The Los Angeles Lakers started the 2002-03 season in dismal fashion, losing 19 of their first 30 games. By April, though, they had seemingly regained their mojo.
They won 31 of their final 40 games. Although they finished with just 50 wins overall and the fifth seed in the Western Conference, many still considered them co-favorites for yet another NBA title.
On April 20, 2003, the three-time defending world champion Lakers opened the playoffs by taking on Kevin Garnett and the Minnesota Timberwolves, and Kobe Bryant made sure L.A.’s momentum continued.
He tallied 39 points, 28 of them coming in the first half, plus eight assists as the Lakers took a 66-52 halftime lead and took the contest, 117-98.
Shaquille O’Neal added 32 points, 10 rebounds and five blocked shots.
The Lakers would soon start to run out of gas, but on that day, all seemed well once again for them as they went after a fourth straight crown.
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