Yesterday, January 22, was an anniversary dear to the NBA , because it was the emblem of one of its most significant historical moments.
Protagonist of the event that took place in 2006 is Kobe Bryant , who in the match against the Toronto Raptors marked the beginning of his brilliant career. On that occasion the player managed to score 81 points , recording the second best score of all time.
Kobe Bryant gave a decisive turn to a match that did not start very well for his team, the Lakers, but with his free throws and exceptional determination, the American player upset the result and won a historic victory for 122- 104.
His numbers in that match
Here they are: 21/33 from two points, 7/13 from three points and 18/20 on free throws, to which must be added 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals and 1 block. 14 points in the first quarter, 12 in the second and two frightening achievements of 27 and 28 points in the two final quarters, to be relived in this video.
I leave both opponents and fans speechless and even his coach, Phil Jackson , who comments on his performance:
I have seen so many games in my career, but I have never seen anything like it
. @ Kobebryant81 Point Game (Jan. 22, 2006) ”We are on a journey, and to put on a show like this for the fans here in LA is truly something special. I grew up in front of these people, and now they are seeing me as an older young man. ” (28/46 FG; 7/13 3PT; 18/20 FT) pic.twitter.com/duCVto4tlN
– NBA History (@NBAHistory) January 22, 2018
A result that has fully entered the history of basketball, also because it seems that Bryant was not feeling very well shortly before the meeting, as I told reporters himself:
Until the warm-up I felt terrible, my knees hurt and they were stiff
But Kobe Bryant is not only famous for this incredible result, because shortly after, in 2007 he reached another important historical milestone: becoming the fourth player in the history of basketball capable of scoring at least 50 points in 3 consecutive games. A record he shares with illustrious NBA names such as Wilt Chamberlain, Michael Jordan and Elgin Baylor.
In short, Bryant remains a legend in the historical register of the NBA and is second only to another player who, many years before him, reached a record never surpassed so far. This is Wilt Chamberlain, who in 1962 reached 100 points , conquering the absolute record.
Recognized as one of the strongest ever since, Chamberlain led his team, the Philadelphia Warriors, to victory over their opponents, the New York Knicks. And he too was hailed for setting other important records, all in the same game.
In fact, there is talk of a greater number of baskets scored with a shot from the field (36) and greater number of free throws made in a match (28). Again, as happened for Kobe Bryant who signed 81 points without being in perfect shape, Chamberlain amazes for a record achieved despite not being the best in free throws.
It seems that in that match he decided to change his style and this was a decisive change for him. And to add even more amazement to a performance never equaled so far and a hangover that Chamberlain carried with him before starting to play.
In spite of everything, from that March 2, 1962 he became a historic NBA champion . Only one regret accompanies his story: having given up on that special technique that made him famous in that famous game, the granny shot.
Perhaps he could have even surpassed his own record, but now we just have to wait for the next champion who will try to match or exceed the legendary performances of Chamberlain and Bryant.