31. 12 3s in One Game
If you were to poll a group of basketball fans and ask them who holds the record for the most 3-point field goals made in a single game, the responses would be predictable. The likes of Ray Allen, Stephen Curry, and Reggie Miller would be referenced, with the occasional mention of a gunner such as J.R. Smith.
On January 7, 2003, Kobe Bryant set the still-standing record.
Bryant torched Gary Payton and the Seattle SuperSonics for 12 3-point field goals made on 18 attempts. He scored 45 points in total, thus leading the Los Angeles Lakers to a 119-98 victory.
It was a much-needed win that helped spark Los Angeles’ turnaround after opening the season at 14-20.
Donyell Marshall has since matched Bryant’s record of 12 3-point field goals made, but no one has surpassed it. In other words, even in the 3-point hungry modern NBA, no one has been able to catch fire quite like The Black Mamba.
Are you really that surprised?
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