Vs. Dallas Mavericks – Dec. 20, 2005
There have been many games throughout the course of Kobe Bryant’s career that are remembered as the cream of the crop in his repertoire of incredible outings throughout his 20 seasons in the league. However, there are plenty that are right up there alongside the 81-point game. His game against the Dallas Mavericks on Dec. 20, 2005 is right up there and, had he played in the fourth quarter, may have actually wound up being better than his 81-point outing.
Lakers fans will always remember this game as what potentially could have been had Kobe been let to continue. In only three quarters and just 33 minutes of playing time, Bryant put up 62 points on 18-31 shooting from the field. Even more incredible is that he knocked down 22 of his 25 free throw attempts on the afternoon, added eight rebounds, and even notched three steals on the occasion. It was Kobe at his peak just going absolutely berserk and destroying Dallas.
Though fans outside of Los Angeles will largely remember the 81 points more than anything, this game should not be forgotten about in terms of how incredible it was. 60-plus points in only three quarters is unheard of, but it’s Kobe so it happened.
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