Kobe Bryant's 81 vs Michael Jordan's 69

Coach Nick breaks down these two games, comparing two greats in their best scoring outputs of their respective careers. While both operated out of the triange, the similarities ended there.

[@luizsudbrack7441]

Kobe shot a lot more 3s. Its part of the reason he never really approached MJ on FG% but also why he was able to put together some truly bonkers games including this one. I love watching both. MJ looks like the conqueror and Kobe looks like a video game character in these classic games. Hats off to both guys.

[@Amick44]

+Luiz Sudbrack Sure. And hats off to Bird and Baylor both. All right, I just had to mention the greatest forwards as well.

[@Rambo20244]

shooting more 3s doesn't do nothing to your fg percentage because its 3pt percentage shots so u not making any sense

[@mattbatista3783]

​@@Rambo20244is this a joke?

[@Rambo20244]

@@mattbatista3783 bruh kobe has the most missed shots in nba history... his shot selections was garbage regardless... jordan was way more efficient and decent with his shot selections... it's not nobody fault that kobe took alot of bad shots.

[@mattbatista3783]

@rambofirstblood2163 3s count as field goals google it you moron your just hating on kobe rn

[@gravyeusebio24]

I definitely learned a lot from this video especially when it comes to how to control the narrative. Notice how many missed shots he showed between these two players, and you’ll know the player the favors. It’s really a great example how to downplay one player in order to elevate the other

[@automaticcaptions]

I swear the quality of MJ's vid was so bad I had trouble finding out who MJ was. half the time id think some random guy was MJ then id seem him making the shot on the other side of the court. lol

[@automaticcaptions]

xKillTheMachines its the truth dumbass

[@TheSands83]

Not me i know immediately who jorda . is by the way he moves

[@staidenofanarchy]

Kobe's performance was more impressive as a display on individual talent (against a not very good team) and Jordan's was a great display of being able to score within an offense, since Jordan didn't handle the ball nearly as much as Kobe. They're both incredible performances.

[@Celothxu]

but this isnt even jordan's best game. jordan did it vs. the eventual champs, larry legend, 86 celtics. one of the best ever. in the playoffs. when it counts the most, averging 47 ppg. kobe did it vs, not just "not a very good team," but the worst team in the league, with worst defense in the league. in a regular season game.

[@mr.z6252]

@@Celothxu Ummmm this is his best game... He got 69 pt, 6 ast, and 18 Rbd

[@Celothxu]

@@mr.z6252 that's your opinion. And you're entitled to that. But his best game cannot be just points. Or rebounds. The level of difficulty to get those things must be factored in as well. That's why 63, in the playoffs, coming off a broken foot, vs the Larry legend eventual champion Boston celtics, is way fucking greater than 69 vs the no chip cavs. Any day.

[@mr.z6252]

@@Celothxu No This is actually his best game m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/pJ-YZn93Z9Gin7c

[@Celothxu]

@@mr.z6252 that's the poster's opinion. And you're opinion. But I'm sure if you ask ppl in the know, they would say it's a 63 pts game, in the playoffs, against one of the best teams in history. Barkley did it vs gs. The old, not great one.

[@gravyeusebio24]

I really like how he underplays Kobe in this vid 👌

[@Airestotle09]

MJ was so ahead of his time. His crossovers, jab step, and stepbacks were pretty much revolutionary back then. And he did it with such efficiency people were just overwhelmed with what they were seeing.

[@acebold]

1st off, I would like to say much Respect to MJ and I still give him the edge over Kobe. But lets not forget... MJ had to get his 69/18/6 in OT! While Kobe got his (81) in 48mins. Now while we're comparing the oppositions, in due fact the Raptors weren't a good team, however; the Lakers apparently wasn't any better. Given that they were down (at home) 20+ pnts. So you can't blame him for having to take over the game. At the end of the day, no matter how good or bad the opponent was, MJ has never put up 81points. And do not let me get started w/Kobe's '62 pts' in only 3qrts against the Mavs, who were in fact a Championship caliber team, who also went on to the NBA Finals that same year 🙊🙊🙊

[@RickyMoss]

Ace Johnson BOL.. the OT comparison is silly considering MJ only played like 3-5 minutes more than Kobe did

[@JustBoredBru]

And he still didn't get 80.....

[@acebold]

Ricky Moss​ True. But doesn't matter, 5mins is still 5mins no matter how u look at it. The way Jordan and Kobe scores, 5 mins can be eternity.

[@kaushiksinha793]

MJ wasn't going for 80

[@kingdinodragonite3470]

69 points 81 points 18 rebounds 6 rebounds 6 assists 2 assists Michael Jordan Kobe Bryant

[@MrSquaky]

His team was down almost 20. He SINGLE-HANDEDLY brought his team back ALONE. 3's or not, Kobe was hitting them, not stupid shots at all. Just a man on a mission to make a comeback. Which led to 81 points...

[@PalmdalesAdonis]

damn Mj had 69pts, 6ast, and 18 rebs..

[@emmanuelenyinwa1443]

I rewatched this video again and came away LAUGHING. Jordan playing against the ALL WHITE backcourt of Cleveland, who he bullied and outjumped and who EVERY TIME he waltzed by them and the big man rotated over, the big man was called for a foul, versus Kobe, hitting tough shot after tough shot in the face of VERY athletic guards and forwards like himself, on a team that was so bad Kobe had to carry them every night. You have to be BLIND to think Jordan's CHEAP 69 against Cleveland's unathletic team COMPARES to Kobe's virtuoso performance. I mean, 90% of Jordan's shots were within 15 feet of the bucket where Cleveland had no mobile big men who could even come close to challenging those chippes.

[@Celothxu]

winston bennett is black, quick, and jordan's size. you better watch it again

[@Celothxu]

athletic? oh i get it u think because they jump high they are good at basketball. check their record. they were the worst team in the league, with the worst d in the nba. jordan scored against a very good team, a real playoff team w good defense (look it up) and legitimate shot blockers. if u want to see kobe vs good defense ... check out his horrid shooting % in the 04 finals vs the detroit pistons ( an inferior piston team to the one jordan battled and ultimately defeated)

[@emmanuelenyinwa1443]

Celothxu Winston Bennett "athletic"? He was athletic as a freshman at UK, but tore his ACL, missed a season, and was never the same. He fell all the way to 56th in the draft and didn't make the team, spending a year in Italy before returning to the Cavs as a servicable bit player. Jordan played 50 minutes that game. Craig Ehlo guarded him 44 of those minutes, fouling out with 23 points, 9 rebounds, and three assists, as Jordan was sent to the line 23 times by the Stern gang. Bennett played 20 minutes TOTAL, mostly on Pippen, who took only 7 shots this game while Jordan was going full full Russell Westbrook. Here is the box score. Nice try, though.

[@Celothxu]

regardless of his past, (so what he went to italy? john starks was packing bags at metfood when he did not make the NBA, got recruiuted by the knicks and went on to the nba finals twice) in this video he played good defense. you said white backcourt. he aint white. and ehlo was a good defender at jordan's height. nice try back:)

[@emmanuelenyinwa1443]

Celothxu Jon Starks was yet ANOTHER undersized, undertalented, BIG HEARTED mismatch Jordan enjoyed playing against--with the help of NBA officiating, of course.

[@m74d3]

Here's a fun stat of the day, unrelated to this video specifically, but related to Jordan. Here are Jordan's top 6 playoff series scoring averages - (1) 45.2ppg, (2) 45.0 ppg, (3) 43.7 ppg, (4) 43.0 ppg, (5) 41ppg (which was in the NBA finals actually, and is still a record that hasn't been matched since), and (6) 39.8 ppg. Jordan has 6 of the top 10 playoff series scoring averages. Kobe has 0. Lebron has 0. Wilt has 0. Shaq has 0. Jordan's career playoff scoring average was 33.4ppg, even better than his regular season average of 31.5ppg as a Bull. That's truly what separated Jordan - he was even better in the playoffs and finals than he was in the regular season.

