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Kobe Bryant: Top 10 Best Career Performances

By Sam Richmond

October 19, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) during a stoppage in play against the Utah Jazz during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
October 19, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) during a stoppage in play against the Utah Jazz during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec. 13, 2012; New York, NY, USA; Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Kobe Bryant (24) reacts on the court against the New York Knicks during the second half at Madison Square Garden. Knicks won 116-107. Mandatory Credit: Debby Wong-USA TODAY Sports
Dec. 13, 2012; New York, NY, USA; Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Kobe Bryant (24) reacts on the court against the New York Knicks during the second half at Madison Square Garden. Knicks won 116-107. Mandatory Credit: Debby Wong-USA TODAY Sports /

Feb. 2, 2009 — Los Angeles Lakers at New York Knicks

61 points, three assists, one block in 37 minutes

There’s not a more historic basketball venue than Madison Square Garden. On Feb. 2, 2009, Kobe Bryant put on the most prolific single-game scoring performance the current MSG has ever seen.

Topping Bernard King‘s 60-point game in 1984, Kobe posted 61 points by shooting 19-of-29 from the field, 3-for-6 from 3 and 20-of-20 from the line.

Looking back, Knicks coach Mike D’Antoni‘s decision not to double Kobe was a mistake.

To be fair, even when he was defended well that night, Bryant wasn’t missing. His ability to manufacture a bucket regardless of the defensive coverage or where he was on the court back then is something to marvel at.

Bryant’s performance was so epic that he received resounding MVP chants at MSG, an opposing arena. That’s truly a testament to how special Bryant was that night.

Next: Game No. 3