The Golden State Warriors will visit the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday as part of their four-game East coast visit. Though still injured, star guard Klay Thompson will be traveling with the Warriors and will be present in the arena.
Like most Kobe Bryant diehard fans, the Black Mamba's epic 61-point output at MSG is what immediately came to Thompson's mind.
Via his Instagram, Thompson posted a photo with a caption containing his sentiments ahead of the Warriors' trip to the so-called Mecca of Basketball. Tagged as the world's most famous arena, the Madison Square Garden has featured spectacular performances from all-time greats such as Kobe.
“I love the Garden. The history of the greatest sports woman/men & entertainers who have performed here is incredible. Kobe’s 61 is the first thing that comes to my mind. Can’t wait to get back here and make it rain ☔️ 👌🏽”
View this post on Instagram
In 2009, Kobe snagged the MSG scoring record by dropping 61 points in the Los Angeles Lakers' 126-117 victory over the Knicks. The late NBA icon shot 19-of-31 from the field and a perfect 20-of-20 from the free throw line. It was a scoring outburst desperately needed by the Lakers at that time as they entered the game without star center Andrew Bynum.
After the game, Kobe famously gave the signed stat sheet to filmmaker Spike Lee. Kobe was scheduled to do some commentary on Lee's documentary “Kobe Doin' Work.” The Black Mamba went on to tease Lee, noting that it was his fault that he dropped 61 points on the Knicks.
Thompson, who's not new to snarky antics, must highly approve.
The record has never been broken but was tied by James Harden in 2019. But even if someone overtakes Kobe's record, the feat will always be special for Kobe fanboys like Klay Thompson.
Follow Us
Subscribe