[@backtoshallabal6662]

There are less games in playoffs compared to the season.

[@m74d3]

Oliver Sanvictores Sure, I know. But there are also other factors affecting playoff performance - nerves are higher in the playoffs, it's more tense, the games are much more important so people sometimes freeze up and play worse on such a big stage and with so much on the line, etc. So even though it's fewer games, and therefore easier to maintain a higher scoring average, it still speaks volumes that Jordan's performance went up in the playoffs. For example, look at Kobe's scoring average from the regular season to the playoffs - it is 25.5ppg in both cases. It stays the same. Which isn't bad, mind you. It's just fine. It just isn't on Jordan's level. Kobe's absolute scoring average is lower in the playoffs (MJ - 33.4 vs Kobe - 25.5), but even more importantly, Kobe's performance doesn't improve from the regular season to the playoffs, whereas Jordan's does. That's really my point. What separates Jordan from the rest, even if we ignore the fact that he has the best career regular season stats of anyone in history (highest career scoring average and Player Efficiency Rating in nba history), is that he was the best playoff performer in history by far (highest career scoring average and Player Efficiency Rating in nba playoff history too, in addition to the regular season). That really puts him in a league by himself.

[@blackedoute46]

It's that when it counted, no one did it like MJ!

[@jaebrown4938]

Kobe played better in the playoffs over his regular season as well.....

[@Amick44]

+Michael L Thanks for the facts.

[@simonlim964]

Remember Jordan required OT to score 69. Kobe scored his 81 in regulation.

[@LawrenceYapHD]

Rick Steck We're comparing 69 and 81 POINTS in this game only. They don't care bout no stats. "KOBE'S 81 vs MIKE's 69"

[@sllim02]

Rick Steck The question posed by the person in the video is "who had the better game?", not "who had a better career?". Michael Jordan production to sustain +29 ppg for a whole career is just sublime. However 81 points is 81 points, and to achieve that while shooting a FG and 3 point percentage above 50% is astounding. You can appreciate what Jordan accomplished for an entire career without diminishing what Kobe accomplished in his. They are both top-tier players.

[@RickyMoss]

sllim02 Jordan had a better game checkk FG % Rebounds Assists.. both had 1 block Jordan had more steals 4 to kobes 3.. don't get me wrong.. 81 is a great score.. but it wasn't as impressive considering the teams they played against.. and to the guy that was talking about how price and ehlowere only 6-1 180, I guarantee you that Cavaliers team would smoke that raptors team if all the players were the same age and played against each other in their primes

[@TheSands83]

Jordan’s game is the highest game score of all time 18 rebounds also

[@TheSands83]

BarryHung22 it’s just a fact Jordan’s was a better game he has highest game score ever in this game 69 points 18 rebounds 7 offensive rebounds 6 assists 4 steals shot 62 percent. Compared to 81 points 6 rebounds 2 assists 3 steals 60 percent... jordan has a better game peroid

[@jaylopuz8489]

This should be retitled " How I love Michael Jordan's 69" !

[@turtleislandlac1490]

Oh please. Typical Asians overvaluing Kobe's points when it was the rules changes that enabled him to score that many. THe league was still adjusting to defending under the new rules which were designed to INCREASE scoring. Wade shot a ridiculous 97 free throws in the 2006 Finals (27 more than Jordan's highest Finals total) Wade, Kobe, Lebron and Iverson ALL set career highs for free throw attempts in 2005-2006. After the league adjusted to the new rules, Kobe never averaged in the 30s again after 2007.

[@budkin]

Man I love watching these breakdowns. They really show you the beauty of the game. Thanks!

[@RickyMoss]

I AM A HUGE KOBE FAN but this video is great, unbiased breakdown..excellent breakdown!

[@papondg9362]

This shouldn't even be a debate. Kobe is definitely not even close to Michael in so many aspects. Since Michael's arrival in Chicago, the Bulls became a playoff team for 14 years. Jordan never lost in the finals and was named Finals MVP 6 times which means it was all about him. Michael was the LEADING SCORER and BEST DEFENSIVE PLAYER in 1988!!! 3 years from now if Kobe at 40 years of age could score 40, maybe he'll get close to the G.O.A.T. , Michael Jordan....

[@justintimefordinna]

Kobe could score 40 at 40 are you kidding me, don't use that to determine greatness

[@papondg9362]

I'll get back at you after 2 years... :P

[@claudine69retoke]

Papon DG get back at him after 3 years ...:)

[@eureca3297]

Papon DG I am not saying Jordan isn't the GOAT but at least make better arguments. Yes Jordan made the playoffs every year as a Bull but lets not pretend like it wasn't the East and forget that he made the playoffs 3 times under .500 including once winning only 30 games. And are you not counting missing the playoffs twice in the East with the Wizards? Let me guess you will count it against Kobe these last two season when he hasn't played? And the never losing in the finals argument has always been the most idiotic stat. So if you lose earlier in the playoffs or don't make the playoffs at all that means you had a better year than someone who lost in the finals? Really think about what you are saying when ever you use that stat for any player. It was always a stupid argument when they used it for Duncan never losing in the NBA finals before 2013. As if the years when he lost in the 1st or 2nd round were somehow better because he didn't lose in the NBA finals that year. And again the scoring 40 at 40 thing is not a great argument either. Kobe came to the NBA straight from High School at 17 going far in the playoffs every year. Compared to Jordan coming in at 21. He has had much more wear and tear by far already than Jordan ever had at 40. And then there is obviously the fact that Jordan took off multiple seasons off in between being 40. Kobe likely won't play at 40 and obviously you know that. He will probably retire after next season having played 20 years with one team which will be a record. With that said I do think Michael Jordan is the greatest of all time. I just think you should do a much better job arguing that point if you feel like arguing it.

[@DzFarid]

It's pretty obvious that Kobe's performance tops Jordan's, Jordan played OT, Kobe didn't, Kobe was in a losing team and he HAD to step up. And hey, he scored 12 points more.

[@belairofbigken2864]

+Agent of Chaos kwame brown, smush parker...

[@jaredferguson2999]

he actually was benched for 3 full min as well

[@Tadamviech]

Just let Kobe be Kobe. It's a bless to watch him today in the NBA. Best overall skills today.

[@LoJahn]

Channel is awesome keep it up bruh

[@luboya48]

Mike still needed overtime to reach 69, kobe did 81 in a full normal regulation 4 straight quarter game any one who tries to hate Kobe for this game is simply a hater

[@GMPro24]

***** okay well kobes done 62 in 3 quarters against a playoffs mavs team

[@APOCALYPSE_X-MEN]

hbinapal24 If you want to go that route, Jordan's scored 54 points in three quarters against the Heat. Where are Kobe's dominant performances in the postseason?

[@klawutzkeLP]

MIKESOWELL Well.. Tracie McGrady scored 13 points in 33 seconds. Did Michael or Kobe do that? You can integrate so many facts that actually can't be beaten! Why not include some Wilt into here?:D So please stop that non-sense!

[@APOCALYPSE_X-MEN]

klawutzkeLP The fact that people use INDIVIDUAL GAMES to determine greatness is retarded.....that is all Kobe fans do. I was just playing devil's advocate in this crap. Also, my last sentence is a valid one. Where are Kobe's dominant performances in the postseason?

[@luboya48]

MIKESOWELL kobe's dominance performance in post season i guess you forgetting the Kings series where he dropped 48pts 16rebs and 7assists or 40points in game 1 of 2009 nba finals, 19points in 1qtr 2010 boston series or 50points in the suns series 2006 the list is long my friend stop depriving kobe of his greatness which has been approved bt every nba legends who played the game.

[@iD7my]

Kobe Bryant's 62 Points in 3 Quarters vs the Mavericks who were in the finals that season was much better than MJ's 69 in an overtime game.

[@Amick44]

FluffyForeskin NO question. Dallas was good. Toronto a joke.

[@mauiwowi]

+FluffyForeskin sure, but when has Mavs ever play defense?

[@Amick44]

+Eric Y True. But at least they were proficient at something!

