Sam Mitchell is not the head coach of the Toronto Raptors anymore, but he can’t run and hide from Kobe Bryant. As if dropping 81 points on Mitchell’s Raptors in 2006 wasn’t enough, Bryant decided to give him a parting gift in the form of 38 points, five assists and five rebounds in the Los Angeles Lakers’ 119-115 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday.
The Lakers controlled most of the game, but let the Timberwolves back in the game in the fourth quarter before Bryant put them away with a jumper with 26.4 seconds left, followed by six straight free throws. It was a vintage performance by the five-time NBA champion as he managed to turn back father time yet again, connecting on seven of his 11 three-point shot attempts.
Only 31 games remain in Bryant’s career, but nights like tonight show that the Lakers legend is giving fans everything that he has left.
If you missed the game, here’s what you missed. If you just want to watch it again, we don’t blame you.