This Day In Lakers History: Kobe Bryant Has 62 Points In Three Quarters, Outscores Mavericks
Kobe Bryant, Lakers, Mavericks
Matt A. Brown-AP Photo

Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant is one of the greatest scorers to ever step foot in the NBA, and many of his explosions are still talked about to this day.

Of course, his 81-point night will always go down in history. Likewise, Bryant’s 60-point night in the final game of his career was a moment that no one will ever forget. And then there was what happened at Staples Center on Dec. 20, 2005.

The Lakers faced off with the Dallas Mavericks, a team that had one of the best records in the NBA, that would finish with 60 wins and ultimately reach the NBA Finals.

They were led by Dirk Nowitzki and had a ton of very good defensive wings such as All-Star Josh Howard, Adrian Griffin, Devin Harris, and Marquis Daniels.

And none of it mattered once Kobe Bryant got in his zone.

The Lakers dominated the Mavericks, 112-90, but the main story was Kobe, who scored 62 points and never touched the floor in the fourth quarter. In those same three quarters the entire Mavericks team scored just 61 points.

Lets repeat that: Kobe Bryant single-handedly outscored a 60-win NBA Finals team through three quarters. This is the only time since the shot clock was implemented that a player had done this.

Kobe was just unguardable, shooting 18-of-31 from the field and an impressive 22-of-25 from the free throw line. He made only four 3-pointers on the night, once again showing how to score consistently without relying on the three.

No other Laker even scored in double-figures on the night but it didn’t matter. And the best part of the game, may not have happened on the court, but on the Lakers bench.

Head coach Phil Jackson sent assistant Brian Shaw to ask Kobe if he wanted to return to the game in the fourth quarter. Kobe declined, telling Shaw that he’d have another night like this.

Just over a month later, Kobe would prove to be right as he poured 81 points on the Raptors.

Luke Walton believes Kobe Bryant scoring 81 was best

Kobe’s scoring ability was truly a thing to behold and this night was truly unlike any other. Luke Walton may not agree, but Kobe’s 62 in three quarters could very well be his greatest night ever.

Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in live shows, and more!

You May Also Like

Lakers News: LeBron James Trying To Give Father Time One Loss

Once again, Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James defied what many believe should be a possible for an NBA player at his age…

Lakers News: Anthony Davis Not Worried About Offense But Calls Defensive Effort ‘Unaccaptable’

The Los Angeles Lakers lost to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday, blowing the largest lead they ever held in a game…

Rui Hachimura Believes Lakers Must Match The Grizzlies’ Energy & Focus On Defense

There weren’t a lot of positives to point to in the Los Angeles Lakers’ Game 2 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies Wednesday night…

Lakers News: Darvin Ham To Try Out Three-Guard Lineups With Spencer Dinwiddie, Austin Reaves & D’Angelo Russell

After standing pat at the trade deadline, Los Angeles Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka shifted his focus to the buyout market…