gasol
5th Dec 2008
Kobe banks in a clutch jumper in Washington
Kobe banks in a clutch jumper in Washington
20th Feb 2009
Kobe drops 39/5/5, takes over in OT to get the win against the Hornets
Kobe drops 39/5/5, takes over in OT to get the win against the Hornets
1st Nov 2008
Kobe drops 33/4/3, makes some clutch plays against Denver on the road
Kobe drops 33/4/3, makes some clutch plays against Denver on the road
3rd Dec 2008
Kobe drops 32/6/4 in the win against the Sixers on the road
Kobe drops 32/6/4 in the win against the Sixers on the road
Poor Iguodala
23rd Dec 2008
Kobe throws down a reverse dunk against the Hornets
Kobe throws down a reverse dunk against the Hornets
18th Nov 2008
Kobe with 2 behind the back assists to Pau Gasol in the same game against the Bulls
Kobe with 2 behind the back assists to Pau Gasol in the same game against the Bulls
9th Nov 2008
Kobe blocks Yao
Kobe blocks Yao
Dahntay Jones can't guard him
Great defense on Rip Hamilton
16 Dec 2008
Kobe drops 28/7/6/4s, scores 17 in the 2nd Half and makes multiple clutch shots against the Knicks in a comeback win
Kobe drops 28/7/6/4s, scores 17 in the 2nd Half and makes multiple clutch shots against the Knicks in a comeback win
22 Dec 2008
Kobe drops 36 Points on 14/23 Shooting against Memphis on the road, hits a go ahead 3 with 35 seconds left
Kobe drops 36 Points on 14/23 Shooting against Memphis on the road, hits a go ahead 3 with 35 seconds left
27 Jan 2009
Kobe drops 38/8/5 and goes crazy in the clutch before fouling out in OT
Kobe drops 38/8/5 and goes crazy in the clutch before fouling out in OT
24 Feb 2009
Kobe drops 36/4/5 and shoots 13/21 from the field and takes over in the 4th against the Thunder on the road
Kobe drops 36/4/5 and shoots 13/21 from the field and takes over in the 4th against the Thunder on the road
9 April 2009
Kobe drops 33 on 11/19 Shooting in a WCF preview against Denver
Kobe drops 33 on 11/19 Shooting in a WCF preview against Denver
7 Jan 2009
Kobe dunks on Turiaf
Kobe dunks on Turiaf
5 Feb 2009
Kobe blocks Garnett
Kobe blocks Garnett
18 Feb 2009
Kobe with a couple of wild blocks against the Warriors
Kobe with a couple of wild blocks against the Warriors
26 Feb 2009
Pau and Kobe connection >>
Pau and Kobe connection >>
15 Mar 2009
Kobe with a nice block on Jason Kidd
Kobe with a nice block on Jason Kidd
24 Mar 2009
Kobe blocks Durant
Kobe blocks Durant
CP3 and Kobe connection in the 2009 All-Star Game
Kobe's full 2009 All-Star game Hlts
27/4/4 and 4 steals, 12/23 FG, Co-MVP with Shaq
27/4/4 and 4 steals, 12/23 FG, Co-MVP with Shaq
19 Jan 2009
Kobe posts 20/6/12 and leads the Lakers to a home win against Brons Cavs in the battle of MVPs
Kobe posts 20/6/12 and leads the Lakers to a home win against Brons Cavs in the battle of MVPs
09 Playoffs R1 G1
Kobe seals the win with a nasty and one dunk
Kobe seals the win with a nasty and one dunk
09 Playoffs R1 G2
Nothing Ronnie Brewer could've done better defensively and Kobe still nailed the shot
Nothing Ronnie Brewer could've done better defensively and Kobe still nailed the shot
09 WCSF G3
Kobe blocks Yao TWICE
Kobe blocks Yao TWICE
That'll do for Highlights, all the other Playoff stuff was posted yesterday already
Kobe was absolutely special in 2008-09
Kobe was absolutely special in 2008-09
