For most NBA players, a 50-point game is a career-defining moment, the perfect storm of swagger, rhythm, and a just a little bit of luck. But today, on the first annual Kobe Bryant Day, we’re not interested in the feats of mere mortals. Because for a stretch during the 2006-07 season, scoring 50 points became routine for him.
At 28 years old, Bryant was at the peak of his powers, scoring from anywhere and on anyone—all the while he dragged a thoroughly mediocre Lakers’ squad towards a postseason birth. With a record of just 33-32 heading into a March 16 game against the Portland Trail Blazers, the Purple and Gold needed something close to a miracle to remain in contention for a playoff spot.