Kobe Bryant Legacy

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Bryant scored what was at the time the most points scored since the NBA–ABA merger and second-most points in a single-game in NBA history. The Lakers trailed 63–49 at halftime and 71–53 in the third quarter. Bryant played 42 minutes, shooting 28-of-46 from the field, including 7-of-13 on three-pointers, with 55 points in the second half. The game occurred during Bryant's extraordinary scoring season in 2005–06, which included outscoring the entire Dallas Mavericks team (62–61) through three quarters on December 20, 2005, 40 points or more in 27 games, and six games of 50 points or more. He led the league with 35.4 points per game (PPG) that season, the highest PPG total since Michael Jordan’s 37.09 in 1986–87.

In Their Own Story

The game began with the Raptors shooting an impressive 72% from the field and leading 36–29 after one quarter. By halftime, the deficit grew to 14 points (63–49) as Bryant had only 26 points. The turning point arrived in the third quarter when Bryant scored 27 points, including a streak of 19 straight points for the Lakers before an Odom free throw. He crossed the 50-point barrier with a steal and emphatic dunk to put the Lakers ahead 87–85. Despite being hit in the face by Morris Peterson early in the fourth quarter without a foul call, Bryant reached the 60-point mark while the crowd chanted "MVP! MVP!" He finished with 81 points, shooting 28-of-46 overall and making his first free throw after missing one following 62 consecutive makes. Celebrities like Chris Rock, Andy Dick, and Joe Walsh watched from courtside as Bryant led a comeback that stood as the second-highest single-game scoring total in NBA history at the time.

Reader's Guide

The Lakers entered the game with a 21–19 record. The Raptors were 14–26 on the season. Starting for the Lakers: Smush Parker (PG), Kobe Bryant (SG), Lamar Odom (SF), Kwame Brown (PF), and Chris Mihm (C). Starting for the Raptors: Mike James (PG), Jalen Rose (SG), Morris Peterson (SF), Chris Bosh (PF), and Matt Bonner (C). The game was the second at Staples Center on January 22, after the Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Golden State Warriors 105–92 in a matinee. Celebrities seated courtside included Andy Dick, Joe Walsh, and Chris Rock.

Did You Know?

• Bryant scored 14 points in the first quarter, including his 61st consecutive free-throw make on the season.
• At halftime, Bryant had 26 points; the Raptors led 63–49.
• In the third quarter, Bryant made 19 straight points for the Lakers at one stretch.
• Bryant crossed the 50-point barrier with a steal and emphatic dunk to put the Lakers in the lead at 87–85.