It’s amazing to think how much time can just fly by.
A total of 20 years has now gone and past since the day Kobe Bryant delivered one of the most remarkable performances in NBA history, when he scored 81 points in a Lakers victory over the Toronto Raptors.
Advertisement
MORE: Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo shuts down NBA trade request rumors
Bryant’s display was so awe-inspiring that the moment is one that still resonates even for some of the league’s biggest stars.
Durant and Curry reminisce to when Kobe scored 81
For two time NBA champion Kevin Durant, Bryant’s 81 point game offered an opportunity for he and his father to connect and grow their bond with one another.
Advertisement
“I was in an apartment at Pennbrooke Terrace, District Heights, Maryland,” Durant said when asked where he was when the game happened.
“It was going close to midnight as he was going up to 81. My dad had just bought the NBA package that year for the first time, and we were so excited in the house watching games.
Advertisement
“Kobe game happened to come on the last game…we finally said, you know what, we’re going to stay up a little bit longer and watch some Lakers basketball and that was a great decision by us.
“Me and my dad, that brought us closer as a father and son to be watching that live like that.”
In the case of Warriors icon Stephen Curry, he simply didn’t believe that it was true when he heard how many points Bryant scored.
“I thought that someone was lying to you first and foremost,” Curry said.
“81 just doesn’t even sound right. You know about Wilt’s 100 and 60, 70 is cool but 81, you kinda do a double take. It’s absolutely amazing, I wish I could have seen it in person.”
After hearing the thoughts of Durant and Curry, I also find it hard to believe that Kobe scoring 81 really was 20 years ago now. It truly is amazing how time can just fly by.
Mar 18, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; A detailed view of the box score of Kobe Bryant’s 81-point game against the Toronto Raptors on Jan. 22, 2006 at the statue of the former Los Angeles Lakers guard at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
—Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead—
CFB:College football top 25 rankings 2026, final AP Top 25 Poll released
NFL:NFL insider rips Bills front office for saving Brandon Beane amid Sean McDermott debacle
NBA:Former NBA champion sits atop 2025-26 jersey sales at season’s midway point
MLB:2026 MLB payrolls revealed: Top 10 highest-spending teams
ENTERTAINMENT:New Sphere venue heading to East Coast in major US expansion
VIRAL:Naomi Osaka reveals viral Australian Open outfit inspiration