Vanessa Bryant sends heartfelt tribute to Kobe Bryant on 20th anniversary of his record 81-point game

There will never be anyone like Kobe Bryant. The Los Angeles Lakers legend has made several astonishing histories but his 81-point game in 2006 was record-breaking. On this day, he made the history that is yet to reach by the modern NBA stars. Of course, Wilt Chamberlain’s 100-point game remains unbeaten, but Bryant’s stunning feat has equally been celebrated over the years. On the 20th anniversary of Bryant’s wild performance, his wife Vanessa Bryant celebrates the record breaking feat in a series of Instagram stories.

Vanessa didn’t have to caption anything from her part, the stories were the tale of the history itself as they spoke loud with vivid images of her late husband, who tragically passed away on 26 January in 2020 with his daughter Gianna Maria-Onore Bryant in a devastating helicopter crash.

Vanessa Bryant remembers Kobe Bryant’s stunning 81-point game on its 20th anniversary

Vanessa Bryant often makes sure to keep her late husband Kobe Bryant in her memories. She often shares fragments of his legendary life as a standout NBA star on her posts on social media. Recently, Vanessa made sure to celebrate Kobe Bryant’s stunning 81-point game on its 20th anniversary with a series of heartfelt nods to the ex-Lakers star’s groundbreaking feat.

On January 22, 2006, Kobe Bryant delivered a scoring display that reshaped modern NBA history. At Staples Center, Bryant took over the game with relentless pace dominating the Toronto Raptors.

The performance still stands as the second-highest scoring game the league has ever seen. Unlike older scoring feats told through stories, this one occurred live on television.

Kobe Bryant scored 81 points on this day 20 years ago

Bryant finished with 81 points after shooting 28-of-46 from the field, including 7-of-13 from three-point range. He added 18 made free throws on 20 attempts and logged 42 minutes. His scoring split told the story. Twenty-six points came before halftime. Fifty-five followed after the break.



After the game, Bryant downplayed the moment. “I feel pretty good,” he said. “It hasn't really sank in yet. We had four days off coming up here. I'd have been sick as a dog if we lost this game. I wanted to step up and inspire us to play a great game and it turned into something really special.”

NBA stars and legends on Kobe Bryant’s 81-point game

Of course, it was an astonishing feat to achive and many people around the league found it hard to believe. Tim Duncan thought the stat line was wrong. Dwyane Wade rushed to find a television after hearing the number. “I was like, ‘no way,’” Wade said. “At that time I think everybody was a fan of Kobe’s to see this is history right here being made.”

Kyrie Irving remembered seeing the headline. “It said ‘Kobe 81,’” he said. “I just couldn't believe it.” Vince Carter had a similar reaction. “81? Or 51?” Dirk Nowitzki summed it up simply. “Nobody believed it.”

Years later, the game still marks generations. Giannis Antetokounmpo recalled where he was that night. “I was 11 years old. I wasn’t playing basketball,” he said. Kevin Durant remembered watching with his father. “That brought us closer as a father and son,” Durant said. Stephen Curry admitted his first reaction was doubt. “81 just doesn’t even sound right,” he said.

Bryant’s historic feat will be celebrated in the NBA for decades to come. Not many players came close to his elite score. Luka Doncic scored 73 in 2024, but was still 8-point short.

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