[@glennmcgollie5221]

terrible game

[@thepeacekeeper2338]

+FluffyForeskin Yeah well MJ's 63 points VS the celtics was better than Bryants 62 points in 3 quarters. Cuz it was in the playoffs, against 5HoF, against the legendary team who also won the finals that year.

[@treacherous007]

69 points and 6 assists translate to 81 points while 81 points and 2 assists translate into 84 points......I'm sorry but 69/18/6 is better than 81/6/2..I know centers that cant get 15 rebounds to save their life let alone a guard......Give me MJ's box score any day

[@jimmylemmons]

how does 81 points plus two assists translate to only 84, two assists is at least 4 points and 81+4 does not equal 84, your math skills are not substantial for this matter

[@treacherous007]

***** And the award for the mathematician of the year goes to........

[@jimmylemmons]

Lex Alex Well it sure as hell ain't you genius.

[@jimmylemmons]

***** he he also shot the ball more in 3 quarters than MJ did in 5!

[@jimmylemmons]

I'm not trying to downplay his game at all

[@juan6192020]

I enjoyed the video, there were lots of interesting break downs just like the other videos you post. But I lost a lot of respect for your work with these petty remarks that oozed MJ boyhood love. You try to speak with the authority of a impartial basketball mind, yet your bias is overtly obvious. I knew your conclusion before you stated your love for MJ at the end. "Kobe more than happy to oblige" keep it to basketball you don't know his state of mind and what he wanted to accomplish or what zone he was in. You focused on "home team calls" he got, "borderline travels", ect. Conveniently omitting the fact that MJ had MORE free throw attempts and that MJ played more minutes. My opinion is that both games were so rare and impressive that you can't go wrong with choosing either or. Just try to be more objective.

[@emmanuelenyinwa1443]

Juan Hernandez He is also SUGGESTING that 6-1, 190 pound Mark Price, 6-6, 180 pound Craig Ehlo, and 6-2, 180 pound Steve Kerr (I'll leave their color out of it), were more formidable opponents than 6-8, 220 pound Jalen Rose, 6-8, 220 pound Morris Peterson, and 6-2, 190 pound Mike James. I have to listen to this GARBAGE all the time. Jordan played in a watered down league where you can't zone, there was no defensive specialists (Jordan scored his 63 point game against Boston against the tandem of Danny Ainge, Jerry Sitchting, Rick Carlisle, and Scott Wedman, after Dennis Johnson got in foul trouble early due to a ridiculous number of touch fouls. In the 80s--both games were in the 80s--if you drove and the defender moved even straight up, you went to the line. Today, they zone you, have sabermetrics and analytics, have defensive specialists, and the ridiculous "verticality" rule where a defender can body you up laterally while holding his hands straight up. It's a JOKE to compare Jordan's raw numbers to a player today, as the game has changed drastically.

[@kobenottop1003]

+Emmanuel Enyinwa yes, it's a joke to compare Kobe's numbers to Jordan because Jordan as a Wizard was better than Kobe ever was before his knee injury happened "Michael Jordan Wizards Knee Injury" *2001/02 season* Kobe Bryant 25.2 - 5.5 - 5.5 - 1.5 - 0.4 Jordan through 46 games pre-knee injury 25.1 - 6.2 - 5.3 - 1.5 - 0.5 Kobe's career averages 25.4 - 5.3 - 4.8 - 1.5 - 0.5 and even before his knee injury, Jordan was playing through knee/wrist tendinitis and had 2 broken ribs in the offseason against Ron Artest. Even a hobbled Mike put up Kobe's numbers Only one player - Tmac - averaged 25-6-5 by the end of the season... that's right. Kobe could not average 25-6-5 in 01/02, but old Mike did pre-injury *2001 Wizards* = 19-63 (0.232 win%) the year before Jordan came *2002 Wizards* = 26-20 (0.565 win%) with Jordan before his injury (missed 1 game pre-injury - 26-21 record overall) *2002 Wizards* = lost 9 of their next 10 games post-knee injury and that 26-20 record was with Rip Hamilton missing a month Wizards = 15-1 in their last 16 games with both Jordan + Rip Hamilton up to the knee injury *99/00 to 01/02* Lakers = 25-7 (0.781 win%) without Kobe Lakers = 13-13 (0.500 win%) without Shaq *2002/03* Lakers = 45-22 (0.672 win%) with Shaq Lakers = 5-10 (0.333 win%) without Shaq *2004/05* Lakers = 28-38 (0.424 win%) with prime Kobe and no Phil Jackson Kobe had no impact on his team's winning. He had good numbers, but no impact on his team, unlike Wizards Jordan, who was on track to be the first person to take a sub-20 win team to a winning record MJ had the much worse team on the Wizards, and before his knee injury still had more impact on winning than Kobe. *"But Wizards Jordan played in the weak Eastern Conference"* prime Kobe had a losing record against the East in 2005 when he missed the playoffs in his prime prime Kobe in 2002/03 was 5-10 without Shaq and 0-5 against the East without Shaq - Boston (the only one of these teams that made the playoffs - as the 6 seed) - Cleveland x2 - Washington - New York Jordan led the 19-win Wizards to a winning record (26-20 in the 46 games he played) before his knee injury, after which they lost 9/10 games. and that 26-20 record was with Rip Hamilton missing a month Wizards = 15-1 in their last 16 games with both Jordan + Rip Hamilton up to the knee injury Kobe failed to get a winning record without Shaq from 2000 - 2005 until Phil Jackson came back in 2006 and Wizards Mike = much more defensive impact than Kobe *Up to the injury game* Wizards = allowed 92.2 ppg through 47 games (Jordan missed 1 game) - would be tied for 6th-best in the league with the Pistons. *After Jordan's injury* Wizards = allowed 96.8 ppg in the remaining 35 games - would be ranked 19th in the league - and fell to 11th in ppg allowed for the overall season.

[@emmanuelenyinwa1443]

Youre reposting "NOBODY TOUCHES JORDAN"s garbage. How pathetic? First of all, to cut a season into the ONLY part that favors your argument is childish. Jordan played 60 games on the 2001-2002 Wizards. He was BRUTAL. His field goal percent was 42% with an efg% of .420, lowest of EVERYONE on the team, including the bench, except Kwame Brown. This was because even though Jordan was a HORRIBLE three point shooter at 19%, he still kept hoisting away from downtown. In fact, the ONLY reason his scoring average was artificially high was because Stern's gang of referees kept sending Jordan to the line every time someone breathed on him, as he led the team in free throw attempts. As far as his "impact" defensively, scroll down to the bottom of Jordan's basketball-reference page for the 2002. You will notice that he shows up in ZERO defensive metrics. ZERO. In fact, for all the vaunted Jordan "defense", I was shocked to see this. That is Jordan's defensive win shares for his career: Defensive Win Shares 1986-87 NBA 5.0 (4) 1987-88 NBA 6.1 (3) 1988-89 NBA 5.2 (5) 1990-91 NBA 5.4 (5) 1991-92 NBA 5.6 (5) 1992-93 NBA 5.2 (6) 1995-96 NBA 6.2 (2) 1997-98 NBA 5.4 (6) Career NBA 64.1 (19) Career 64.1 (21) In 1987-88, Jordan "won" the Defensive Player of the Year. Problem was Jordan was the THIRD best defensive player in the NBA that year. Hakeem Olajuwon had the most defensive win shares. Mark Eaton had the highest defensive box plus/minus. Jordan doesn't even make the TOP 10. Hype, hype, hype and more hype. That sums up the GUNNER known as Michael Jordan.

[@bballbreakdown]

I think Kobe has made it pretty clear what his mindset was during this time.

[@kobenottop1003]

BBALLBREAKDOWN In Game 7 this year with the 2006 season on the line, Kobe was outscored by bench player Leandro Barbosa and had 1 point in the 2nd half. Where was the 81 points?

[@L.A.X24]

you can tell this guy is bias towards jordan

[@ParaditeRs]

Yeah, the Lakers allowed Kobe to remain in the game, but there are at least 6 games where kobe scored 50+ in 3 quarters, including 62 in 3 quarters, and Phil took him out. Had Kobe stayed in the game for some of those games we could potentially have multiple 70+ games where we could be comparing Jordans 69 to one of those games. Considering what I previously said, it was about time Phil finally just let Kobe go for it and 81 points was the result.

[@getoutnow321]

It's weird that Kobe can score 81 points in a game and had only just 2-time scoring champion(averaging FG% .456) in 17 seasons or opportunities!!! Michael Jordan= 10-time scoring champion(averaging FG% .508). People often ignore small and insignificant details like that.

[@jasonbourne1746]

Jason Wahlberg That's cause MJ's one and only objective was to score the most points, while Kobe's objective was to not have THE MOST points

[@getoutnow321]

So Kobe's objective was to have a LOW FG% in 17 seasons???(and in nba finals too?) ...Maybe excuses are everywhere and stats are the reality. A lot of people and MEDIA (in Kobe's prime) said that KB ''beat'' MJ in one on one or that KB is ''better'' than MJ, but his(KB) numbers speak pretty clear that only in his dreams can do that.

[@jasonbourne1746]

Jason Wahlberg if you wanna go numbers wise then offensively MJ never showcased an individual offensive talent like Kobe did in his career. the only person who ever matched Kobe was Wilt the Stilt and that was in a different era as well as playing a different position with different rule sets.

[@getoutnow321]

MJ = 6 rings(He was the MAN and won 6 MVP FINALS) and never lost an nba final in his life. Kobe lost twice and got only 2 MVP finals. MJ= 10 time scoring titles in 15 seasons(and he played in 2 seasons just 18 and 17 games(1985-86 and 1994-95). Kobe just 2 scoring titles in almost 17 seasons. MJ got 1 defensive player of the year trophy, Kobe=zero. MJ FG% .497 and Kobe .453 MJ won a Rookie of the year(in 1985) and Kobe??? MJ won 5 MVP(in regular season) Kobe only 1?? And it's funny that KB is ''the closest one''.

[@Nballer11]

this made my day.

[@AdamBa17]

I had to turn this off after 4 mins. I love both players the same, but your blatent love for MJ and negativity towards kobe was overbearing. Every single time you showed something by kobe, you found a negative spin on it. There were even tough jumpers by michael that you called "easy" and you called a wide open three by kobe a "tough shot". If you're gonna continue to make videos you need to take your tongue out of certain guys asses and be impartial.

[@kaushiksinha793]

Mj is the GOAT of modern era so kobe is not MJ

[@AbidChoudhury]

How are Michael Jordan's fadeaways nice little turnarounds, while Kobe's are called "tough, contested jumpers"? Every Jordan shot is labeled as a quality, and Kobe's are all difficult somehow. The I'm a fan of yours, and I don't necessarily disagree that MJ is the better player, but the bias is strong in this one.

[@illuminaticonfirmed4864]

He is biased in every other Jordan vid two

[@tpoli5447]

Because Jordan shoots 5% better from the field

[@Lootroq]

It's because Kobe's reckless with his spacing and telegraphs his moves making it easier for his defenders to contest the shot. When Jordan hits any of his jumpers, he gets into position quickly, sets himself in a split second and takes the shot. It's his technique that's near flawless, not that they're incredibly different in essence.

[@windexman2004]

But Jordan is the better player though

[@vincentzumel2899]

If we're talking about points alone, sure Kobe's 81 is better. But if we are talking about who played the better game, it's MJ. 69-18-6 for a guard against a legitimate defensive team on the road is insane. Note that that game went to overtime and it's safe to say that MJ stuffed the stat sheet because it was needed. No disrespect to Kobe, hell that was 81 freaking points. Difference is, he tried reaching, perhaps breaking a scoring record that night, while MJ was doing his thing to win a a close game.

[@alexeibyerly2121]

"Difference is, he tried reaching, perhaps breaking a scoring record that night, while MJ was doing his thing to win a a close game." Lakers were down 17 and Kobe singlehandedly brought them back, and Kobe didnt need OT

[@achmaderenfallensky1481]

i think ur statement is nonsense. basketball is about moment, if you can comeback from losing that is the real impresive. just sayin.

[@jdmrchem5]

Thanks, you have a deep knowledge of the game of basketball and football. I appreciate our discussion from here. Now, I am going back to study molecular spectroscopy. Cheers.

[@GhostD0G8]

this was really good man...could you do a break down of mcgradys 62? id like to hear your opinion

[@eastoakland91]

The raptors were winning for like 2 1/2 quarters by like 16 at one point

[@RandyBooker]

I WAS THINKING THE SAME THING WHILE WATCHING!!! lol, it's like he was subtly hating on Kobe...smh

[@edvirgiliom]

hi coach Nick, I really like your videos and they are amazing for learning about the little things in every play. I just wanted to ask you if there is any possibility you could make a comparison between kareem and moses, I think both were great players and champions and maybe if moses and dr j could have been together sooner they could have been a force of nature! anyway thanks for everything

[@okcomputer4949]

Coach Nick, can you compare Jordan in his prime vs. Jordan in his later years? It would be interesting to see your analysis on how he adjusted his game when became less physically dominant. Also, I'm curious about your thoughts on how Kobe should adjust his game now that he'll also likely rely a lot more on his intelligence and experience when he returns.

[@bigstudwithaguitar]

It's pretty simple. Jordan got significantly better percentages from the 2pt range. Kobe got significantly better percentages from the 3pt range. Their STATS... pretty much evened out. Also, Jordan was on a better team... but playing a better opponent... call that a wash too I guess. HERE is the big difference though. KOBE was on a shitty team THAT WAS LOSING. He was forced to start playing Hero ball early... then... when they caught up, he was hot, so it was time to give him the ball and facilitate... then... they were way ahead and breaking a record... now nobody is taking shots but Kobe. Kobe was in some sort of scenario that demanded that he take shots the entire game. Jordan played closer to this level every game. There is no scenario for Jordan where he's on a team shitty enough that he has to take that many shots in a game. Kobe taking this many shots however... wasn't all that unusual.

[@bigstudwithaguitar]

***** Jordan AVERAGED more than 30 points per game over his career (including his sunset years) Kobe AVERAGED more than 25 points and got more minutes than Jordan. Jordan had a better offensive efficiency. Obviously, they both had TERRIFIC games, these are career highs. I said that Michael played CLOSER to this every game than Kobe did to his. Case in point... Kobe's next best game... was 16 points less AND had an overtime. The next best game WITHOUT OVERTIME for Kobe was 19 points less. This was a HUGELY out of character game for Kobe. He has never come close to it. Jordan, however... his next best game was 5 points away. Also, Kobe has scored over 60 5 times in 19 years Jordan has scored over 60 5 times in 13 years. Jordan simply played a more level game than Kobe. Of course all players have variance, but Kobe has higher highs and lower lows than Jordan... but... I think that goes with the territory of being a Kobe-type (gimme the ball and stay out of my way). Jordan had more help, but he also had to facilitate them once in a while. Kobe spent his time being facilitated non-stop. Jordan got more rebounds, more assists, more steals, less turnovers, more blocks. It's quite obvious that Jordan's 69 points (while EXCEPTIONAL) isn't nearly as out of character for Jordan as 81 points was for Kobe. All and all, Michael Jordan got about the same percent on his shots in that game as he usually does (slightly lower from 3 pt range. Slightly higher from 2pt). KOBE got about the same rate from 2 pt range, but from the 3... he nearly doubled his usual percent... while taking more than 3 times his usual amount of 3 point attempts. This was an ASTRONOMICALLY RIDICULOUS game for Kobe. It's a once in a lifetime, breakaway, hands down, not never gonna happen again... or even close kind of a game. Jordan... has had a few very similar games.

[@bigstudwithaguitar]

***** Do you know what closER means? It's in comparison to Kobe. FFS read, comprehend, and THEN bitch if necessary.

[@bigstudwithaguitar]

***** Do you know what closER means?

[@Amick44]

bigstudwithaguitar Sorry, but Kobe is not significantly better from 3's than Mike. Nearly even, ck up on it.

[@bigstudwithaguitar]

Mick A Kobe maintained a career 3 percentage 7 points better than Jordans and he did it while taking almost double the 3 point shots Jordan does. Jordan's 3 pointers were also usually spot up, whereas Kobe's were pretty often off the dribble. Also... kobe maintained this through a career that was a lot longer than Jordans, and Jordan had A LOT more help from the perimeter to space the floor. Kerr For one. Kobe's 3 point percentage shouldn't be comparable to Jordans just because of the different style of play and different levels of help at different positions on the team... but he beat Jordan's average anyway. The difference is quite significant in a wold where 35% is mediocre for spot up shooters, but it's pretty damn good for someone who makes their own shots. This season, the mavericks have 8 players with 38% and up from the 3 point line... and that is possible because they are spot up shooters. Ray Allen, for instance, has a 40 percent record, but he's spot up. He couldn't do the shit Kobe does... and Kobe probably wouldn't be able to do what Ray Allen does. Same with Jordan. He couldn't dream of shooting like Kobe from the 3 point line. He has a lot of legs up on Kobe, but 3 pointers isn't one of them. Surface level statistics are VERY deceiving.

[@emmanuelenyinwa1443]

You guys are AMAZING. You say that Kobe played a Raptor team that was "one of the worst defenses of all time" and then go ahead a laud the "great" Cavs defense with Mark Price??? You KNOW Price is 6-1, 190 and Jalen Rose, who you disparage is a 6-8, 210 pound point guard. I'll leave the ethnicity of the defenders out of the equation. You then disparage 6-8, 220 pound Morris Peterson, while Cavs brought out 6-2 180 pound Steve Kerr to guard the 6-6 Jordan, 215 pound Michael Jordan. The other defender was 6-6, 180 pound Craig Ehlo and 5-10, 185 pound Chucky Adkins. I recorded that game and saw it on NBA Hardwood Classics. The amount of TOUCH fouls Jordan was getting that day was so ridiculous that the Cav announcer deadpanned in the Second quarter, "at the pace this game is going, Jordan will score 150 points and the entire Cavs team will foul out." But, more importantly, you NEGLECT to mention that the LAKERS themselves were a bad team that season, and actually trailed the Raptors by 14 points at the half before Kobe went off, whereas the Bulls shut down the Cavs and built a double digit lead before the Cavs rallied. You also forgot to mention that once the Lakers took a comfortable lead, Kobe sat out the last 5 minutes of the game, or he would have scored 90 EASILY.

[@RickyMoss]

***** all I seen was Chris Bosh just standing there watching Kobe dunk the ball.. the Lakers/Raptors game looked more like a pre-game layup drill

[@Amick44]

+Ricky Moss And people wonder why I call Bosh a "coat tailer" with Miami.

[@just_an_empty_sign]

Ehlo wasn’t Jordan’s primary defender and it doesn’t matter how tall you are if you have cement feet

[@zackfair5408]

it's Good reviewed thought, so convincing... Thanks

[@jaydeep55]

I think many people are missing the point, in regards to Kobe having to play with a bad team. This put Kobe in a position to score more points, thus giving him the upper hand to score more points than Jordan, because the offense was centered around him. Toronto's terrible defense was also an important factor to his 81 point game. Jordan wasn't able to score more than 69 because he didn't need to.

[@user-fn7ix5ip5m]

Michael Jordan is Still the Greatest of all Time

[@_d.v.j.l_2624]

david robinson had 71

[@leonfdawson]

What were the minutes played for each game?

[@b735player]

Kobe got his points by going off completely and playing a bad D. Jordan got his playing within the offense (still got hot) and against a tough defensive team. Kobe probably had a more impressive offensive outing, but Jordan's ability to get that many points simply by playing his role is what made him impossible to stop.

[@faithandworks777]

Show the game where Kobe scored 53 on MJ in 3 quarters before Phil pulled him out of the game.

[@thatlittledude1]

+Stan Foster Lol that would be impressive if Kobe did that when Jordan was in his prime.

[@faithandworks777]

+Han Kobe dropped 33 on MJ in only his 2nd year. MJ was in his prime and Kobe was 19.

[@thatlittledude1]

+Stan Foster Lmao MJ was 34 years old he was past his prime, he was still good but not the same when he was younger.

[@faithandworks777]

+Han really? Who won the title that year? Who was finals MVP? Who was league MVP? Who was all NBA first team? Who was on the all defensive team?

[@thatlittledude1]

+Stan Foster Winning a title is a team accomplishment, while jordan had a lot of accolades that year, it wasn't one of his best seasons overall. He still had the same steals and blocks as last year but offensively he was good but not as good when he was in his prime. He shot 46% from the field dropping 2 percent from last year. Tbh Karl Malone stats in 97-98 was better jordans that year, shot 53% averaged 27 and 10 rebounds. So while Jordan was good during 97-98, it wasn't even one of his prime years.

[@pputnam100]

There's really no comparison, Kobe's game was more like that division III white kid who's scored well over a hundred points a few times recently; Toronto was one of the worst defenses ever, plus Kobe shot every time he saw the ball. Please stop this nonsense of trying to build Kobe, a terrific player, into something he isn't: Jordan, the greatest ever. Jordan got 69 against one of the tougher, smarter teams of the time, and far more in the flow of the offensive. Please, stop it.

[@cortezforever]

If Jordan didn't give up the ball like Kobe and took as many or more shots, he would win. Kobe is chasing a ghost.

[@Ozzy6111999]

cortezforever 5 less shots made, 9 less shots, 12 less points, and never trailed by double digits. Kobe led the Lakers to victory from an 18 point deficit in the beginning of the 3rd quarter. Plus, Jordan would do the same thing with starting teammates like Luke Walton, Chris Mihm, Kwame Brown, and Smush Parker.

[@Ozzy6111999]

Rick Steck K, Kobe scored 62 on the best team in the West in 3 quarters. Not impressive either, huh?

[@m74d3]

supah nova Jordan did that sort of thing all the time in the playoffs, and Kobe literally never did, which is another huge difference between them. Jordan scored 54 points in 3 quarters in the playoffs, but no one seems to talk about it. It was his 56 point game against the heat in 1992. He scored only 2 points in the first quarter, and ended up with 56 points by the end of the game. Jordan scored over 50 pts 8 different times in the playoffs. I don't think Kobe even has a single 50 point playoff game. And the gap is even bigger if you look at 40 point playoff games. Jordan has way more than Kobe, even though Kobe has played far more playoff games (since he's had a much longer career already). So, sure, Kobe has done impressive things. But people don't really know much about NBA history if they're claiming he did anything more impressive than MJ did. MJ absolutely dominated KB statistically overall, scoring records, etc.

[@Ozzy6111999]

Michael L Woah, back up kid. Never said Kobe was better than Jordan. Stop being so defensive. I even said Jordan would have done the same thing in Kobe's shoes. And if you decide to argue some irrelevant point, make sure you don't say stuff stupid. Kobe dropped 50 vs. Suns in 2006, game 6. Kobe While you can say "no one talks about it", most fans today never watched MJ and it doesn't matter because almost all logical NBA fans know MJ is the GOAT, even the new fans. What I was saying was that Kobe scored 81 out of necessity because his team was garbage, and way worse than the Raptors. Even arguing that that Bulls team without Jordan is worse than that Lakers team without Kobe is idiotic, so yes, Kobe did more than Jordan in this situation. But as I said, if Jordan was in that situation, he'd have done the same thing.

[@lucyaklar6345]

"I don't get 5 championships here without him" - Kobe's comment about Michael Jordan 🐐 in the last Dance Documentary

[@spamwithrice]

god everytime kobe does something spectacular, people go to the ends of earth to put it down. just give credit where credit is due.

[@HunchoHamza]

FIrst this is totally bias I know MJ didn't just miss 2 shots and a free throw yet we show all of kobe misses and then you blame Scottie for that turn over yet you called Jordan explosive about five times in this vid doing simple drives and pull ups and rebounds but can't catch a pass that was no more then 10 feet over his head. Kobe you are saying kobe was taking horrible shots when we have seen him make thoses over a thousand times. Plus Jordan had 18 rebounds because thoses great sho blockers you mention had like 10 inch verticles. and this is all in overtime.

[@emmanuelenyinwa1443]

+Natsu .D. Uzamaki You should watch that game. It was FUNNY. EVERY TIME Jordan turned the corner and was bumped by 6-1 Mark Price or 6-2 Steve Kerr or 180 pound Craig Ehlo, or 180 pound "power" forward Larry Nance, he went to the line. Jordan took 23 free throws that game. Midway through the SECOND quarter, the Cavs announcer deadpanned: "at the pace this game is going, Jordan will have 150 points and the entire Cavs team will foul out. The effect of all those fouls was that, as the game wore on, SEVERAL of the Cavs big men were on the bench saddled with fouls while Jordan feasted on the typical CBA player on the end of the bench. Keep that in mind when you hear Jordan worshippers talking about "the tough physical 90s" Jordan played in.

[@sebastiansfeci1305]

+Emmanuel Enyinwa lol as opposed to kobe who shot 25fts in 3 quarters?

[@ikillf0fun]

That's primarily because Jordan was much better at getting to the hoop, while Kobe settled for contested mid-range jumpers. Mid-2000's you'd get called just for remotely touching a guy as he's driving in, far different than all the hard contact Jordan took.

[@MrTrojanRam]

gerizzyYMcrew Want to know something funny about that "sidekick" Scottie Pippen? He took the 93-94 Bulls to within a game of the East Finals. A 55 win record. Pau Gasol managed one 50 win season and ZERO total playoff victories with Memphis. Whose sidekick was better? How many rings does MJ have without Scottie? 0? Kobe rings without Shaq -> 2. W/o Pau -> 3. Kobe's feats are more impressive because he managed to win with 2 different supporting casts. MJ had generally the same players the entire time. The same watered down league full of expansion teams. gerizzYMcrew = Paranoid MJ Nuthugger

[@MrTrojanRam]

Rick Steck Oh so now you're amending it to "Kobe can't win w/o a star presence in the post." Really? So Magic, Bird, West, Cousy etc. were all sidekicks to Kareem, McChale, Chamberlain, and Russell? How about: MJ can't win without a do-it-all Point-Forward that scores, rebounds, passes, steals, blocks, guards the other team's best player routinely so MJ can focus on offense, was still able to lead the Bulls to 55 wins and nearly the East Finals while SUBTRACTING Jordan, etc. named Scottie Pippen? MJ couldn't win without him. Fact. In fact, it wasn't until Scottie became a consistent 17+ PPG scorer that the Bulls were able to get over the hump after being routinely ousted by the Pistons. Scottie did everything for those teams and never got enough credit for it. Also, please stop it with Pau "outplaying" Kobe. It's beyond pathetic. Your beloved stats disprove that bullshit with ease.

[@MrTrojanRam]

Rick Steck "My stats show Gasol was the better player both times" next to "Jordan was routinely better than Pippen" is the most hilarious shit you could say. I mean, it's literally like saying "8 dollars is better than 10 dollars, but 10 dollars is better than 8 dollars." The second part makes perfect sense, and is backed up by stats (MJ was clearly superior to Scottie). The first is pure idiocy backed by nothing but using FG% as the be-all-end-all. The best part? You're comparing the FG% of a PF versus an SG. And that's literally the entire basis of any Pau > Kobe argument. FG%. Nevermind that Kobe beat Pau silly in the points/assist/steal categories while actually coming close in rebounding and netting plenty of blocks. Fail. Fail. Fail. Rick Steck = Asinine Observer that Should Watch the WNBA instead

[@MrTrojanRam]

Rick Steck MJ First 3peat: 49.7% shooting. MJ Second 3peat: 45.9% Shooting. Pau Gasol Back-to-Back: 55.8% Shooting. My "excuse" stands validated. Dummy. "The numbers don't lie." Shot 6-24 but crashed the boards (15 big ones) and played terrific defense in a defensive battle. NO ONE shot well during that Game 7. It was ugly, and Kobe got his points ugly by attacking the basket with no fear (15 FTA). Pau actually had almost as steep a drop in FG% during that game as Kobe did. He shot 6/16, 37.5%, which was a -16.4% drop from his 53.9% during that playoff run. Kobe's drop was from 45.7 to 25%, a minus 20.7% drop. Add that to Kobe's far superior #s on the series (and the Orlando series prior), and you have no statistical basis for saying "Pau carried Kobe." It's just sad that a "Laker fan" would need this fact repeated to him so many times, particularly given the stats stare you in the eye and tell you you're wrong, even though just watching the games should have made that crystal clear. Rick Steck = MJ Stan Laker Fan Poser in Denial

[@MrTrojanRam]

Rick Steck Oh! Regular season numbers! Lol. Dude pick one. We're talking about their respective performances en route to championships. Even if we go off of regular season numbers, MJ's 1st 3peat regular season % = 51.7. 2nd 3peat: 48.2. Pau both of the championship regular seasons = 55.3%. And lol. You're seriously going to argue that big men don't shoot better on average? How low is your basketball IQ? Or is it just low when it's convenient to diss Kobe? And LMFAO. Jermaine O'Neal was brought into this argument? As Loki from the Avengers said: "How desperate are you? To turn to such lost creatures." Please come back to me with stats on guards that have finished in the top 5, or even 10, in overall FG% since MJ's era began to Kobe's most recent season. My guess is, it's in the single digits for 5 and it's under 50 for 10, but I'm not going to do the research for you on such an idiotic claim. And YOU see the whole picture and THAT makes you a Laker fan? Laker fans appreciate greatness. They appreciate a player that knows what it means to suit up in Purple N' Gold and play in the game's grandest stage, where the lights are brightest. They appreciate a player that gives his all, because despite Los Angeles' glitz and glamor, it is a blue collar city through and through. They appreciate players that give back to the community, that embrace it with open arms and play their hearts out because they know how much the Lakers mean to the average LA Joe. We appreciate winning, and doing it in style. Kobe collectively personifies these traits more than any Laker ever has. Also, how does it get any better as far as "considering the whole picture" than a LAKER FAN who thinks a CELTIC FROM THE 60s is the greatest player of all-time? You should check your own criteria as it makes your claims look sillier.

[@MrTrojanRam]

Rick Steck While we're at it, Jerry West, Cousy, Magic, Bird, et.al should be eternally grateful as well. It's a silly comment because DUH! EVERY SINGLE CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM EVER had EXCELLENT pieces around the star player. Every single one. For Mike? Scottie Pippen is a top 10 defender all time and an excellent playmaker. Dennis Rodman is a top 10 defender all time. The list goes on. The insistence that MJ somehow won these Titles on his own is asinine and sadly quite common among MJ nut-huggers. He always had an excellent cast of some of the best role players ever along with the best Coach ever and they set him up to be the scorer while they handled the dirty work. Always. These guys don't exist because they don't fit your narrative. Somehow an 18/11/3 guy "CARRIED" Kobe while a 20/8/6 guy was apparently absent in MJ's story. Pathetic.

[@DonCorleone87]

come on now, 81 is 81... you can't deny the greatness of that. Granted, MJ is obviously still the all-time great in many aspects but Kobe's 81 point game was just incredible.

[@Althanarpremium]

DAT speech man!! I agree with you!!

[@Stalley75]

Kobe's was far superior. 81 is way more than 69 and Jordan had an overtime.

[@DarkMidgit177]

Pill Box it’s not all about points, Jordan had a far better overall game with far better mechanics in his game.

[@mounirezzine33]

People say that that wasn t fair because for Michael that was an ot game. well that s true MJ played longer ( 50mns vs kobe's 42 ) but Kobe shot the ball 46 times vs jordan's 37!!!! jordan participated in rebounding and passing 18rbds and 6 ast to go along with his 69 pts! That was a more complete game and therefore a more impressive one.

