Certain accomplishments in NBA history stand out as legendary. One such noteworthy effort is Kobe Bryant’s 81-point outburst against the Toronto Raptors on January 22, 2006, which left both fans and opponents in amazement. This historic milestone appeared unreachable, an accomplishment that stretched the limits of modern basketball.
However, throughout the 2023-24 season, several players have dangerously neared this mythical mark, igniting fan conjecture and enthusiasm over the potential of witnessing the legendary record being broken. In this article, we will look at NBA players that have the potential to follow in Kobe’s footsteps and make an everlasting impact on basketball history.
Luka Doncic
Luka Doncic, at 24 years old, has emerged as the NBA’s leading scorer this season. He averages 34.7 points, 9.6 assists, and 8.6 rebounds per game, making him a triple-double danger every time he plays. His latest game against the Atlanta Hawks demonstrated his shooting prowess, as he scored an impressive 73 points while also earning 10 rebounds and 7 assists – the fourth-highest single-game scoring effort in NBA history, after only Wilt Chamberlain, Kobe Bryant, and David Thompson.
The question now is if Luka Doncic can challenge Kobe Bryant’s record-breaking 81-point performance. While such a feat is obviously difficult, Doncic’s scoring talent, adaptability, and the freedom he has under the Mavericks’ offensive system make it feasible.
What distinguishes Doncic is his scoring repertoire. He’s a versatile scorer who can shoot from beyond the arc, mid-range, and near the rim. His stature, skill, and basketball IQ enable him to move through defenders with great ease. In pursuit of Kobe’s record, Doncic’s varied scoring arsenal provides him with the weapons he needs to regularly produce high-scoring outputs.
Furthermore, Doncic’s playmaking abilities increase his scoring potential. As the primary ball-handler, he may generate opportunities for himself and others, making it tough for defenses to focus completely on stopping his scoring. This dual threat keeps opposing teams off balance and creates opportunity for big scoring nights.
While the 81-point mark remains an iconic achievement, Luka Doncic’s offensive brilliance and recent historic performance indicate that he has the potential to approach or even break Kobe’s record.
Devin Booker
Devin Booker, the Phoenix Suns’ offensive wizard, has been lighting up the parquet with his scoring exploits this season. Booker has established himself as the league’s leading scorer and facilitator, averaging 28.6 points, 7.3 assists, and 4.9 rebounds per game. His scoring skill is not a recent phenomena; in March 2017, he sank an incredible 70 points against the Boston Celtics, making him an NBA legend.
This season, Booker has once again surpassed his previous scoring records. In January, he scorched the New Orleans Pelicans for 52 points before blowing out the Indiana Pacers for 62 points, his season high. Notably, in his most recent game against the Orlando Magic, Booker scored 44 points against one of the league’s top five defenses, demonstrating his capacity to thrive against strong opponents.
The issue is, is Devin Booker the biggest threat to Bryant’s 81-point performance? While such an achievement is unquestionably unique and huge, Booker’s scoring variety and ability to explode for high point totals make him an appealing potential. His ability to score in a variety of ways, whether from beyond the arc, mid-range, or around the rim, gives him a versatile offensive skill set that keeps defenders guessing.
Booker’s 70-point game demonstrates his scoring prowess, and his recent performances this season suggest he is on a scoring spree. The NBA community is left wondering if Devin Booker can direct his offensive genius toward breaking Kobe’s record, adding an additional layer to an already electrifying season.
Joel Embiid
Joel Embiid, the Philadelphia 76ers’ towering force, is having an incredible scoring season. With an average of 36.0 points, 11.4 rebounds, and 5.8 assists, Embiid has not only become a statistical powerhouse, but has also risen to the top of the league’s scoring charts. His recent effort against the San Antonio Spurs, in which he scored an astonishing 70 points, set a career best and solidified his standing as an offensive force.
Embiid’s scoring consistency has been nothing short of extraordinary, with more than 20 consecutive games of 30 or more points. This consistent level of success has not only made him the season’s leading scorer, but it has also propelled him to the top of the regular season MVP race.
He will also have the difficulty of emulating Kobe’s iconic feat. While the challenge is unquestionably daunting, Embiid’s size, skill, and scoring variety make him an interesting prospect. His ability to dominate in the post, step out for three-pointers, and convert free throws make him a nightmare matchup for opposing defenders.
Embiid’s leadership style, more than his scoring ability, distinguishes him. As the main point of the 76ers’ attack, Embiid’s scoring outbursts frequently correlate with team success, adding an invaluable dimension to his scoring prowess as the 76ers sit third in the Eastern Conference.
As the MVP race heats up, Joel Embiid emerges as a formidable candidate, not only for his scoring ability, but also for the transformative impact he brings to the game. The league waits with interest to see if Embiid’s scoring explosion can reach new heights and rival one of the most legendary performances in NBA history.
Donovan Mitchell
Mitchell’s scoring ability has cemented his place in NBA history. His spectacular performance against the Chicago Bulls in January 2023, when he scored an incredible 71 points, exemplifies his scoring ability. This astounding performance stands as the sixth-highest single-game scoring total in NBA history, demonstrating Mitchell’s offensive prowess.
Mitchell has continued to impress with his scoring production this season, averaging 27.7 points, 6.3 assists, and 5.5 rebounds per game for the Cleveland Cavaliers. His ability to score in large quantities, along with his playmaking abilities, makes him a formidable offensive threat and a nightmare matchup for opposition defenses.
While such a feat remains a tremendous endeavor, Mitchell’s scoring ability and track record of spectacular performances indicate that he may be up to the task. His mix of quickness, ball-handling ability, and scoring instincts enables him to create scoring opportunities in a variety of ways, including slicing to the basket, knocking down outside shots, and orchestrating in transition.
Mitchell’s scoring outbursts not only inspire his team, but also galvanize fans and fascinate audiences across the world. As the Cavs pursue success, Mitchell’s ability to carry the scoring load becomes increasingly important, propelling him into the debate among the league’s greatest scorers.
As the NBA season progresses, Donovan Mitchell remains a talent to watch, with the potential to leave his stamp on the league’s illustrious history. Whether he can break Kobe’s record or not, one thing is certain: Mitchell’s scoring ability is a sight to behold, and each game comes the prospect of another remarkable performance from the dynamic guard.
Kevin Durant
Kevin Durant has been a shining example of offensive excellence this season, routinely producing spectacular performances. Durant has easily adapted into the Suns’ system, averaging 28.5 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 5.7 assists while adding scoring punch and playmaking ability.
Durant’s ability to enhance his game while his teammates scorers, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal, are injured adds to his appeal. Durant has taken on a larger offensive responsibility in nine games without Booker this season, resulting in great individual numbers: 31.6 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 5.9 assists. This jump in productivity demonstrates Durant’s ability to adjust to changing circumstances and play a more prominent scoring role when necessary.
Durant’s offensive versatility is a nightmare for teams, since he is one of the league’s most versatile scorers. His ability to score from any position on the floor, combined with his crafty ball-handling and playmaking abilities, make him a continuous threat. Durant’s scoring arsenal is as diverse as it is extensive, with him sinking mid-range jumpers, draining three-pointers, and finishing with authority at the rim.
While scoring 81 points in a single game is a massive accomplishment, Durant’s propensity to dominate games and track record of scoring outbursts make it a topic worth discussing. As the NBA season unfolds, the appeal of seeing history grows each time Kevin Durant takes the court.
Kevin Durant’s narrative is about more than just the numbers; it’s also about the timing and impact of his scoring. As the Suns go through the season and confront numerous challenges, Durant’s scoring ability becomes increasingly important to their success.
