Los Angeles Lakers: 30 greatest individual performances in team history: 2. Kobe Bryant beats down the Mavericks
It may not get as much buzz as his 81 point game but all in all, we believe it was more historical.
The 2005-06 season was a masterpiece by Bryant. It was his second year without Shaquille O’Neal on the team and after failing to make the playoffs the year prior, Bryant had a point to prove.
Just five days before Christmas, Bryant was in a Santa Claus-Esque mood and decided to hand the Dallas Mavericks a gift they would never forget. Through three unforgettable quarters, Bryant would score 62. Now, on a list that contains multiple 60 point games and an 81 point performance, why would this one rank above the rest? That’s simple, Bryant’s 62 was more than the entire Mavericks team who mustered only 61. No player in NBA history has ever outscored an opposing team by himself through three quarters.
He had it going from everywhere. He shot over 60% from the field, 40% from distance and knocked in 22 of 25 free throws. Considering that Bryant was the only Los Angeles Laker to score double figures that night, it comes as no surprise to see that he registered a bagel in the assist column.
With the Lakers up by 34 to start the fourth, Bryant didn’t play a single minute in the quarter. For as great as he was during his 81 point game, imagine how much he could’ve scored had he stayed in the game.