Kobe Bryant's legendary 81-point game against the Toronto Raptors hit its 20th anniversary this past January. On that unforgettable night in 2006, the Black Mamba led the Los Angeles Lakers to a 122-104 victory, etching his name in the annals of NBA history.
Recently, Chris Paul shared his thoughts on Bryant's iconic performance during an appearance on “The Tylil Show.” Paul humorously remarked, “That game Kobe had 81, couldn’t be me.
I’m ejected, I’ve done fouled out, something. What we talking about coach?
I’m not guarding the other guys. We’re going to double team him.
Trap him. Let somebody else score.”
Bryant's stat line from that night remains as jaw-dropping as ever: 81 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals, and 1 block, all while shooting an impressive 60.9% from the field, 53.8% from beyond the arc, and 90% from the free-throw line. His second-half explosion of 55 points fueled the Lakers' comeback, with the Raptors initially opting for single coverage, including defenders like Jalen Rose and Morris Peterson. As the game progressed, Toronto tried various defensive schemes, including double teams and zones, but Bryant was simply unstoppable, dropping 27 points in the third quarter alone.
Sam Mitchell, the Raptors’ head coach at the time, addressed critics who suggested using hard fouls to stop Bryant. Mitchell, drawing on his experience as a player and coach, explained that his strategy didn't involve instructing players to foul someone having a great game. He attempted face guarding and double-teaming, but nothing seemed to deter Bryant's relentless scoring.
In another part of the basketball world, Chris Paul reflected on a pivotal moment in his career during an interview with ESPN’s Marc J. Spears.
Back in December 2011, a proposed three-team trade involving the Lakers, New Orleans Hornets, and Houston Rockets would have sent Paul to Los Angeles. However, then-commissioner David Stern famously vetoed the deal.
Paul recalled the surreal nature of that situation, noting, “The thing I look back on and I’ll be like, dang, that’s crazy. I can’t believe that happened?
It’ll probably be that trade with me and Kobe.” Lakers governor Jeanie Buss later attributed the trade's collapse to miscommunication between Stern and Hornets GM Dell Demps.