Nov. 17, 2009 31 years, 86 days
There is no shortage of milestones in Kobe Bryant’s career, but even the Mamba himself admitted how special it was to notch his 100th 40-point game in a 106-93 win over Detroit.
“It’s a true honor,” Bryant said to the media. “A lot of work went into it, and when I look back on that, I (can’t believe) I had 100 of those games.”
Bryant went 17-of 29 from the field and hit all five free throws to tally exactly 40 points and join the club previously occupied only by Wilt Chamberlain (271) and Michael Jordan (173).
With Pau Gasol sidelined by a hamstring injury, it was up to Bryant to deliver, and he did just that. He gashed the Pistons in the middle quarters, going off for 13 in the second (6-of-7) and 14 in the third (6-of-8).
Though both teams shot exactly 47.2 percent, L.A.’s lead ballooned to as many as 28 points, as it hit eight more shots than Detroit thanks to 14 offensive rebounds.
Bryant showed little discomfort despite being listed with a strained groin, while Detroit’s injuries were clearly more damaging with Richard Hamilton and Tayshaun Prince both missing the game.
Ironically, exactly one year later Bryant would lead the Lakers to another 13-point victory over the Pistons, though that one would be on the road.
Kobe performances on this day in history: