Jan. 29, 2012
33 years, 159 days
When Minnesota rallied from an 18-point deficit to take a one-point lead with three minutes left, the Lakers turned to Kobe Bryant.
Andrew Bynum started Los Angeles’ 13-7 game-ending run, but Bryant hit back-to-back clutch buckets on the following possessions to power the 106-101 win.
“I don’t know if he’s the best (player) or not, but in the last quarter, for sure,” Minnesota’s Ricky Rubio told reporters. “Maybe during 48 minutes there are players like LeBron (James) and Derrick Rose who can be in that top position. But at the end of the game, he’s the best.”
Bryant racked up 35 points and 14 rebounds, while doing most of his damage in the second half. He poured in 13 points in the third quarter and shot 4-of-5 in the final one. In the process he became the Lakers franchise leader in field goals made.
Bryant shot 14-of-29 from the field, including 5-of-9 on 3-pointers, while Pau Gasol added 28 points (11-of-15). Their combined efforts helped Los Angeles fend off Kevin Love (33 points, 13 rebounds) and co.
Minnesota had significant leads in several categories, including offensive rebounds (24-7) and fast-break points (16-0), but the Lakers simply outshot their hosts, hitting 50.6 percent to the Wolves’ 38.5 percent.
Kobe performances on this day in history: