Ranking Kobe Bryant’s 6 best performances against the Houston Rockets

3. 52 points on February 18th, 2003

The Los Angeles Lakers accomplished a rare feat in the three years leading up to the 2002-03 season, as they pulled off a 3-peat by winning three consecutive championships. Although Kobe had already become a four-time All-Star heading into this particular season, he displayed his best work upto that point.

Kobe scored more points that season that any of his previous seasons and had career highs in 3-point percentage as well. Kobe averaged 30 points per game and shot 38.3 percent from deep, which ultimately became the best 3-point clip of his 20-year career.

During the Lakers’ February 18th matchup against the Houston Rockets, the Lakers were short-handed as they were without the services of Shaquille O’Neal, which Kobe was able to make up for. Kobe scored 52 points on 50 percent from the floor and got to the free-throw line 11 times while making each free-throw.

Kobe added eight rebounds, seven assists and three blocks, while also nailing three triples, which was a game-high. Kobe had a true shooting percentage of 60.7 percent and carried the Lakers to a 106-99 victory, as he was the Lakers’ leading scorer in each quarter of the game.

Kobe went 2-2 against the Houston Rockets during the 2002-03 season and posted a statline of 37.8 points per game on 44 percent of his attempts while also making 33.3 percent from downtown. Kobe dropped 46 on the Rockets during their first matchup of the season but it wasn’t enough as the Lakers lost 93-89.

Next: No. 2