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

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

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 Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images) /

9. December 10, 2000 & March 15, 2001

Following his rookie season, Bryant would not score more than seven points against the Detroit Pistons until the 2000-01 season.

However, the the Lakers were coming off a championship campaign, successfully defending their 2000 title, and would eventually go on to repeat as NBA champions for the second time.

In the two team’s first match-up of the 2000-01 season, Kobe would find his stride on the way to a 26-point performance. Behind this outing, the Lakers would go to secure a 24-point win.

what could have been. Pistons almost traded Grant Hill for Kobe Bryant. light

However, that would not be Bryant’s best outing against the Pistons that season, and the Lakers would go on to earn a season sweep of the Pistons.

In the teams’ second match-up that year, Bryant would outshine his previous performance. In a 125-119 overtime win for the Lakers, Kobe played 48 minutes and posted 39 points on 16-of-28 shooting.

This would be Kobe’s first 30-point game against the Detroit Pistons. Eight of Kobe’s points would come in overtime to help secure the win for the Lakers. In addition to a strong offensive performance, Kobe also notched five rebounds, seven assists and three steals.

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