[@MPaluba]

+Moun33 wrong

[@mounirezzine33]

+MPaluba Interesting...That would be even more interesting if u brought some arguments...

[@MPaluba]

+Moun33 Ok let's simply upgrade Kobe's stats by an additional 8 minutes of play time then. MJ played 50 and Kobe played 42. 50/42 = 119%. If you times Kobe's stats that game by 119% (to adjust for the increased playing time) Kobe would have scored 96pts. Just taking that into consideration, I'm sure that nobody would try to downplay Kobe's performance (as they are now) because the disparity in scoring would be so huge it wouldn't even be worth mentioning Jordan outrebounding him or his assists (which were due to having BETTER teammates). Kobe's performance is more impressive, bud

[@Bballfan1992]

One cannot simply upgrade states based on minutes. My only problem with your mathematics, is that you took a constant (time), and applied it's percentage increase to a variable, (points). That is completely wrong as you are then saying Kobe would score exactly 19% more points in those 8 minutes, but you are forgetting about missed shots. To correctly apply your math, you would then have to calculate kobe's shooting percentage, apply that to a 19% increase in shot ATTEMPTS, not pure points. Not trying to sound like an asshole, but you cannot simply use math when comparing a constant to a variable. It's a bit more complex then just add 19%. I'll explain a bit better below.........................................................………… Now my counter argument to you is this: what if you increased Kobe's shot attempts to match a 50 minute game, then increased Jordan's shot attempts to match Kobe's? If they both played exactly 50 minutes, and they both shot the ball the same amount, then how does the stat sheet roll out? Kobe shot 60%, Jordan shot 62%. Ok, next step, Kobe shot a 3-point attempt on 28% of his total shots making a crazy 53% of them. 19% increase in shot attempts for 8 minutes of time puts Kobe at 55 attempts. 9 more total attempts, times the 28% chance it was a 3-pointer is 2.5 so let's say 3. He makes 2 of them statistically. That's 6 points. The other 6 shots at 60% is a bit under 4, so 4 baskets for 8 points. That's puts him at exactly 95 points. Ok, now Jordan increases his shot attempts to match Kobe's. Jordan goes from 37 to 55. 18 more shots. He took 3-point shots at 16% of his total shots that game. Making only 33%. 16% of 18 is just about 3. He makes one so 3 points. The other 15 shots at 62% is 9.2 so for basketball sakes as I did with Kobe, if it's more than whole, go up to the next number. So he makes 10 other 2 point shots for 20 points. Now that's 23 extra points for taking as many shots as Kobe, plus his original 69, you have 92. Final stat sheet says: Kobe; 95 points, 8 rebounds (2 more than the actual 6 for his extra shot attempts), 2 assist, 3 turnovers. Jordan; 92 points, 20 rebounds (2 more for his extra attempts), 6 assist, 2 turnovers. Given the shit team the raptors were, I think Jordan's game now looks better with 3 less points but 12 extra rebounds, and 1 less turnover. Now that's some simple math.

[@emmanuelenyinwa1443]

"Anyhow, I hope you learned a few lessons from this truly simple math." I STRONGLY doubt it. Jordan worship is a RELIGION. Religion PREVENTS you from thinking.

[@davysim]

It's obvious both players have incredible stat lines. But there's really no doubt looking at the numbers and the way the two played that MJ put himself in better position more consistently to take easier shots although they played in the same system. That's the the biggest difference offensively between the two amazing scores. Defensively there's really no contest that Jordan was better.

[@jdmrchem5]

That is true. That is why they take advantage of attacking the paint. Even rule towards defenders significantly affects the strategy of offensive players attacking the inside.

[@lrdmcd914]

Wasn't it illegal to play Zone Back Then! Didn't they Called illegal Defense which results in a Free throw! Curry, Melo & LeBron James can Score that Much With those Rule and lack of Athleticism of Teams.

[@lrdmcd914]

Rick Steck seems like we both in one

[@lrdmcd914]

Rick Steck seems like we both in one

[@emmanuelenyinwa1443]

***** And, your POINT is? You are SUGGESTING that the fact some people smoke weed ILLEGALLY is the same as legalizing weed? Go back and watch that 63 point game Jordan had against the Celtics in the playoffs. The ENTIRE Celtic backcourt either fouled out or had 5 fouls. EVERY lateral movement Jordan had resulted in him going to the line. Dennis Johnson fouled out. Danny Ainge, who guarded Jordan most of the day, had 5 fouls. Larry Bird had 5, Kevin McHale had 4, including the most hideous blatant, non-contact "foul" in NBA Playoff history on a Jordan heave at the buzzer with no time left, and down by 2. Bill Walton fouled out off the bench. Robert Parrish had 5. The final score of that game was 135-131. The pace of the game in those days was so much faster, and defenders gave up way more points than in Kobe's time, when scoring 110 points in a game was rare. Zone defenses were illegal, and, yes, traps were okay, but you couldn't deny a great player the ball BEFORE he has it, like the players do now. You cannot front him with one and play him over the top with another. You couldn't bring a double until he initiates his move. There was no "verticality" rule. Once a big man leaves his feet, all you have to do is jump into him to go to the line. Go look at any Jordan highlights, then look at LeBron versus Roy Hibbert or the Chicago Bulls under Thibodeaux. All these rules were DESIGNED to facilitate scoring, and great players put up great stats because of them. In that game where Jordan scored 63, Larry Bird had 36 points, 12 rebounds, and 8 assists. On a side note, George Gervin, the Iceman himself, rode the pines for the Bulls that day, playing 5 minutes and scoring zero points, though he had one assist.

[@emmanuelenyinwa1443]

***** What a collection of cherrypicked GARBAGE by a Jordan nuthugger. So, we are now reduced to arguing PARTIAL season stats, eh? Hey, look, Jordan once had a great MONTH! Well, so did Rex Chapman, Jeremy Lin, and Vin Baker.

[@masonwong2418]

Everyone shut the hell up. Kobe dropped 62 in 3 quarters vs the Mavericks. What are you going to say about that?

[@turtleislandlac1490]

WHat am I going to say about Kobe's 62 in three quarters? It was the REGULAR SEASON. Not the playoffs. Over the years, the rules changed, became softer, but the playoffs the refs allow physical play -- TOUGHER defense in the playoffs. In the playoffs, Kobe has just ONE, yes , just ONE game of 50 or more points. Kobe scored exactly 50 in OT vs. defensively challenged Phoenix. He would never score in the 50s in the playoffs again. Meanwhile, Jordan had EIGHT playoff games of 50 or more, -- the most in NBA history (more than Wilt). Coincidentally, Wilt could not score at the same rate in the postseason either. Although Wilt once averaged 50 in the regular season, in the playoffs Chamberlain only has 4 games of 50 or more. ALSO. Kobe only had 13 career PLAYOFF games of 50 or more . Jordan had 39. In the playoffs, Kobe could not score at the same rate. Jordan could.

[@nationalchampions]

😂

[@dangam3642]

Don't forget Jordan was playing the bad cavaliers, while Kobe was playing a raptors team that was up by 15+. Kobe's performance this game also wasn't just spectacular it was clutch where I'm pretty sure the bulls were in the lead the majority of time. But I don't know about the last part because I don't remember the entire game.

[@henryhill8676]

Bro the raptors suck and cavs were a 50win team lol get real idiot.

[@Amick44]

Thanks. Reality check, Henry. Kobe fans should be pumping his 62 in THREE qtrs vs a decent-good Mavs team instead.

[@dangam3642]

Henry Hill The Raptors sucked, but not in that game, the Lakers trailed for most of the game

[@chrisdrake9807]

Michael Jordan vs the Cavs was more impressive because back then handchecking was allowed by the defender and defense was better but still Kobe Bryant the real baby Jordan put on a show for the ages that will never be seen again!

