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 Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /

6. January 29, 2006

Despite meeting in the Finals less than two years prior, by the 2005-06 season, it became clear that the Los Angeles Lakers and the Detroit Pistons organizations were heading in two opposite directions.

In their first match-up of the year, the Lakers came to Auburn Hills, Michigan with a meager 23-19 record to meet the 36-5 Pistons. Although the records would be a predictor of the game’s final score — the Pistons taking it handily, 102-93 — Kobe would go off for 39 points.

After the Lakers traded Shaquille O’Neal to the Miami Heat following the 2004 season, Kobe became a centerpiece for the teams’ offense, and that was on full display in this game.

Memories from The Palace of Auburn Hills. light. Must Read

Bryant had a game-high usage percentage of 37.7%, and he would add six rebounds and three assists to his stat line.

This game is a prime example of a defensive strategy that is forced to let Kobe be Kobe. Sometimes it worked. Sometimes it did not work. Without Shaq down low, the Pistons were able to impose their defense in other areas and simply do as best they could on Kobe.

Kobe routinely made even the best defensive lineups seem filled with gaps, and the Goin’-to-Work Pistons, even at their prime, were not immune.

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