One point about 81 points ....
I was there the night Detroit's Jerry Stackhouse set a United Center record with 57 points on April 3, 2001. That's why it's hard for me to get too excited about Kobe's big night.
I remember the uncontested layups and the Bulls players almost applauding and getting out of Stackhouse's way when he drove to the hoop. It was disgusting. And these were Ron Artest's Bulls. I think I remember Ron high-fiving Stackhouse after the game.
That's why I kind of laughed when I visited espn.com today and saw Jalen Rose in the picture, standing behind Kobe. Figures.
The point here is if the Toronto Raptors wanted to, they could have prevented Kobe from scoring 81. I'm not talking about cheapshots, I'm just talking about hard defense. I'm talking about not becoming a spectator. I know, I know, the game was in doubt, unlike the night Wilt scored 100. And it's true, that does make the accomplishment more significant, and it came during a victory, which is great.
I'm not trying to diminish Kobe's ability. He's a great player. Maybe a better all-around player than Duncan, and until Garnett and Wade get some rings, he's a notch above them. I'm just saying I have a hard time getting too amped about big-point games.
And in these parts, the conversation and comparisons always turn to Jordan, so here's my two cents. If Jordan wanted to score 81, and if the Bulls wanted him to score 81, he could have scored 81.
Comments
Do you think Kobe could score like this against a team with decent defense?
Posted by: ChiTownSportsFan | January 24, 2006 12:42 PM
So why make Wilts 100 such a milestone? I can't say the Raptors played any better defense that NY that night but sheesh...Wilt outweighed his guy by over 50 lbs and was probably within 8 feet of the basket each time he got the ball.
Posted by: mark | January 24, 2006 01:17 PM
He did it with people all over him!
Posted by: Did You watch the game? | January 24, 2006 02:25 PM
Roman,
You could not possibly judge the Raptors' defense by just looking at Jalen Rose's picture. Did you watch the game? That's all I need to know.
Posted by: Topmedic | January 24, 2006 04:16 PM
I agree completely about the Raptors preventing this if they wanted to. How about showing a little pride. I agree Jordan could have scored that much also, but I also think a team like the late 80's Detroit would have sent Kobe flying into the third row before they let him hit that many.
Posted by: Adam | January 25, 2006 04:55 AM
No I didn't see the game - only about 3,000 people did. Read the transcript of the game - he was rarely double teamed. Do some research. His team fed him the ball over and over and over. When you're 8 feet from the basket, and outweigh your man by 50 lbs, this isn't that difficult. He was the Jim Brown of his era - his overwhelming physical advantage made him what he was.
Posted by: mark | January 25, 2006 09:44 AM
At first I was shocked that Kobe hit 81 points, because my thought mere possibility of that happening in todays game was impossible, but looking at the number of shots kobe takes during a game it should come as no surprise he scored all those points. There is several times during the year he shot more than 40 shots and scored only 40 points. That isn't that good, because his percentage was only in the 30's. Lets not forget wilt chamberlain was over 7-feet tall and was playing along men that weren't nearly as big, tall or as strong as himself. His feat isn't that impressive to me, because of these reasons. Kobe is a selfish player and needs to learn the game isn't about him or his accomplishments and needs to get his teammates involved.
Posted by: nate | January 26, 2006 05:56 PM
I am sure that if Jon Scheyer(glenbard north h.s.chicago)scored 81 pts.he would be thought of as the best player ever .Only when minority players dunk the ball,score alot of points or speak up they are criticised for not being team players.Can you imagine how the NBA would be with just set shots and everybody playing like high school players,alot of time jeolousy and rascism have alot to do with ignorant comments concerning great athletes....D.H chicago
Posted by: Hardin | February 19, 2006 01:22 PM
I feel that Kobe is the kind of guy that wants to score but does not play good as part of a team like Wade or LeBron. Kobe is kind of selfish and has a bad attitude problem with infedelity issues.
Posted by: sully | August 30, 2006 10:58 AM