Vs. New York Knicks – Feb. 2, 2009
Finally getting out of the dark ages for the Lakers that were all Kobe or bust, the Lakers were on their way to a title in the 2008-09 season as they went to take on the New York Knicks in Madison Square Garden on Feb. 2, 2009. While the Lakers were certainly rolling, no one could have expected the magical and historic performance that was about to ensue in the world’s most famous arena.
Kobe set a then record for scoring in Madison Square Garden (Carmelo Anthony has since eclipsed it) as he put forth a monster effort shooting the ball. In only 37 minutes of action, Kobe had 61 points when all of the dust settled. Though he only added three assists and one block to his statistical output, that he put up 61 points on 19-31 shooting from the floor and going 20-20 from the foul line is enough for this game to be Kobe’s best against the Knicks.
Bryant has undoubtedly had some monster performances against the Knicks and several big ones inside MSG. However, when he set the record for the Knicks’ home arena, there’s no game that’s ever going to top that (unless he has another 81-point effort left in his 37-year-old body).
Next: Vs. Thunder/Sonics