When Kobe Bryant & Shaquille O'Neal combined to drop 62 pts on June 10, 2001; watch video

On June 10, 2001, Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal combined to stun Philadelphia Eagles at  First Union Center, Philadelphia to win Game 3 of 2001 NBA Finals. Kobe Bryant, who passed away earlier this year, scored 32 points, while his strike partner, Shaquille O'Neal scored 30 points to help Lakers to a 96-91 win as well as gain a 2-1 advant in NBA Finals. 

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Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O'Neal shine as Lakers snatch an advant in series

Despite losing opening game of series at home to Allen Iverson-led Eagles, Lakers bounced back in Game 2 to level series. After two back-to-back games at Staples Center, Kobe Bryant and Lakers headed to Philadelphia for Game 3. While a home advant suggested Eagles could run away with series, Lakers stomped ir authority in Finals with a dominating win. 

With Lakers looking to win back-to-back championships, Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal stepped up task to snatch game away from Eagles. After a 25-25 finish to Q1, Lakers took a healthy 10 point lead to half-time, leading 55-45. A late comeback from Eagles went in vain despite winning final two-quarters of game.

Philadelphia Eagles handed advant to Phil Jackson's side, an advant that Lakers would make full use of to win 2001 NBA championship.  Lakers went onto win Game 4 and Game 5 to win series, helping m back-to-back titles, a feat y would better following season by winning a three-peat. 

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But sticking with pivotal Game 3 of series, Kobe Bryant added six rebounds and three assists to complement his 30-point show. Shaqulle O'Neal was equally impressive on night with his 30 points, 12 rebounds and three assists performance. On opposing end, Allen Iverson continued stellar form by added 35 points, 12 rebounds and four assists. Iverson was named MVP that season.

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Kobe Bryant Lakers career

Having joined franchise in 1996, Kobe Bryant went on to lead Lakers to five NBA championships, winning two NBA Finals MVP along away. Bryant was also named league's MVP in 2007-08 season. He finished his career with 33,643 points at an aver of 25 points per game. 

Shaquille O'Neal: Shaq Lakers career

Switching attention to three-time NBA Finals MVP with Lakers, Shaquille O'Neal left franchise in 2004 after a well-documented feud with Kobe Bryant. Shaquille O'Neal was named NBA MVP in 1999-20 season. After leaving franchise, Shaquille O'Neal won his fourth NBA title and fourth NBA Finals MVP accolade in 2006 with Miami Heat. Shaquille O'Neal finished his career with 28,596 points at an aver of 23.7 points per game. 

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