Kobe Bryant Breaks Record with 61 Points at Madison Square Garden

(The following is taken from two AP stories) Kobe Bryant knew center Andrew Bynum was out and potential taunts from Spike Lee and Mike D’Antoni could be expected. That gave him plenty of incentive to deliver a special night at Madison Square Garden Monday night, and he unleashed the biggest game the building has seen. Bryant broke the current arena record with 61 points, and the Los Angeles Lakers looked plenty potent without Bynum in a 126-117 victory over the New York Knicks. “It’s a blessing to do what you love and to have moments like this,” Bryant said after the game. He teased and pleased a sold-out crowd that took turns booing him and saluting him with “MVP!” chants during an electrifying performance. He passed Michael Jordan’s opponent record of 55 points at the present building, known as “Garden IV,” when he hit three free throws with 3:56 remaining. He then bettered Bernard King’s points mark of 60, set on Christmas ... (link)