After going undefeated through the first three rounds of the 2001 NBA Playoffs, the Los Angeles Lakers faltered in Game 1 of the NBA Finals, losing to the Philadelphia 76ers in overtime.
But L.A. fought back to win Game 2, setting up a highly anticipated Game 3 back in Pennsylvania.
It was also a homecoming for Kobe Bryant, who was born and raised in the Philly area.
Although the Sixers’ perpetually rabid fans didn’t appreciate Bryant’s return, he didn’t care, and he set about the task of bringing the Larry O’Brien Trophy home to L.A. for a second straight year.
He scored 32 points, and in the second quarter, he went through a torrid stretch, during which he hit eight straight field goals.
The Lakers led 55-45 at halftime, but Bryant went cold in the second half, and not coincidentally, their lead diminished.
Luckily, with 47.2 seconds left in the fourth quarter and L.A. clinging to a one-point advantage, Robert Horry hit a 3-pointer to seal a 96-91 win and a 2-1 series lead.
The Sixers, for all their heart and courage, didn’t threaten the Lakers again in the series, as Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal and crew took the NBA championship in five games.
