“I wish he was here…” Luka Doncic remembers Kobe Bryant on death anniversary after scoring whopping 73 points

Luka Doncic, who was close to joining the Atlanta Hawks, produced a franchise night for the Dallas Mavericks.

“I wish he was here…” Luka Doncic remembers Kobe Bryant on death anniversary after scoring whopping 73 points

Luka Doncic mentioned in the press conference that he wished Kobe Bryant was there to see his historic performance. (image via Open Source, X)

Today marks the fourth anniversary of the death of Kobe Bryant. The Los Angeles Lakers great passed away in 2020 due to a tragic helicopter crash. His memory and legacy lives on. So, for Luka Doncic to score the most points in a game after Bryant’s 81-point performance 18 years ago was a fitting tribute.

Doncic scored 73 points during tonight’s game against the Atlanta Hawks. That is officially the highest-scoring individual performance from any player in the last 18 years. For Bryant to have last done it in 2006, and for Doncic to do it today was fitting, considering the impact Bryant has had on Doncic. While speaking with reporters in the post-game press conference, Doncic said;

It’s amazing man. It’s very special. We all love Kobe…It’s special to fall on the same day. Obviously, I wish he was here.
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Doncic would have loved for Bryant to have witnessed his performance today in person. The two shared a special bond back in the day, with Doncic one of the several NBA stars who have taken inspiration from the Lakers icon.

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Kobe Bryant scored the second most points by an individual in a game back on January 22nd, 2006. His 81-point performance against the Toronto Raptors puts him just after Wilt Chamberlain‘s 100-point record. To this day, it is one of the most memorable individual accomplishments in all of sports. Kobe Bryant’s legacy was greatly accentuated by that performance. The 5-time Champion is regarded as one of the all-time greats.

Since that day, several players have tried to get close to the monumental figure. So far, the closest has been Doncic, and to do it in front of the team that drafted him was also special.

Related: “Epitome of a solid a** friend” – Lakers legend Pau Gasol’s wholesome birthday wish for Kobe Bryant’s 21-year-old daughter melts fans’ hearts

How Doncic’s game unfolded on the day everyone remembers Bryant

The Dallas Mavericks were playing without Kyrie Irving, who was ruled out with a thumb sprain. Hence, the offensive load was mostly on Doncic’s shoulders. Doncic got off to a hot start from the first minute of the game. He scored and assisted many of the Mavericks’ points, and finished the first half with a franchise-record 41 points.

Luka Doncic put up his historic performance on the anniversary of the death of the late great Kobe Bryant
Luka Doncic put up his historic performance on the anniversary of the death of the late great Kobe Bryant (image via Open Source, X)

With the game tied at the half, Doncic had to continue dominating the scoreboard. He did exactly that to fuel the Mavericks to a 148-143 win. This win snapped a three-game losing streak for the team. What stood out was Doncic’s high efficiency from the field as well as from the free throw line. He finished with 73 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists.

Bryant would have been proud of Doncic’s performance today. This is why, Doncic suggested it would have been great to have the legend witness his historic night.

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