The NBA season has given the fans some absolute gems this season, especially this past week. The teams have made some quality reinforcements before the February 9 trade deadline, and these games are proof of their smart decisions. Meanwhile, the Portland Trail Blazers fans had a lot to cheer for recently in a long time, as their legend Damian Lillard stood up to score 71 points against the Houston Rockets. Despite the staggering number, a certain NBA icon decided to shrug off Lillard’s achievements after pointing out why he was a victim of a more embarrassing record.

Jalen Rose was on the receiving end when Kobe Bryant dropped his staggering 81-point bomb against the Toronto Raptors 17 years ago. Rose has been trolled throughout his life for the game. However, as of 2023, he could not care less about the demons from 2006, as he recently revealed.

Damian Lillard’s 71-point game shrugged off by Kobe Bryant’s ‘victim’ Jalen Rose

Almost 17 years ago, Jalen Rose and the Toronto Raptors were demolished by Kobe Bryant who dropped 81 points on them. In doing so, Bryant became the second-highest scorer in a single NBA game.

Years later, Rose still faces the memories of the game and fans and analysts don’t let him forget it. In a similar encounter, Rose was asked about Damian Lillard’s performance in a recent episode of the Dan Patrick Show.

While rubbing some salt in his old wounds, Dan Patrick asked the ESPN NBA analyst on how “badly” he wanted someone like Lillard to pass Bryant’s record. Rose understood the trolling and came out with an all guns-blazing reply.

“Of course if and when people think of clowning me, they all bring that[Bryant’s 81-point game] up,” said Rose. He further added, “But at the same time, I respect the game, I love and miss Kobe Bryant, and newsflash it ain’t 100! Wilt got the record. The record is 100 everybody!“

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With those words, Rose shrugged off even Dame Dolla’s amazing game in a moment of humor. Furthermore, he also somewhat discounted Lillard’s achievement saying no one would be attached to the game like everyone is with the one in 2006. According to the NBA analyst, it is because he’s “famous“, “…Respectfully, because I’m famous. That’s really what it is, Jalen is a common name.”

However, Rose isn’t completely wrong. It is debatable if the 2006 game is famous because of Rose, but it certainly is more prominent because of the great Kobe Bryant.

Kobe’s historical night back in 2006

The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Toronto Raptors 122-104 in Los Angeles with 19,000 people watching in the stadium. However, the Lakers fans didn’t know before the match that the team winning would not be the best thing for them. 

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The Black Mamba turned on his magic after the Raptors lead 71-53 after halftime, and whatever was left at the end of the game was history. Despite Bryant’s immense confidence, after the game, he mentioned how never in his “dreams” did he expect this to happen. However, some fans might not feel the same as the Black Mamba was considered special since the day he stepped foot on the court.