Holy Crap - 81 Points for Kobe
Amazing. As I'm sure you've heard by now, Kobe Bryant scored 81 points in a game on Sunday against the woeful Toronto Raptors. That's the second highest point total for a single game by any NBA player, second only to Wilt Chamberlain's historic 100 point game back in 1962. Kobe has done what no other modern player has done. Michael never surpassed 69. Larry, Magic, Zeke, A.I., Shaq, Ray Allen... no one else. This season will be one to remember for offensive output by Kobe, he's been racking up amazing point totals. 62 against the Mavs in December in just three quarters of play. He became only the second player to net 45 points or more in four consecutive games earlier this month. Not surprisingly, he leads the NBA in scoring, averaging 35.9 ppg. In a word, he is Offense.
Granted, individual accomplishments, while nice, don't necessarily equate to team success. The Lakers are just three games above .500, battling the Clippers, Hornets, and Timberwolves for the lower eschelons of the Western Conference. And, come playoff time - assuming the Lakers make it - while Kobe's heroics may make for great television, I doubt they can win four games out of seven against the likes of the Spurs, Suns, or Mavs.
Regardless, Kobe's performances are enjoyable and make for some jaw-dropping viewing experiences. With Google Video now offerring NBA games, you can even buy these more memorable games to watch at your liesure, to show to your progeny. Ah, technology.