Lakers: 20 Greatest Individual Performances in Franchise History
By Eric Yee
16. Kobe 56 Points in 3 Quarters, 2002
Much is made of The Black Mamba’s 62 points in three quarters against the Dallas Mavericks, an instance which will be mentioned later in the slideshow, that people often forget that Bryant also scored 56 points through three quarters against the Memphis Grizzlies, three years prior.
D’Angelo Russell once mentioned that Los Angeles Lakers fans are spoiled, and he may be right, as they were treated to one of the longest primes in NBA history. For more than ten seasons, Kobe Bryant was a threat to explode on any given night, and this instance proves this point distinctly.
In just 34 minutes, that night Kobe shot 62 percent, on 21-of-34 shooting, with five rebounds, four assists, and zero turnovers, posting a +40 on the night. Los Angeles ended up smoking the Memphis Grizzlies, 120-81, and you can bet that after the game, Pau Gasol was thinking to himself, “Man, I wish I never had to play this guy again,” finishing a sad -38 in 44 minutes of play.
For some reason, similar to when playing the Toronto Raptors, Kobe Bryant seemed to always erupt against the Memphis Grizzlies. Thanks Shane Battier and Jalen Rose!
It is highly unlikely that Lakers fans witness another Kobe Bryant 50 point performance, but it was great while it lasted.
Next: Kobe Drops 60 in Third Straight 50 Point Game