March 22, 2007
28 years, 211 days
For the third straight game, Kobe Bryant proved that he was one of the most dangerous scorers in NBA history.
By exploding for 60 points in a 121-119 win over Memphis, Bryant tied Michael Jordan for the second-most 60-point outings with the fourth of his career.
Plus, he joined Jordan, Elgin Baylor and Wilt Chamberlain as the only players with three consecutive 50-point games.
“It just feels great,” Bryant told reporters. “Growing up I idolized all of them, from Wilt to M.J. to Elgin. It’s a tremendous honor to be in that same class with those guys and in the history books.”
Bryant shot 20-of-37 from the field and 17-of-18 on free throws. He was cooking both early — with 13 first-quarter points — and late — racking up 19 in the third and 17 in the fourth.
Lamar Odom added 20 points and 15 rebounds, but it wasn’t just current teammates being overshadowed, but also future ones, as Memphis’ Pau Gasol went off for 35 points (17-of-23) and 15 rebounds in the loss.
Mike Miller also poured in 33 points and six 3-pointers for the Grizzlies, who shot 55.0 percent from the field, but Bryant was just too much to handle, scoring 10 of Los Angeles’ final 15 points.
Kobe performances on this day in history: