“Only Top Players Could Do What He Did at That Moment”: Pau Gasol Explains How Kobe Bryant Made Big-Time Plays During NBA Finals

Kobe Bryant was one of the greatest shooting guards in the history of the NBA. Throughout his 20 years of basketball career, he gave fans countless memorable moments. Establishing standards and setting records were just a few of them. There are many standout performances he’s had with the Los Angeles Lakers.

As a part of a conversation between JJ Redick and Pau Gasol on The Old Man and The Three podcast, JJ talked about his favorite Kobe moment. The discussion was about the 2009 NBA Finals between The Orlando Magic and The Lakers. During their discussion, they highlighted Kobe’s moves and how he played to become one of the greatest players in NBA history. 

2009 was one of the years Lakers and Bryant won the title. Throughout his career, he won five championships. With the franchise’s 15th NBA championship, they showed a fantastic performance by defeating the Magic, four games to one. The overtime play featuring Bryant, Derek Fisher, and Gasol in Game 2 will also live in the memory.

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In the conversation, they discussed the situation when Gasol and Bryant played together. It was a fantastic performance, as Gasol described how Bryant exemplified legendary characteristics through his performance, thinking, and style of play. As a basketball player, his hard work and dedication made him a success.

Gasol talked about Kobe Bryant’s performance in the 2009 NBA Finals

As part of the conversation, Gasol explained how Kobe made big-time plays in the NBA Finals. He talks about how he prepares himself before a game. And how top players like him play during a game. According to him:

“I think you have to kind of prepare and have work to make a play like that under those circumstances under that moment. And he put himself, I think mentally.” Gasol said.

Furthermore, he mentioned: “I think he’s been there already. He’s put himself there to be able to make that read that plays keep his composure and not let the emotions take over. Let me just try to create contact and get to the line that would be something that a normal player or higher level player would do, but only the top players ever could do what he did at that moment.”

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Every game Bryant played was like his last one. His commitment, focus, and total dedication to the match are what make each game memorable. If you have any favorite Bryant moments from his NBA career, please let us know in the comments section.