101-99. The Lakers narrowly defeated the San Antonio Spurs in overtime on the road, taking a 3-1 series lead.
Duncan stood beneath the basket, watching the ball fall through the hoop without expression. But his fists were clenched.
On the Spurs' final possession, Duncan caught the ball at the high post, with Kobe switching onto him. Duncan backed him down, turned, and rose for a jumper—Kobe's fingertips touched the ball, altering its trajectory.
The ball bounced off the rim. The game was over.
TNT's cameras immediately caught Kobe's reaction.
The 21-year-old stood at center court, fists clenched, and let out a roar.
His teammates rushed over and surrounded him. Glen Rice patted his head, while Horace Grant shook him hard by the shoulders.
"Kobe Bryant!" Kevin Harlan shouted from the broadcast booth. "Five straight points in crunch time—a three-pointer, a deadly mid-range jumper, and a game-deciding block! This is the birth of a superstar!"
O'Neal charged over from the bench and scooped Kobe up in a hug. He could only sit and watch over the final 1 minute and 38 seconds, but Kobe had completed the job for him.
"I told you!" O'Neal roared at the cameras. "This is our era! This is the era of our Lakers!"
In the postgame interview area, Kobe was surrounded by reporters. His jersey was soaked through with sweat, beads still hanging from his forehead, but his eyes shone with excitement.
"Kobe, you scored five straight points at the end of overtime. What were you thinking at the time?" A Los Angeles Times reporter held a microphone out to him.
Kobe wiped the sweat from his face, a faint smile on his lips. "I was thinking, Shaq was out, so it was my turn. That simple."
"You said you'd advance at home. Now you're