Kobe's Best: Top Scoring Games

SI Staff | Feb 5, 2009

Kobe's Best: Top Scoring Games /

Kobe's Best: Top Scoring Games

81 points vs. Toronto

In the second-highest total in NBA history (exceeded only by Wilt Chamberlain's 100-point game), Bryant connected on 28 of 46 shots while pouring in 55 points in the second half of a 122-104 win in L.A. "That was something to behold," Lakers coach Phil Jackson said. "It was another level. I've seen some remarkable games, but I've never seen one like that before."

65 points vs. Portland

Fueled by the Lakers' seven-game losing streak, Bryant stepped up his offense, scoring 33 points in the fourth quarter and overtime for a 116-111 win in L.A. "I had to come out aggressive and assert myself, just because our confidence was a little shaky," Bryant said. "We needed a breakout game."

62 points vs. Dallas

Bryant needed only three quarters to produce his then-career best, hitting 18 of 31 shots in a 112-90 win in L.A. Bryant scored 30 points in the third quarter before sitting out the rest of the game. By the time he left, Bryant had outscored the Mavs 62-61.

61 points vs. New York

Perhaps motivated by the news that the Lakers would be without Andrew Bynum for 8-12 weeks, Bryant put on a show at Madison Square Garden. The sold-out crowd took turns booing him and saluting him with ''MVP!'' chants, as Bryant passed Michael Jordan 's opponent record of 55 points in a 126-117 win.

60 points vs. Memphis

Bryant became the fourth player in NBA history to score at least 50 points in three straight games, hitting 20 of 37 shots (and 17 of 18 free throws) in a 121-119 win at Memphis. Wilt Chamberlain, Michael Jordan and Elgin Baylor are the other players with three straight 50-point games.

58 points vs. Charlotte

Bryant played 55 minutes in the 133-124 triple-OT loss at Charlotte, hitting 22 of 45 shots. But he appeared to tire down the stretch, missing two jumpers at the end of regulation and passing on a desperation shot at the end of the second OT.

56 points vs. Memphis

After teammate Shaquille O'Neal was suspended earlier in the day, Bryant took the scoring load upon himself in a 120-81 win in L.A. Bryant made 21 of 34 shots before sitting out the fourth quarter of the blowout.

55 points vs. Washington

Playing against the soon-to-retire Michael Jordan for the last time, Bryant scored 42 points in the first half of a 108-94 win. Bryant hit 8 of 11 3-pointers in the first half.

53 points vs. Houston

Bryant hit 17 of 38 shots and added 10 rebounds and eight assists as the Lakers rallied from 21 points down for a 112-101 double-OT win in L.A. "I don't know about if he imposed his will," Rockets coach Jeff Van Gundy said of Bryant. "He imposed his skill, I know that."

52 points vs. Utah

Bryant tied an NBA single-game record by connecting on 11 consecutive shots in one stretch in a 132-101 win in L.A. "He caught the ball and got on a roll; he just made whatever he caught," Utah coach Jerry Sloan said. "Players like that, they get on a roll and I don't think there's much you can do."

52 points vs. Houston

Extending a streak of 40-point games to six, Bryant led the Lakers -- who were without an injured Shaquille O'Neal -- to a 106-99 double-OT win. Bryant scored 17 points in the two overtimes.

Published Feb 5, 2009

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