Kobe Bryant scored 34 points in the first half and another 27 in the second for a record-breaking performance at Madison Square Garden and the Knicks. With 61 points, he broke Bernard King's record of 60 points for most points scored at MSG.
He was 19-37 from the floor and 20-20 from the line in just 36 minutes of play on Monday night.
Bryant's previous career high at Madison Square Garden is 46 points, which he put up in February of 2003. He also scored 40 points in January of 2006, 39 points in December of 2007 and 33 in 2001.
Bryant made his MSG debut in November of 1996 when he scored just one point in three minutes.
Tony Parker had the previous single game high for points during the 2008-09 season when he scored 55 against Minnesota. Brandon Roy and Jamal Crawford have also scored at least 50 points in a game this season.
I NEVER fail, i'm just SUCCESSFUL in finding out what doesn't work Freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed.