Kobe Bryant, the iconic basketball legend, once delivered one of the most extraordinary performances in the history of the sport, scoring an astounding 81 points against the Toronto Raptors in 2006. However, the basketball world remains intrigued by the idea that Kobe could have reached an even more remarkable milestone—100 points—in that game, if not for the decisions made by his coach, Phil Jackson.

During the game, Kobe found himself substituted frequently and played for 42 out of the total 48 minutes. Despite the limited time on the court, he unleashed a relentless onslaught to lead the Lakers to a comeback against the Raptors. Many speculate that had Kobe played the full 48 minutes, breaking the 100-point barrier would have been well within his reach.

The reason behind preventing Kobe from achieving this historic feat lies in Phil Jackson’s reluctance to see Wilt Chamberlain’s legendary scoring record of 100 points shattered. Additionally, Jackson was mindful of avoiding overburdening Kobe in the game to prevent potential injuries. However, the primary motivation was to preserve the legacy and influence of Wilt Chamberlain’s record for future generations.

It was a near miss for Kobe Bryant to etch his name in the history books for the highest single-game scoring record. Despite the missed opportunity, the respect for Wilt Chamberlain’s milestone prevailed over the pursuit of rewriting history. Kobe’s extraordinary performance that night, coupled with the strategic decisions made by Phil Jackson, adds an intriguing chapter to the rich tapestry of basketball lore.