NBA Stars Honor Kobe: January 22nd Remembrance Night
Apparently, January 22nd is the epoch where players attempt to score as many points as they possibly could in remembrance of Kobe Bryant`s 81-point game that same day in 2006 against the Toronto Raptors. After searching through the basketball archives since that monumental night, enthusiasts of the sport must consider the 22nd day of the year as a potential time for players to try and break the second-highest scoring record behind Wilt Chamberlain`s illusive 100-point game. Unfortunately, the world no longer has the one and only Black Mamba but his footprint on the game will remain forever.
KAT And Embiid Explode Out Of Nowhere
Two of basketball`s most proficient big men, Karl Anthony Towns and Joel Embiid stunned the league when they made history this past Monday. That night was only the fourth time in history that two players combined for over 60 points in a single slate of games. The other four instances occurred between 1961 and 1978. Those players were David Thompson and George Gervin, Wilt Chamberlain and Jerry West, and Elgin Baylor and Wilt Chamberlain. What makes Towns and Embiids show casings rather remarkable is that both players are centers with shot-making arsenals that are reminiscent of guards and forwards.
Don't Forget Durant
The Phoenix Suns may have gotten out to a sluggish start, but they have managed to pick it up as of late, reaching the number five seed in the deep western conference. They have won eight of their last ten. On the same day as Embiid and Town`s monumental games, Durant scored 43 points and hit the game-winner against the pesky Chicago Bulls. At age 35, Durant and many other older legends like Damian Lillard, Paul George, Kawhi Leonard, James Harden and Jimmy Butler are evocative of the late 2010s Kobe Bryant when he tried to lead his team to victory every night regardless of age.
Honoring Kobe Since 2007
Ever since the one-year anniversary of Bryant`s legendary game, Towns and Embiid are the only players to ever score over 50 points on that day. Some players who have attempted to are DeMarcus Cousins, Trae Young, Jaylen Brown, Kemba Walker, and even the Bean himself one year later. What crowds witnessed on January 22nd, 2024 and 2006 was the epitome of magnificence and mamba mentality. The NBA and the World itself needs to establish a holiday in respect of number 24's legacy. Every living being who breathes basketball is now aware of what kind of night the 22nd of January will be from now on. Rest in peace and greatness to the black mamba.
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