3rd game of 4 consecutive 50+ point games
Kobe Bryant came off 2 consecutive 50+ point games, a 65 point game against Portland and 50 points against the Timberwolves, combined for 115 points. If he scored 50+ in the next game against the Memphis Grizzlies, he would become only the 4th player in NBA history to record 3 consecutive 50+ point games and hold at least the 4th greatest point total in a 3 game span(last 40 years). All eyes were on him in the next game vs the Grizzlies.
The Memphis Grizzlies were determined not to let history happen throwing hard doubles, zones, and throwing multiple defenders on him from the start of the game. They had their work cut out by Bryant's scoring abilities, slick footwork, and his aggressive nature. "At one point, we got the offensive rebound and (had) a whole new 24-second (shot clock) left," Jackson said. "Lamar (Odom) gave the ball right back to him and Kobe went right back at them. He just smells blood in the water and he's going to go after you."
After starting the game 0-3, 5 of his next 6 shots and 10 of 19 in the 1st half scoring 24 points. In the 3rd and 4th quarters, Bryant held the Grizzlies hopeless as even their hardest doubles and traps off the ball couldn't stop greatness unfold. Kobe put up a full display of his dunks, jumpshots, fadeaways, floaters, layups, and his hunger on the court scoring 19 in the 3rd and 16 in the 4th as he went on to put up one of the masterful road performances of all time by any player. Bryant shot 20-37 from the field, 3-7 from 3s, and 17-18 from the free throw line as he helped lead to a 121-119 win that should've been a much bigger win.
After the game in an interview and after he was asked if he would score 50 in the next game(the very next day, 2nd game of a back to back), he laughed. He put up 50 the next game separating himself from everyone, even the great Michael Jordan, and putting himself into a class only Wilt Chamberlain had journeyed through.
Other Notes: Couple field goals are missing as there are problems with the screen resolution on KCAL 9.
