Today marks the 7th anniversary of Los Angeles Lakers G Kobe
Bryant’s 81-point game against Toronto Raptors. I remember the game not just
because it was such a remarkable game by Kobe, but that it was also my 12th
birthday.
The
2005-2006 NBA season was not a successful one for the Lakers as they lost in
the first round of the Western Conference Playoffs against the Phoenix Suns in
seven games. Bryant carried the Lakers during that season as he averaged an
incredible 35.4 points per game, more than 20 points more than F Lamar Odom who
averaged 14.8. Kobe also had 20 40 point games, four 50 point games, and one 60
point game.
The game
started as a usual Kobe game as he did everything he could to keep his team in
the game as he scored 26 points in the first half but the Lakers were down
63-49. Coming out of half, Bryant was angry that his team was down 14 to a team
that they could easily beat and scored 27 points in the third quarter as the
Lakers finally got their first lead of the game.
As I was
sitting on the couch watching this remarkable accomplishment, my dad told me
that it was time for me to go to bed because since I was still a young kid, I
needed my rest. I told him that Kobe had 53 points through three quarters and I
was not going to bed. He allowed me to stay up. The fourth quarter was all
about Bryant as he scored 28 of the team’s 31 points with Laker Fans chanting “M-V-P,
M-V-P” the whole time. What was most remarkable about the game was that he shot
28-46 from the field, which is around 61% and made 18 of 20 free throws.
When the
game ended with the Lakers winning 122-104, I was happier that it happened on
my birthday than him actually scoring 81 points, which still ranks 2nd
behind Wilt Chamberlain’s 100 point game.
Seven years
later and I still have the same thought: Thank you Mr. Bryant for a great
birthday present.
image was used from hoopedia.nba.com
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