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csantos45 · 5 years ago

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8/24

I dont know were to start with this but on Sunday, January 26, 2020 the world lost a living legend by the name of Kobe Bean Bryant. Words cant describe how I felt earlier when I first heard the news. I didnt want to believe it at all, I was praying and hoping that it was all fake. Then Adrian Wojnarowski whos one of the biggest sports reporters dropped his infamous woj bomb...but it was one woj bomb I wish he didnt drop. He confirm that Kobe has passed away in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California. Not only that but his daughter GiGi along with Coach Alltobelli, Wife Keri and daughter Alyassa were also part of the Crash😔My whole body was in shock, like it was numb, I felt cold, and it seem like the world just stop for a moment. It was one of those things that you couldnt believe that it actually happened. Until now, I'm still in disbelief with the news. Anyways, I just wanna share the impact Kobe had on me on as a player/fan of the game.

As a fan growing up kobe was my Michael Jordan of my era. He had the moves like MJ, the swag, and that killer instinct when needed. He would never back down from anybody, he didnt care who and how good you were. He went into every game knowing that he was gonna destroy you or whoever was guarding him. Kobe just had that mentality, like he said before "once you smell the blood, you gotta go in for the kill!" Thats were the Mamba mentality takes over, once he gets into that mode its pretty much GG and your best bet is hoping to contain him. Just ask Alvin Gentry and Jalen Rose, they know about it.

He would also destroy you mentally, and take you out your game. If you were weak, best believe he will expose you and you that against you. No matter how good of player you are, once he got in your head. That was it, he already won before the game even started. He would probably dap you up before the game, have a nice conversation with you, and just catch up. Once tip-off starts though thats it, be prepared because it was going to be a long night of buckets and trash talking.

I always knew whenever Kobe was playing, it was must watch Television. Especially the 2009-2010 season were he had like multiple game winners, but the one that stuck to me the most was the one he hit on Wade and the heat! Down two with like 3-4 seconds left, Kobe hit a One foot leaning to the left Dirk type jumper off the backboard to seal the win for the Lakeshow. Kobe was having a bad shooting night too, he went 3-15 I believe (correct me if Im wrong) but that shot was crazy and the reaction from Flash was Priceless.

A other favorite Kobe moment, actually performance of mine would be his game 6 performance against the Suns in the 2010 Western Conference Finals. Shoutouts to my best friend but man Kobe was giving them the business, shot after shot. Not just your average jumpers but hand in the face contested like crazy jumpers, I remember one he hit on Grant Hill. Grant was playing amazing defense, didnt fall for Kobes pump fakes but somehow Kobe still found a way to score and afterwards gave Alvin Gentry a slap on the butt. Mamba was definitely cashing out that game and that performance will always be one of my favorites.

As a student of the game, watching kobe from his afro days to the switch up from 8 to 24 in the 06-07 season. His game transition pretty well as he got older. When he was rocking 8, his game was mostly based off of athleticism and hot/cold streaks when it came to shooting. Now dont get me wrong his jumper was getting there but it wasnt as consistent when he switch to 24. His defense was good, not great yet but good. Imo he was always a solid defender. He did keep AI in check when they met in the finals in 2001, except that game one. Other then the 3 peat he had with Shaq, and arguably the best duo of time. His most memorable moment though with the number 8, would have to be his 81 point performance against Toronto. The second most points in a game in NBA history and to do it at Staples Center, Amazing!

Imo though when Kobe switch to 24, thats when he peaked and was the best version of himself. thats when his game went to another level. He was more sound on offense and better discipline on defense. from his off season workouts with Hakeem to improve his footwork to endless sideline to sideline shuffles to improve his defense and his fadeway was unguardable. All he needed was a little bit of room to get it off, and no matter how good of a contest you got. if you didnt block it that was it, It was going in. His offense was so smooth and the amount of detail he put into every move was a beautiful thing to watch. Equivalent to the sweet science of boxing! Such a gifted player on both sides of the ball, he was such an enjoyment to watch.

Another thing that is lowkey slept on with Kobe was his defense. We all knew how great of a scorer he was, and didnt pay that much attention to his defense. Honestly, he is probably one of the best on ball defenders of all time. He would fight through screens, switch on everything, and always wanted to guard the teams best player and that right there shows how much he cares about defense. Not only hes clamping up your teams best player but hes also giving you buckets on the other end! He always wanted a challenge and never back down from one.

Lastly before I wrap this up, his work ethic was undeniable. He was never satisfied with himself, he would always work on something until he perfected it. No matter how small or big the challenge was, he was gonna do it and do it right too! The mamba hated failing, his work ethic was shown throughout the years and his game spoke for itself. He earned everything, nothing was giving and unfortunately thats rare to see nowadays.

The game will truely miss you Kobe😔Thank you for all the memories you shared with us, everything you taught us, all your accomplishments on and off the court will always be remembered, but most importantly Thank you for everything you have done for the game. The impact you made on everybody! From all the athletes, celebrities, fans, and people who dont follow the sport like that. They all showing you love, that right there, the impact you made on us is remarkable. A Dad, Husband, Role Model, Friend, and a Legend gone way too soon! May You, GiGi, John, Keri, and Alyassa Rest Easy!🙏🙏 #Mamba #MambaMentality🐍