Lakers forward Devean George and ex-Toronto Raptor, Charlie Villanueva, both entered a new piece into The Players’ Tribune today detailing Kobe Bryant‘s 81 point gem
While it would be expected that some bigger named players would take to The Tribune to remember the night 10 years ago to the date, when Kobe Bryant and Luke Walton combined for 81 points in a game, it was actually Devean George and Charlie Villanueva who took the lead.
Posting early Friday morning, with articles entitled “I Survived Kobe’s 81 Point Game,” and “The Real Story Behind Kobe’s 81 Point Game,” it is interesting to see the story played out from different point of views. Despite one player being on the winning side and the other the losing, the transcending theme for both was complete and utter awe.
While George references the fact that he didn’t really understand the full magnitude of the moment while it was happening, Villanueva talks about a point in the game where he and Lamar Odom just couldn’t control their emotions anymore.
"It’s clear that neither of us wants to break, to be the first to concede what is happening.To concede that Kobe is happening.Now, Lamar glances at me again and holds his stare for a little longer. I glance back. Still game faces … still games faces … still game faces …… and then — there it is. In the corner of Lamar’s mouth, I see it.He’s starting to smile."
While it’ll do the pieces no justice, you’ll have to just go read them yourself, it’s flabbergasting how much players, whether friend or foe, truly revere and appreciate Kobe Bryant‘s game.
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Especially in Devean George‘s case, the way he describes what makes The Black Mamba great, gives fans yet another reason to love this man.
It’s become ordinary to regard Kobe as one of the best players of all time, whether it be because of his footwork, killer instinct, cliche after cliche, so the insight that The Players’ Tribune facilitates is tremendous.
George doesn’t mention any of this, instead he says that it’s Kobe’s ability to adapt that made him great.
"I tell people about this all the time. The reason Kobe is one of the greatest players ever and why he has dominated for so long, year after year is that the dude has a God-given ability to put new things in his game — overnight. He can work on something for 20 minutes and be doing it in tomorrow’s game. And it’s like he’s been doing the move for his entire career. He can change his game based on how they’re playing him, what they’re giving him, overnight."
It’s hard to grasp the scope of Kobe’s career while it’s still in play, but now that it’s winding down and the nostalgia is beginning to flow, it gives you a sense of how he will ultimately be remembered.
Next: Celebrating the 10th Anniversary of Kobe's 81 Point Game
Friday, the Lakers take on the San Antonio Spurs at STAPLES Center, so be sure to tune in for one of three final chances to see legends Kobe Bryant and Tim Duncan face off.