April 9, 2009
30 years, 229 days
In a preview of the 2009 Western Conference Finals, Kobe Bryant gave Denver a taste of what was to come, dropping 33 points to lead the Lakers to a 116-102 victory.
Pau Gasol added 27 points and 19 rebounds, while Andrew Bynum pitched in 16 points for Los Angeles’ fifth straight win.
Bryant shot 11-of-19 from the field and 9-of-10 a the free throw line to counter Carmelo Anthony’s 23 points.
Denver took a 64-63 lead midway through the third quarter, but Bryant, Gasol and Bynum then keyed a 19-5 run to take the advantage for good.
In fact, the Lakers outscored their visitors in the second half, 60-46, after playing to a 56-point tie in the first.
L.A. also hit 37 free throws on the night, while Denver made 25.
Kobe performances on this day in history: