Vs. Portland Trail Blazers – March 16, 2007
Hey look, we’re back in the 2007 season when Kobe was at the height of his powers and having to do everything for the Lakers. However, there’s no single game that more adequately epitomizes this—outside of the 81-point game of course—than a March 16, 2007 matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers. In an overtime matchup in STAPLES Center, Kobe just simply had to do it all to secure the victory for the Lakers and he did just that.
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Bryant put up an ungodly 65 points in 50 minutes of playing time and did so with remarkable efficiency. He finished the night shooting 23-39 from the floor and 8-12 from three. Moreover, though, he also put up seven rebounds, three assists, and three steals while only turning the ball over twice. That he only turned the ball over twice in 50 minutes on the floor is going to get overlooked, but is just ridiculous.
This game was the epitome of Kobe carrying the Lakers at this time. Only two other players in purple and gold reached double-figures on the night and they still won because Kobe was that good on that night. That’s almost as impressive as 81, though not quite.
Next: Vs. Kings