Kobe Bryant torched Michael Jordan and the Washington Wizards with a season-high 55 points, powering the Los Angeles Lakers to a decisive victory. This wasn’t just a game. It was personal. Earlier that 2002-2003 season, Jordan had mocked Bryant in their first clash. The rivalry fueled the night. Bryant’s scoring clinic buried the Wizards and settled the score.
According to the “VintageDawkins” YouTube channel, Jordan mocked Bryant:
“You can put the shoes on, but you ain’t going to never fill them,” referencing Bryant’s choice to wear Jordan brand sneakers.
Kobe Bryant snapped after a stinging comment. He shut out his teammates for two weeks. Next game against his rival, he came out swinging. Right from the tip, he attacked with fierce energy. He lit up the court, especially from three-point range.
In the first quarter alone, he sank five triples, smashing an NBA record in just over 12 minutes. By game’s end, he’d hit 12 of 18 from deep, topping Dennis Scott’s 1996 mark of 11.
Bryant’s shooting barrage left fans and commentators in awe, with lines like:
“Oh my God, three-pointer number seven for Kobe Bryant,” and “Is he going to pull up from three? Oh, come on, somebody stop him.” (Timestamp at 5:53)
Bryant dropped 40 points by halftime, overpowering Michael Jordan and the Wizards. Jordan fought back with 23 points, hitting 10 of 20 shots, but Bryant’s onslaught stole the show. The Staples Center roared as Bryant drilled shot after shot. His relentless play clinched the Lakers’ win and stretched their home streak against Washington.
Jordan eventually exited the game to a standing ovation, but the night belonged to Bryant. As the commentators put it:
“That man right there took the game into his own hands and went on a shooting spree I’ve never seen before.”
Bryant’s electrifying game nearly matched his career-best. It fired back at Michael Jordan’s earlier taunt. The night locked in Bryant’s status as a basketball legend.
The Los Angeles Lakers icon died in a helicopter crash on Jan. 26, 2020. His daughter Gianna and seven others perished too.
Former Lakers coach recalled Kobe Bryant & Michael Jordan trash-talking
Phil Jackson shared the story about Kobe Bryant trash-talking Michael Jordan during a meeting between the two legends. Speaking at Bryant’s statue unveiling last year at Crypto.com Arena, the Hall of Fame coach recalled the moment.
Jackson had arranged the meeting to help Kobe understand how to thrive in a team-oriented system focused on ball movement rather than one-on-one play. As soon as Kobe walked in, he said:
“Kobe walked in and he sat down and he said, ‘Michael, I can take you one-on-one,” coach Jackson recalled (2:48).
The room, including Kobe’s widow, Vanessa, erupted in laughter and applause.
“Michael said, ‘Well, I think you might. I’m 37, and you’re 22,'” Jackson said.
Kobe Bryant is the closest player to Michael Jordan fans have ever seen. The parallels between the two are striking – from their playing style to their competitive mindset. Even their heights and builds are nearly identical.
READ: When LeBron James Stared at Michael Jordan Before a Fast-Break Dunk
I am a writer passionate about telling the stories behind the game of basketball. From the culture and personalities shaping the sport to the moments that define it, I explore basketball beyond the box score.
