Kobe Bryant 56 points in 34 minutes vs Grizzlies 2001-02

January 14th, 2002
Staples Center
Los Angeles, CA

Boxscore: http://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/200201140LAL.html

Statline: 56 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, 21-34 FG, 3-6 3pt

Earlier in the day, Shaquille O'neal was suspended for 3 games for throwing a punch at Chicago Bulls center Brad Miller. Before the game, Bryant took responsibility for the losses in the previous games as Phil wanted him take less shots. Bryant said he'd make up for the earlier losses in the Grizzlies game. He sure did respond.

Kobe scored 18 1st quarter points on a dazling array of jumpshots, dunks, and drives. His nifty footwork was also on display as he made every move in the book possible. He split doubles, made scoops, and destroyed the defense of Shane Battier, a 3 time defensive player of the year at Duke. He went berserk in the 3rd quarter. He had 42 points with 8 minutes to go in the 3rd. His 3rd quarter was so demorilizing, the Grizzlies had 14 points in the quarter. He topped the quarter off with 2 threes, a behind the back jumpshot, a double pump dunk, and another turnaround jumpshot. After 3, he had nearly outscored the Grizzlies by himself scoring 56 points to the Grizzlies 59, a stat many people forget.

Although he didn't play in the 4th, his 56 in 34 minutes is still one of his most tantalizing performances up to date. It's amazing to think of how memorizing this performance could've been had he played in the 4th and the 2 extra minutes. 80 is not out of the question as he scored 18 in the 1st, 18 in the 2nd, and 20 in the 3rd. It was also the NBA's season high for points as he scored 3 more than Tim Duncan did that season.

In the game, Kobe put up 56 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and on 21-34 shooting, 3-6 from downtown, and going to the line 12 times.

Category:

Sports

Tags:

• Kobe
• Bryant
• Shane
• Battier
• Memphis
• Grizzlies
• Shaquille
• O'neal
• Lakers
• championship
• playoffs
• 2002
• 01-02
• Kings
• footwork

[blo0dsh0t420]

young kobe>>>>>>>prime lebron.. cmon man... maybe brons got 2 mvp titles,, but he cant be compared to kobe,, its not even close,,, and btw,, kobes the only guy who can be compared to MJ,,hes the next best thing to MJ...

[chrisdavis15]

kobe got that torch!

[frusionnn]

@blo0dsh0t420 no he's not ''the next best thing to MJ'' there are a LOT of players that were better than Kobe. I can name you at LEAST six right now. Jabbar, Magic, Bird, Olajuwon, Chamberlain. I can go on with 1-2 more players that are arguable but I'll show pity & leave it at that. Kobe's GREAT on offense yes, but no great on defense. he only plays defense when he wants to. not in a night in/night out basis. sorry, being a GREAT player comes from both ends of the floor. offense AND defense.

[CrazyFoo501]

So weird to see Kobe and Pau on the court together when they were so young.

[Disposable5]

@boogafart that might be the dumbest thing I have ever read

[CJMacN1990]

Kobe Bryant my Idol! :-)

[boogafart]

Kobe is a crap basketballer and is a ball hog which is why he scores so many points

[skgb75]

PASS THE BALL!!

[TheRafaelBond]

lol why are they giving him so much space??

[TheRafaelBond]

56 in the 3q..

[TheRafaelBond]

@blo0dsh0t420

young kobe?????????? are you kidding me???? YOUNG KOBE WAS A SECOND WHEEL AND DID NOTHING YOU DUMBASS!! WANT SOME PROOF??

[KanyeLiang]

After 3 quarters, Kobe: 56 points Grizzlies: 59 points. Just saying