20 Years Since Kobe Bryant’s 81-Point Masterpiece
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January 22, 2026, marks two decades since Kobe Bryant authored one of the most electrifying performances in NBA history—an 81-point eruption that stunned the basketball world.
On January 22, 2006, the Los Angeles Lakers star torched the Toronto Raptors for the league’s second-highest single-game scoring total, trailing only Wilt Chamberlain’s 100-point night in 1962. Bryant’s scoring binge powered Los Angeles to a 122-104 comeback victory and cemented the 27-year-old guard’s reputation as the sport’s most relentless scorer of his era.
Bryant accounted for 55 of his points after halftime, single-handedly outscoring Toronto in the final two quarters. He finished the night 28-for-46 from the field, 7-for-13 from three-point range and 18-for-20 at the free-throw line, adding six rebounds, three steals and two assists.
The performance sent shockwaves through the league and remains a touchstone for players and fans alike. With the 20-year anniversary now here, highlights of the game continue to circulate, reminding a new generation of Bryant’s singular talent and competitive drive.
Source: New York Post
