Kobe Bryant took the most shots in modern basketball history last night
If Kobe Bryant doesn't smash some record during his retirement game, then did he really retire at all? Have no fear: Bryant broke Michael Jordan's 1993 record for the most field goal attempts during his final game Wednesday night — with an insane 50 attempts taken.
Yep. Five-zero.
For the less-basketball minded, that means Bryant actually attempted more shots than anyone else has since they started keeping records during the 1983-84 season. (Basketball nerds might point out that Wilt Chamberlain took 63 shots when he scored 100 points in 1962). More impressively, perhaps, is the fact that Bryant's field goal attempts actually yielded 60 points (tying his 5th most of all time), and a win.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
After all, as someone who has been criticized for shooting too much (another of Bryant's records: most misses in a game, at 30), Bryant's attempt record Wednesday night actually puts him in a familiar crowd. Of the top 10 most field goal attempts since record-keeping began, Bryant owns six of them — and only six times has a player actually taken more than 45 shots in a game.
During his final game on Wednesday, Bryant also edged in on the record for the most three-point shots attempted, trying for 21 just below record-holder J.R. Smith's 22.
So never mind that Jordan's 1993 record of 49 attempts actually yielded more points in the end — if there was a better way for Bryant to top off his 20-year career, we can't think of one. Watch some of the night's highlights below. Jeva Lange
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Jeva Lange was the executive editor at TheWeek.com. She formerly served as The Week's deputy editor and culture critic. She is also a contributor to Screen Slate, and her writing has appeared in The New York Daily News, The Awl, Vice, and Gothamist, among other publications. Jeva lives in New York City. Follow her on Twitter.
-
7 drinks for every winter need possible
The Week Recommends Including a variety of base spirits and a range of temperatures
By Scott Hocker, The Week US Published
-
'We have made it a crime for most refugees to want the American dream'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Anya Jaremko-Greenwold, The Week US Published
-
Was the Azerbaijan Airlines plane shot down?
Today's Big Question Multiple sources claim Russian anti-aircraft missile damaged passenger jet, leading to Christmas Day crash that killed at least 38
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Honda and Nissan in merger talks
Speed Read The companies are currently Japan's second and third-biggest automakers, respectively
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Taylor Swift wraps up record-shattering Eras tour
Speed Read The pop star finally ended her long-running tour in Vancouver, Canada
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Drake claims illegal boosting, defamation
Speed Read The rapper accused Universal Music of boosting Kendrick Lamar's diss track and said UMG allowed him to be falsely accused of pedophilia
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
'Wicked' and 'Gladiator II' ignite holiday box office
Speed Read The combination of the two movies revitalized a struggling box office
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Jussie Smollet conviction overturned on appeal
Speed Read The Illinois Supreme Court overturned the actor's conviction on charges of staging a racist and homophobic attack against himself in 2019
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Quincy Jones, music icon, is dead at 91
Speed Read The legendary producer is perhaps best known as the architect behind Michael Jackson's 'Thriller'
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
OJ Simpson, star athlete tried for murder, dead at 76
Speed Read The former football hero and murder suspect lost his battle with cancer
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Momofuku's 'Chili Crunch' trademark uproar
Speed Read The company's attempt to own the sole rights has prompted backlash
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published