Last night was the 15th anniversary of Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant scoring 81 points on the Toronto Raptors. It was a display of unparalleled scoring, leadership, and greatness.

Recently, Jalen Rose, who was part of that Raptors team, revealed few details of the Kobe massacre, which proves how Kobe lived by what he preached.

He said, “When people show that game, they show Kobe walking to the bench putting one finger in the air. Or they show him making a three over me. Or they show him getting a steal and double pump putting behind his head dunking on the breakaway. But the most important thing that he did that day, he never talked trash, and he never made it about him. That’s the Mamba Mentality.

“To me it’s an honor, to be a footnote, bug on the windshield, or bump in the road, or whatever you want to call me for the legacy of Kobe Bryant. Because any tribute that the world has for him, number 8, number 24, statues, he definitely deserves it.”

Kobe Bryant: Not just a scoring machine

Rose has been heavily trolled for that game since then, but he has embraced it now. At the start of the video, he also praises Kobe for his discipline. Rose says that Kobe could have had 100 if he wanted. So when people joked about how he let Kobe have such a game, he is happy they were able to restrict him to 81.

Trending

Billionaire Michael Jordan’s $61 Million Arrival in Talladega Saw Unusual Absence of Wife Yvette Prieto

April 22, 2024 03:36 PM EDT

Anthony Davis Storms Out Of Press Conference While De’Angelo Russell Takes NBA Refs To Task Online

April 23, 2024 07:51 AM EDT

“So Rigged”: All Hell Breaks Loose as Jamal Murray Forces LeBron James’ Lakers Into Bitter Embarrassment

April 23, 2024 06:21 AM EDT

What Happened to Kenny Smith’s Legs? Unfolding the Sad Truth Behind TNT Host’s Dodgy Knees

April 22, 2024 08:05 PM EDT

Charles Barkley and Shaquille O’Neal Get Revenge on Kendrick Perkins as TNT Co-Hosts Relishes in Hilarious Live TV Battle

April 24, 2024 07:53 AM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest NBA stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

That game proved that Kobe was one of the best scorers the game has ever seen. But he was a lot more than just a scorer. He is a 12-time All-Defensive team member, nine of which are First Team honors. He was one of the most relentless and the most aggressive defenders.

His scoring was exceptional, but so was his defense. One of Kobe’s most iconic defensive highlights is where he locked up Dwyane Wade. He started with a full-court press and successfully made him use up the shot clock, which resulted in a turnover.

This two-way excellence is what made Kobe one of the greatest to play the game.

How LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Other NBA Legends Reacted to Kobe Bryant’s 81-Point Performance