Kobe Bryant Proving Impact In Final Season
North Will Always Lead You Home
Dec 9, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant (24) hugs Minnesota Timberwolves forward
Kevin Garnett(21) before the game at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
The night began as one of the final matches between Kobe Bryant and Kevin Garnett. Along with the Mamba, Garnett was one of the biggest stars to enter the NBA straight out of high school in the 90’s.
Their duels during Garnett’s time in Boston are storied, and KG is one of the few players in the league who can jaw back-and-forth at Bryant’s level.
While Bryant entered double figures with 11 points, the nights spotlight was on the NBA’s new stars.
Bryant sat out the fourth quarter that saw youngsters D’Angelo Russell, Julius Randle, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Andrew Wiggins battle it out in Minnesota.
At the end of regulation, the final shot that so often went to #24 went to the Lakers newest member in Russell who delivered in true Mamba fashion to send the game into overtime.
Minnesota would go on to win on the final play, but the enduring image was Kobe celebrating and cheering for his young teammates.
*Note: The Lakers return to San Antonio on February 6. Their match-up with the Spurs during this road trip is omitted as it is not Bryant’s final game at the AT&T Center.