‘Thanks for showing me the way, Kobe Bryant’: How Lakers legend’s game-winning 3 changed Dwyane Wade’s mindset forever

11 years ago this day, Kobe Bryant hit an insane game-winning 3 over Dwyane Wade to net his first of 7 gamewinners.

One of the biggest things that separate a good player from a great player is their clutch ability. Being clutch means to be able to perform in situations of tremendous pressure. Basically, the ability to perform in the final 5 minutes of a game where the point differential is 5 or less.

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Kobe Bryant was probably one of the most clutch players we have ever seen. His ability to take over and do whatever his team needed him to was on a different level altogether. 11 years ago, on 4th December 2009, the Lakers were trailing the Heat 105-107 with 3.2 seconds on the clock. Kobe got the inbounds pass and shot a very difficult 3 off the glass over Dwyane Wade from the top of the key to win the game.

“Thanks for showing me the way. #MambaMentality”: Dwyane Wade

2018-19 was D Wade’s final season in the league. In his final home game against the Warriors, the Heat were down 123-125. 4.8 seconds on the clock, Wade lines for a 3 from the top of the key. Jordan Bell blocks the first attempt, Wade gets the loose ball, and launches a wild 3. It banks in. Miami wins 126-125.

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After the incredible finish, Wade in his interview thanked Kobe. He reminisced the time Kobe made that shot over him and wondered how did Kobe do it. When the time came, ‘The Flash’ found the way and thanked the ‘Black Mamba’ for showing him the #MambaMentality.

On this date in 2009, Kobe Bryant hit the INSANE running, off-the-glass buzzer beater over Dwyane Wade and the Miami Heat.

10 years later, D-Wade hit a buzzer-beater against Golden State and thanked Kobe for “showing [him] the way. Mamba Mentality.” 🙏🎯 pic.twitter.com/pUoQ64txGW

— NBA Buzz (@OfficialNBABuzz) December 4, 2020

Kobe Bryant and Dwyane Wade are the greatest players ever for their franchises. Their impact on the game is indelible.