December 20th, 2005 vs Mavericks
After this game was over, a lot of people were left with the question, what if? Kobe Bryant played just three quarters in this incredible game. Coach Phil Jackson decided to sit him the whole 4th quarter.
Bryant finished the game with 62 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 steals. Yes, he played just 32 minutes in this game while putting up unheard of production. He shot 18-of-31 from the floor, which included 4-of-10 from three, and 22-of-25 from the free throw line.
This performance could have eclipsed his record 81 points, which happened just a few weeks later if the Lakers weren’t so far ahead og the game (95-61, entering the 4th). Kobe outscored the entire Dallas Mavericks team after the 3rd quarter concluded. Kobe Bryant- 62, Dallas Mavericks- 61.
Kobe led the Lakers to victory 112-90. He also finished the night with an astounding +35 rating while on the floor. Will another player in NBA history ever outscore an opponent by themselves through 3 quarters? Just imagine, what if he had played all of the last quarter, could he have beaten the Mavericks on his own? Craziness.