When Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal Dominated the NBA During Their Championship Run in 2001
Follow Us
Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal’s beef is one of the most iconic in the history of any sport. However, their rivalry never hindered their chemistry on the court, and the two of them were en route to defend their first NBA Championship in 2001, that too against the Philadelphia 76ers and their superstar Allen Iverson. How did this dominant season turn into their second straight NBA title, is a journey worth reminiscing.
How the Lakers and Philadelphia 76ers fared in the playoffs
This dynamic duos opponent had established himself as one of the best point guards in the game. Popularly known as “The Answer”, Allen Iverson’s crossovers and jump shots had made their way into fans’ hearts. And his run to the NBA Finals became although more special because of the limited support he had for the rest of his teammates.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The Los Angeles Lakers, on the other hand, had already become title favorites, with Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal‘s duo becoming the best the league had ever seen. But before these two teams entered the court for their ultimate battle, they had experienced two different roads.
Trending
Shaq Makes Big Claim That Can End LeBron James’ Future With Lakers After Nuggets Series
April 17, 2024 06:48 PM EDT
Possible Shohei Ohtani Ban From MLB Has Shaq Questioning $700 Million Contract
April 16, 2024 05:20 PM EDT
7’4 Victor Wembanyama, Accused of Disrespecting Knicks Star, Gets MVP Shout-Out From Unbothered Jalen Brunson
April 19, 2024 02:58 PM EDT
Why Is Gabbie Marshall Not Invited to the 2024 WNBA Draft Despite Graduating From Iowa?
April 13, 2024 06:21 PM EDT
Is Dawn Staley Married? Details on South Carolina Coach’s Love Life and Special Bond With Lisa Boyer
March 16, 2024 06:41 PM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest NBA stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
In the Eastern Conference, the Philadelphia 76ers first had to get past the Indiana Pacers in the first round, whom they defeated 3-1. However, their other two rounds turned into vigorous seven-game series, first against the Toronto Raptors and then the Milwaukee Bucks.
In the Western Conference side of things, the Lakers had swept each and every team. From the Portland Trail Blazers, Sacramento Kings to the San Antonio Spurs. They created history as no other team had such a high winning percentage in the playoffs. It wasn’t until 2017 that the Golden State Warriors broke this incredible record.
WATCH THIS STORY: Ranking Kobe Bryant’s Five Championship Runs With the Los Angeles Lakers
Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal’s face-off with Allen Iverson
When the two teams finally met in Game 1 of the 2001 NBA Finals, it turned out to be the thriller everyone had hoped for. Shaq ended the night with a whopping 44 points and 20 rebounds, but Allen Iverson one-upped him. He had 48 points, taking the game into overtime, and triumphed over this deadly duo.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
This game also witnessed one of his most iconic shots, where his crossover against Tyronn Lue was an ankle breaker and then dropped the bucket. He was then seen stepping over the Lakers’ bench.
Unfortunately, the rest of the series was a cakewalk for the purple and gold. Only Game 3 went a bit head to head, but Shaq and Kobe’s dominance helped them win four straight games and reclaiming their crown.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Shaq was able to bag another Finals MVP award, and the two won another NBA championship next season. If it wasn’t for their rivalry, they probably could have won more, changing the Lakers’ legacy for good. But all good things come to an end, and so did this. Although Kobe ended up winning two more rings afterward, nothing compared to this incredible run he had with his “frenemy” Shaq.
‘Acting Like Brats’: Former Lakers Teammate Reveals the Crux of Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal Rivalry