Kobe Bryant became the youngest 20,000-point scorer in league history in the most “him” way possible by dropping 39 points toward a Lakers victory at Madison Square Garden.
On a 3-pointer early in the third quarter, the 22-year-old beat Wilt Chamberlain by 12 days for that title.
Bryant scored 12 points in the first, and it looked like it would be a cruise for the Lakers, who led by as many as 25 in their 95-90 win.
But New York’s Jamal Crawford caught fire and scored all 30 of his points in the second half, bringing the Knicks within one point with a minute left. But Bryant was ready to strike back, hitting a 14-foot jumper to open the lead back up.
The Knicks had a chance to tie but Jordan Farmar sealed victory by stealing their inbounds pass and taking it back for a dunk.
The Lakers had 18 assists to New York’s seven, while holding the Knicks to 39.5 percent shooting. But the home team had significant advantages in free throws (27-13) and offensive rebounds (17-8) to keep it close.
However, it had no answer for Bryant who shot 14-of-28 with five 3-pointers, while also flirting with a triple-double with 11 rebounds and eight assists.
It was truly a one-man show for the reigning scoring champion, as no other Laker finished with more than 13 points or double-figure rebounds.
Kobe performances on this day in history:
