Playing against and defending Kobe Bryant wasn’t exactly an assignment many players looked forward to. But with an opportunity to compete against one of his idols, Paul George made sure to make his last against Bryant memorable. While reflecting on his blackout moment heading into the game on a recent episode of ‘Podcast P with Paul George”, he said:
“When I was able to play Kob, at that moment, it was Kob’s last year. So he was just trying to get through that last season, he was sitting some games off. He was trying to manage, but he was still trying to finish that season.”
George added that he was tracking the games Bryant was taking off or missing just to see if he would be playing during the game against the Pacers. When he saw that Bryant would be available, the forward was ecstatic.
“It was a blackout moment. I knew this was the last chance I get to play against him. I got Kob. Don’t nobody match up with Kob, it’s me and him tonight.”
The forward added that he wasn’t sure whether Bryant would be available for the game, as the Lakers star had been listed as “probable” in the injury reports. But when he saw Bryant at the shootaround before the game, George knew that he would be playing.
“It was a one-on-one, and I for sure wanted to beat Kob, and we was able to win. It was one of those iconic games for me, as far as going back and forth.”
George didn’t just take on the task of guarding Bryant; he wanted it. And the result only showed how much the game meant to him. The Indiana Pacers emerged victorious after an 89-87 bout against the Los Angeles Lakers, with George notching the win against Bryant.
The Lakers legend, even in his final season, had a fairly solid game. He dropped 19 points and five assists for the night. Unfortunately, he was outplayed by the younger Pacers forward, who recorded 21 points, nine rebounds, two assists, two blocks, and a steal.
In a career head-to-head against the Lakers legend, George has enjoyed much success, securing a 4-1 record against Bryant before he retired. The performances against some of the best players in the league also spurred the forward’s rise to stardom.
After 15 years in the league, George has racked up an impressive resume. With 9x All-Star selections, 6x All-NBA selections, and 4x All-Defensive selections, the 35-year-old is one of the finest two-way players to have ever played the game.
But George is also, unfortunately, one of the NBA’s most unfortunate superstars. With injuries derailing his career at crucial junctures, the forward never fully realized his peak. Now with the Philadelphia 76ers, the forward will hope to cement his legacy with an NBA title to his name.
