The late legendary Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers dropped a whopping 81 points against the Toronto Raptors on January 22, 2006. In 2013, the late NBA icon rewatched the game, which he live-tweeted with a string of amusing tweets. Fans reflected on the momentous occasion and expressed their longing for the five-time NBA champion.
Other than Wilt Chamberlain‘s 100 points in 1962, it continues to be the second-highest total ever scored by a player in an NBA game. Throughout the game, Bryant shared his thoughts on the game with fans via Twitter in honor of the game’s seventh anniversary. Bryant began by saying, “I can’t believe I’ve never watched this game till now,” before attacking the Raptors’ defense, saying it was neither “sharp” nor “early.”
19 years ago today, KOBE BRYANT’s 81-point masterpiece 🐍
By Quarter: 14, 12, 27, 28
ONLY 18 PTS on Jalen Rose
Lakers down by 18 in the 2nd half
HE outscored TOR 55-41 in 2nd half
Lakers won by 18!Here’s the late great Stuart Scott with the highlights pic.twitter.com/E2Bp5T02lY
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) January 22, 2025
Bryant described his “youthful metabolism” in another tweet, revealing that he consumed grape soda and pepperoni pizza before the game. He even asked followers if he truly scored 81 points, casting doubt on his total. The former Lakers star was a menace back in his heyday. Given that, his series of live tweets are a clear example of it.
KOBE’s hilarious tweets while watching his 81-point game for the first time pic.twitter.com/IMR0rsjraC
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) January 22, 2025
During his live-tweeting session, Bryant also responded to a few remarks, such as one from opponent and former teammate Shaquille O’Neal. He questioned whether Bryant woke up and made the decision to hit 80.
The ‘Black Mamba’ seemingly agreed in a hilarious tone on the app, stating ‘Yep…lol.’ Notably, the Lakers won 122-104 thanks to Bryant’s 28-of-46 field goal shooting, which included 7-of-13 three-pointers and 18-of-20 free throws. Bryant was the team’s top scorer that season.
Kobe Bryant made an honest admission after dropping a historic performance against Raptors
Kobe Bryant‘s masterwork was an exhibition of sheer willpower and commitment rather than merely a scoring exhibition. Bryant took over, scoring 55 of his 81 points in the second half to lead his side to victory after the Lakers were behind by 18 points halfway through the third quarter. In 41 minutes, Bryant also added two assists, three steals, and six rebounds.
Bryant characterized his mindset during the game as being “in the zone.”
It’s tough to explain what happened that night. I just got lost in the moment and focused on doing whatever it took to win. The basket felt like an ocean.
Kobe Bryant said
Bryant’s unrelenting assault was too much for the Raptors’ defense to handle. Zone coverage, double teams, and several defenders were all ineffective in slowing him down. Bryant’s scoring rampage could not be stopped even by former Raptors standout guard Jalen Rose. Every shot Bryant sunk caused the Staples Center crowd to roar. One thing was clear after that day: Kobe Bryant was unique and not your typical NBA player.
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