2020 was a rough year for everyone. Amid an enormous pandemic that had basically shut the world down, people were forced to isolate themselves inside their homes for months, forced to watch as countless others suffered the loss of their loved ones.
For the NBA, they were in uncharted water, as their own mini-outbreak forced a shutdown of all activities.
When the action finally did pick up again, players were forced to pick up their things and live in isolation on a bubble in Orlando and perform in a stadium with empty seats.
Amid all this chaos, the Los Angeles Lakers found the light at the end of the tunnel, proving all the haters and doubters wrong to lift the Larry O’Brien trophy in a run that had never been seen before.
One of the most exciting moments of the season, of course, came exactly one year ago, when Anthony Davis single-handedly secured his team the victory in Game 2 of the Conference Finals.
In a Kobe-Esque jumper from beyond the arc, Davis rose with seconds on the clock to seal the deal for L.A.
One year ago today, @antdavis23 won Game 2 of the Conference Finals with his iconic Mamba Shot 〰🐍 pic.twitter.com/palZCGzyz4
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) September 20, 2021
At the time, it was a much-needed distraction and burst of excitement for fans, who got to see a hungry A.D. at his peak as L.A. grew a step closer towards their goal.
Even now, folks can’t help but look back fondly on that moment:
“KOBE!” pic.twitter.com/gS38JE7ozu
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) September 20, 2021
Bubble AD was different
— Dee (@DWash_) September 20, 2021
Ad break the nugget bench that day 😂😂😂
— Hondo⛓️🛡️💰🇵🇸 (@IssahRakitic) September 20, 2021
Best pf in the league
— ً (@WooBackup_) September 20, 2021
https://twitter.com/Lethal__Alex/status/1439984822668042246
1 year ago today, Anthony Davis hit the “KOBE” shot pic.twitter.com/tgbx8mCdEk
— Lakers Lead (@LakersLead) September 20, 2021
It’s been one year since Anthony Davis’ yelled ‘Kobe!’ after hitting a game-winning, buzzer-beating 3-point shot over the Nuggets in the WCF 🔥 pic.twitter.com/oiShx5I6vU
— Bronupdates (@Bronupdates) September 20, 2021
It’s been a year since @AntDavis23 made this shot and yelled “Kobe!” after making it. pic.twitter.com/9b51JFKwbs
— JONLI (@ILNOJ) September 20, 2021
As you can tell by the Tweets, it isn’t lost on anyone that Davis gave a shoutout to Kobe Bryant after nailing the shot, a clear nod to the legend who had died just months before.
All-in-all, it was an awesome shot for various reasons, and not one that Lakers fans will ever forget. Not only did it bring joy in a time of great grief, but it also helped the team capture banner number 17.
No doubt, the 28-year-old has plenty more of these moments left in him.
