In the storied history of the NBA, certain accomplishments stand out as legendary. One such memorable accomplishment is Kobe Bryant’s monumental performance on January 22, 2006, when the Lakers icon left both fans and foes in awe by scoring 81 points against the Toronto Raptors. This historic milestone seemed insurmountable, a feat that pushed the boundaries of modern basketball.
However, in the 2023-24 season, several players have dangerously approached this mythical mark, sparking speculation and excitement among fans about the possibility of witnessing the shattering of this legendary record. In this article, we will explore NBA players who could emulate Kobe’s feat and leave their indelible mark on the history of basketball.
Luka Doncic
Luka Doncic, at just 24 years old, has emerged as a scoring juggernaut in the NBA this season. Averaging an impressive 34.7 points, 9.6 assists, and 8.6 rebounds, he’s become a triple-double threat every time he steps on the court. The recent game against the Atlanta Hawks showcased his scoring prowess, as he dropped an outstanding 73 points, securing 10 rebounds and 7 assists – the fourth-highest single-game scoring performance in NBA history, only trailing Wilt Chamberlain, Kobe Bryant, and David Thompson.
The question now lingers: Could Luka Doncic challenge Kobe Bryant’s historic 81-point game? While such a feat is undoubtedly challenging, Doncic’s scoring ability, versatility, and the freedom he enjoys within the Mavericks’ offensive system make it within the realm of possibility.
What sets Doncic apart is his scoring repertoire. He’s a proficient three-level scorer, equally dangerous from beyond the arc, mid-range, and at the rim. His combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ allows him to navigate through defenses with relative ease. In the pursuit of Kobe’s record, this diverse scoring arsenal gives Doncic the tools to maintain high-scoring outputs consistently.
Moreover, Doncic’s playmaking abilities add an extra layer to his scoring potential. As the primary ball-handler, he can create for himself and others, making it difficult for defenses to focus solely on stopping his scoring. This dual threat keeps opposing teams off balance and opens up opportunities for explosive scoring nights.
While the 81-point mark remains an iconic achievement, Luka Doncic’s offensive prowess and recent historic performance suggest that he might be the player with the potential to approach or even surpass Kobe’s record.
Devin Booker
Devin Booker, the offensive maestro for the Phoenix Suns, has been setting the hardwood ablaze with his scoring exploits this season. Averaging 28.6 points, 7.3 assists, and 4.9 rebounds, Booker has established himself as a premier scorer and playmaker in the league. His scoring prowess is not a recent phenomenon, with a standout performance etched in NBA history when he dropped an astounding 70 points against the Boston Celtics in March 2017.
This season, Booker has once again taken his scoring to new heights. In January, he torched the New Orleans Pelicans for 52 points and followed it up with a jaw-dropping 62-point outburst against the Indiana Pacers, marking his season-high so far. Notably, in his latest outing against the Orlando Magic, Booker notched 44 points against one of the top 5 defenses in the league, showcasing his ability to thrive against formidable opponents.
The question arises: Is Devin Booker the biggest challenger to Bryant’s 81-point game? While such an accomplishment is undoubtedly a rare and monumental feat, Booker’s scoring versatility and ability to explode for high point totals make it a compelling prospect. His knack for scoring in various ways, whether it’s from beyond the arc, mid-range, or attacking the rim, provides a diverse offensive skill set that keeps defenses guessing.
Booker’s 70-point game is a testament to his scoring prowess, and his recent performances this season indicate that he is in the midst of a scoring surge. The NBA community is left to wonder if Devin Booker can channel his offensive brilliance toward chasing Kobe’s record, adding an exciting layer to an already electrifying season.
Joel Embiid
Joel Embiid, the towering force for the Philadelphia 76ers, is enjoying a season that can only be described as a scoring spectacle. Averaging an extraordinary 36.0 points, 11.4 rebounds, and 5.8 assists, Embiid has not only become a statistical juggernaut but has propelled himself into the conversation as the leading scorer of the league. His recent performance against the San Antonio Spurs, where he dropped an impressive 70 points, marked a career-high and underscored his status as an offensive powerhouse.
