On January 14, 2002, Kobe Bryant scored 56 points in 34 minutes against Memphis.
With his match in 62 points against Dallas 2005 or his legendary 81 points against Toronto in 2006 the night when Kobe Bryant scoring 56 points in 34 minutes against the Grizzlies is one of the most incredible performances of the 2000s.
Indeed, on January 14, 2002, the Lakers guard put on a unique show, his career high at the time against rookie Pau Gasol, who would become his teammate five years later. The score is almost anecdotal (120-81) compared to the 2008 MVP stats: 56 points at 62%, 5 rebounds and 4 assists in 34 minutes!
“My teammates didn’t stop talking to me the whole game, it made the game more fun for me. They encouraged me by telling me I could beat Memphis on my own.”Kobe Bryant will say.
Shane Battier, Kobe Bryant’s future great opponent during the 2009 playoffs, was left speechless by such a scoring machine. He will admit that this match will change his defensive approach facing the “black mamba”.
“When you play a great player, no defender is good enough to stop him. Kobe is especially good, even very good. He did amazing things tonight.”
And Memphis may be lucky to only play one big man, as Shaquille O’Neal, suspended for his fight with Brad Miller, did not play.
2026-01-14 12:12:00
