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Could Anyone Match Kobe Bryant’s 81 Points Today?

By Carter Johnson

January 14, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant (24) waves to the crowd before the game against the Golden State Warriors at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
January 14, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant (24) waves to the crowd before the game against the Golden State Warriors at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 12, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) and Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant (24) talk during the third quarter at Toyota Center. The Rockets defeated the Lakers 126-97. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 12, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) and Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant (24) talk during the third quarter at Toyota Center. The Rockets defeated the Lakers 126-97. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

James Harden

Arguably the most complete scorer in the game, James Harden probably has the best chance out of everyone on this list to drop an 80 piece.

Unlike his competitors, Harden is the sole offensive weapon for his team. He is relied upon for the brunt of their scoring and serves also serves as their lead facilitator and spark plug. He’s also shown he’ll take however many shots necessary to get the job done (his current average of 19.2 field goal attempts a game is fourth in the league).

Harden’s second in the league in scoring the last two seasons and is the only player on this list who is completely uninhibited offensively.

Problem is, Harden doesn’t seem to be able to pass the 50-point mark.

Harden has to be absolutely on fire to score 40 or 50 points on any given night, as he’s shot an astronomical 53 percent from the field in six of those games this season. Even more concerning is the fact that he’s struggled to score 30 plus many nights this season, shooting 46 percent overall for those games but having many of them in the 30s.

The fact is: at his best, Harden’s ceiling is a 50-point game which, while still a rare feat, isn’t quite 80.

Next: The King

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