Embiid’s scoring consistency has been nothing short of remarkable, with an astonishing streak of more than 20 consecutive games scoring 30 points or more. This sustained level of excellence has not only made him the leading scorer of the season but also positions him as the frontrunner for the MVP race in the regular season.
The challenge of matching Kobe’s iconic feat looms for him too. While the task is undeniably formidable, Embiid’s combination of size, skill, and scoring versatility makes it an intriguing proposition. His ability to dominate in the post, step out for three-pointers, and capitalize on free throws positions him as a nightmare matchup for opposing defenses.
What sets Embiid apart is not just his scoring ability but how he leads his team. As the focal point of the 76ers’ offense, Embiid’s scoring outbursts often correlate with team success, adding an invaluable dynamic to his scoring prowess as the 76ers rank 3rd in the Eastern Conference.
As the MVP race heats up, Joel Embiid stands as a formidable candidate, not just for his scoring but for the transformative impact he brings to the court. The league watches with anticipation, wondering if Embiid’s scoring surge will reach unprecedented heights and rival one of the most iconic performances in NBA history.
Donovan Mitchell
Donovan Mitchell has etched his name in the books of NBA history with his scoring prowess. His unforgettable performance against the Chicago Bulls on January 2023, where he erupted for an astounding 71 points, stands as a testament to his scoring ability. This remarkable feat ranks as the sixth-highest single-game scoring mark in NBA history, showcasing Mitchell’s capacity for offensive fireworks.
In the current season, Mitchell continues to dazzle with his scoring output, averaging 27.7 points, 6.3 assists, and 5.5 rebounds per game for the Cleveland Cavaliers. His ability to score in bunches, coupled with his playmaking skills, makes him a potent offensive threat and a nightmare matchup for opposing defenses.
While such an achievement remains a monumental task, Mitchell’s scoring ability and his track record of explosive performances suggest that he could be up for the challenge. His combination of athleticism, ball-handling, and scoring instincts allows him to create scoring opportunities in various ways, whether it’s slashing to the basket, knocking down perimeter shots, or orchestrating in transition.
Mitchell’s scoring outbursts not only energize his team but also galvanize fans and captivate audiences worldwide. As the Cavs continue their pursuit of success, Mitchell’s ability to shoulder the scoring load becomes increasingly crucial, elevating him into the conversation among the league’s elite scorers.
As the NBA season unfolds, Donovan Mitchell remains a player to watch, with the potential to leave his mark on the league’s storied history. Whether he can challenge Kobe’s record or not, one thing is certain: Mitchell’s scoring prowess is a spectacle to behold, and every game brings the anticipation of witnessing another unforgettable performance from the dynamic guard.
Kevin Durant
Kevin Durant has been a beacon of offensive brilliance this season, consistently delivering impressive performances. Averaging 28.5 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 5.7 assists, Durant has seamlessly integrated into the Suns’ system, providing a scoring punch and playmaking acumen.
What makes Durant even more captivating is his ability to elevate his game when his fellow scoring partners, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal, are sidelined due to injuries. In nine games without Booker this season, Durant has shouldered a heavier offensive burden, resulting in stellar individual numbers: 31.6 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 5.9 assists. This surge in production underscores Durant’s capability to adapt to different circumstances and take on a more prominent scoring role when needed.
As one of the most versatile scorers in the league, Durant’s offensive repertoire is a nightmare for defenses. His ability to score from anywhere on the court, coupled with his deceptive ball-handling and playmaking skills, makes him a constant threat. Whether it’s sinking mid-range jumpers, draining three-pointers, or finishing with authority at the rim, Durant’s scoring arsenal is as complete as they come.
While the task of scoring 81 points in a single game is monumental, Durant’s ability to take over games and his track record of scoring outbursts make it a conversation worth having. As the NBA season progresses, the allure of witnessing history looms whenever Kevin Durant takes the court.
The narrative surrounding Kevin Durant is not just about the numbers but the timing and impact of his scoring. As the Suns navigate the season and face various challenges, Durant’s scoring prowess becomes a crucial factor in their pursuit of success.
