Nov. 30, 2006
28 years, 99 days
In one of the most explosive quarters in franchise history, Kobe Bryant poured in more points in 12 minutes than any other player did during the entire game.
The reigning scoring champion tied his own team record with 30 points in the third period, hitting all nine shots and all 10 free throws.
Bryant finished with 52 points by going 19-of-26, plus 12-of-15 at the line to double the total of his closest competitor: future teammate Carlos Boozer.
From the end of the second quarter through the beginning of the fourth, Bryant hit 11 straight shots to lead L.A. to a 132-102 rout over Boozer and the Utah Jazz.
“He just made whatever he caught,” Jazz coach Jerry Sloan told reporters. “Players like that, they get on a roll and I don’t think there’s much you can do.”
Despite going scoreless in the fourth quarter, Bryant reached the 50-point mark for the 12th time in his career, leaving no doubt about his recovery from offseason knee surgery.
“I felt great,” Bryant told the media after the game. “It’s just about trusting my knee and trusting my legs. And after tonight I know I’m at that point right now where I feel like I know it’s going to be there.”
With Bryant taking the lead, the Lakers scored 79 second-half points and shot 60.0 percent as a whole (45-of-75).
Kobe performances on this day in history: