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Ranking Kobe Bryant’s top 10 games against the Detroit Pistons

By Riley Nisbet

AUBURN HILLS, MI - MARCH 6: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers removes his protective mask during a game against the Detroit Pistons on March 6, 2012 at The Palace of Auburn Hills in Auburn Hills, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2012 NBAE (Photo by J. Dennis/Einstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
AUBURN HILLS, MI - MARCH 6: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers removes his protective mask during a game against the Detroit Pistons on March 6, 2012 at The Palace of Auburn Hills in Auburn Hills, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2012 NBAE (Photo by J. Dennis/Einstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /

1. June 8, 2004

Following the aforementioned media favoritism of the Los Angeles Lakers preceding the 2004 NBA Finals, the series is humorously referred to by Detroit Pistons fans as a five-game sweep after it fell in favor of the Pistons.

That joke comes at the cost of a Game 2 loss following a clutch shot by Kobe with 2.1 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter that tied the game at 89. The Lakers would go on to win in overtime 99-91 and even the series at one game apiece before the Pistons would win the next three games and claim the title.

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However amazing this shot, and how representative of clutch-Kobe it may be, Kobe’s Game 2 performance was far-and-away his best of the series. Detroit’s defense proved to be the real deal for the other four games of the series, but in Game 2, Kobe would be too much for it and rack up 33 points on 14-of-27 shooting.

Perhaps most indicative of the Mamba-mentality, Kobe’s game-tying shot would be his only 3-pointer during that game after missing his four other attempts.

While most Pistons fans may remember this game with anguish and disgust, it’s hard to deny Kobe’s Game 2 performance as a classic Kobe outing. Looking back, especially knowing the Pistons go on to win the series, not even the most true Pistons fan can help but respect Kobe as an elite competitor who made the series win even more rewarding.

Next. Pistons top 30 moments of all-time. dark

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