Kobe Bryant 48 points 16 rebounds vs Kings 2000-01 Game 4
May 13th, 2001
Arco Arena
Sacramento, CA
Boxscore: http://www.basketball-reference.com/b...
Statline: 48 points, 16 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, 1 block, 15-29 FG, 1-1 3pt, 17-19 FT
The Lakers were coming off an amazing 14 game winning streak that started at the finale of the regular season and continued through the NBA Playoffs of 2001. They were 6 for 6 in the playoffs and had won 8 consecutive games to end the regular season. They were 3-0 in the NBA Semifinals against the very talented Sacramento Kings. However, Lakers star Kobe Bryant had been troubled by off the court issues. He came back from a weekend most 22 year olds couldn't handle. Just hours before the start of Game 3, Bryant had found out his wife Vanessa Laine had been taken to an emergency room. After being assured by doctors that his wife's life wasn't in danger, Bryant scored 36 points in the Lakers' victory and rushed home, only to find his wife sleeping off her undisclosed malady. After checking on his wife's health, he rushed back to Sacramento for Game 4.
People doubted he would have enough energy to play in Game 4. He proved them wrong. On a series of putbacks, floaters, facials, and tough jumpshots, he to make up for Shaq's foul troubles put up 48 points and 16 rebounds to help LA close out the Sacramento Kings in Game 4. Bryant would go on to say that the off the court issues "weren't a distraction at all."
Notes: This is also the same game where Kobe throws down the famous posterization on Vlade Divac.