[@zackfair5408]

I 1000% agree with you. good call

[@russell9411]

Mj got 69 wit 1 made 3 lmaoo wtfff!!!! Talkin bout tough competition who tf is Craig ehlo?

[@emmetmclaughlin6966]

yea when craig ehlo (a weak nonathletic defender) played lousy defense it was a good move by jordan and against kobe it was just bad defense? Kobe didnt let the game go into OT by holding his team up and jordan didnt quite do that quite enough in regulation. Both incredible performances and jordan was more athletic but kobe had more skill

[@RickyMoss]

Chaboii Dinge Craig ehlo was gritty, dirty get away with pushes, fouls, whatever and he guardes players like a hawk, no, he wasn't athetic but make no mistakes he was a primetime defender.. John Stockton had no atheticism at all but because he got away with so much grabbing, pulling whatever he could disrupt offensive player, same thing with Bruce Bowen, he has no atheticism but he plays dirty enough to disrupt a great offensive player

[@Amick44]

+Chaboii “chaboii ding” Ding MJ had plenty of skill, too. And fundamentals as well.

[@emmetmclaughlin6966]

Mick A jordan was one of the most skillful players but i just think kobe had more skill then him

[@MrTrojanRam]

Oh how I LOVE PER STATS!!! Lol. Answer this question: do you believe PER is a good statistic for measuring a player's overall abilities compared to other players? I giddily await your response.

[@gambinolansky]

I completely understand the Kobe fans 81 point performance, it was spectacular. However, look at the shooting efficency and level of competition. Although the Cavs had a losing record, MJ was on the road and Kobe just jacked up shot after shot. I actually started watching the game at halftime and literally thought, what the hell is Kobe doing? The Raptors at that time were terrible. I have to go with MJ, he was smoother and was hitting everything. Ehlo actually told the press that MJ told him exactly what he was going to do. Kobe had a GREAT game but Michael is Michael, simple as that.

[@tgc1635]

Jason Baranello They were down 18 at the half, so if you were watcjhing him put up 55 in the last 2 quarters, then I'd wonder how you could doubt him

[@danieldu1720]

This is so biased

[@MarcusExum97]

Please do Kobe Bryant's 62 in 3 Quarters vs. Mavericks against Michael Jordan's 69 From a historical standpoint, 81 is much more impressive than 62 but from a statistical standpoint and team matchup standpoint, the 62 points were much more impressive. Outscored the Mavericks who in the same year or next year went to the finals and was up 2-0 against the Miami Heat.

[@jp3813]

How about MJ's 55-point game in the Finals vs any of Kobe's Finals games?

[@jp3813]

***** Especially in the playoffs, where Kobe only has one 50-point game that still required an OT. MJ has eight 50-point games in the postseason and only two went into OT.

[@Amick44]

Without question. Mavs were good, at least. Not defensively, but you knew they at least had the firepower to catch up. Toronto at that time, forget it.

[@Celothxu]

lol that dallas team allowed d wade to avg 40 points a game and lost after the 2-0 lead! lol ???

[@faithandworks777]

I have been watching games (in person) and discussing with NBA players longer than you've been alive.

[@faithandworks777]

+Tony Young no. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. That's what makes sports fun.

[@josephmatthews7698]

That's the funny thing about Jordan he could do just about anything he wanted but he always had to find motivation. There were several games he'd just be going through the motions and still hit 30 on crazy efficiency. Then all of a sudden at a random game he'd tell his team, "point guard X said I wasn't the greatest who ever lived, I'mma light em up." His team would feed him and he'd hit 50 on crazy efficiency and point guard X would be like, "I never said nuthin!"

[@IdolsofHipHop]

Jordans was easily better...his points came in the transition of the game, and the game was close throughout...he wasnt TRYING to score 69, it just happened because of how the game played out.. Kobe went out to try and score as much as he can against a bad team...I mean Kobe stayed in up 17 and scored like 18 more points when the game was already over...he basically shot everytime...Same thing happened in NY this year with Melo 62..he stayed in a blowout just to set the record...records to me are meant to be broken, but broken correctly...if other players in the past were playing for records, they could always stayed in like todays players, who play for records...while back in the day players just played to win

[@PrezentBole]

MJ 69/18/6 Kobe 81/6/2.... Sorry but MJ is better...

[@changster308]

don't try to downgrade Kobe's accomplishments.

[@dwadendrosefan]

Coach, can you do a video on how to break zone defenses as a PG?

[@central848]

So Jordan scores 69 with two overtimes, Kobe scores 81 with no overtimes, and somehow Micheal is better and more "explosive" huh? So if Kobe also had two overtimes and scored 150, would you still say MJ was more explosive? Man, Kobe is someone people love to hate.

[@central848]

Rick Steck You're not impressed by Kobe scoring 81 whilst having Matt Barnes on his ass because you have a low basketball I.Q, and because you don't play in the game and don't understand how hard it is to even score half of that, which is 40. But vets like Tim Duncan appreciate it and have stated that they could not believe Kobe accomplished such a feat in today's N.B.A. p.s This clip is specifically about comparing Jordan's 69 with Kobe's 81, and I pointed out that Jordan had two overtimes to reach 69, while Kobe had no overtime to reach 81. Please stop getting emotional because you hate Kobe, his greatness means he has a lot of haters, just like Jordan and just like Lebron etc

[@central848]

Rick Steck I was just watching the video with him and Kobe duking it out before commenting and got his name stuck in my head, my bad. But wait, so your argument is that Kobe only got 81 with no overtimes because the team was weak defensively right? So how come when Jordan played teams that were weak defensively he never once got 81 or even close with no overtimes? Or why hasn't Lebron, or Durant, or Melo, or Magic, I mean they are scoring machines and they have played many teams that were far beneath them and never came close to 81, but Kobe somehow did? hmmmmm I guess you're such a hater you never think your hate through, but then what's to be expected of a butt hurt salty as clown. Misery loves company, so ama bounce before you rub off on me!

[@Amjbmcg]

***** Most of Jordan's best scoring came against good teams. Jordan would never take fucking 50+ shots vs fucking shitness. (50+ shots because to get 20 FT's you need to take FG's .. he took 46 FG's but got 20 FT's). LeBron could score 81 with ease. He's the extra efficient consistent guy, but there's probably 5 other guys that could do it SINCE Jordan RETIRED if they were hot and took enough shots. LeBron, Durant, Melo, TMac, Shaq hell yeah but he never took enough shots. If Shaq is matched up with the weakest Center in the league who also had shit help, yeh yeh yeh. Against shit teams, that's where you take it easy. Lakers happened to go down early on, but the last 10 or so points were "I'M GOING FOR THE RECORD" points, they had already won by then. Kobe faced a shit team, they played single coverage even after 70 points, open paint, no handchecking .. If Jordan played in the league in 2006 at 28/29 years old, he could score 100 against the Bobcats every year if he set out to do it. One game ain't nuttin tho. LeBron/ Durant are better scorers in this era, and Jordan would whoop the lot. You haven't seen him obvs.

[@MrTrojanRam]

These guys "Steck" and "Amjbmcg" are beyond pathetic dude. The former has the nerve to say he's a "Laker fan" with all the crap he talks about Kobe. And it's CRAP that I've debunked objectively with stats, not just typical blind Laker-fanhood allegiance. The latter has the nerve of saying "most of MJ's best scoring came against good teams." Idiot. Kobe 62 in 33 Minutes against the #4-Seed (would have been #2 were it not for the presence of the Spurs in their division), 60-Win Mavs in the West is greater than ANYTHING MJ has ever done scoring-wise. By comparison, MJ's 69 came against the Cavs that finished 42-40 that season, the 7th seed. They had a 107.2 defensive rating, only 10th best in the league. WEAK. And it took him 50 minutes (17 more) to do it. If anything, MJ's 61 against Detroit in '87 was his best performance against a good team because it came in 42 minutes. Even then, he shot more (39 to 31) than Kobe, and at a worse FG% (56 to 58). The other comparable one, that I destroyed in another comment thread below, was to his 63 against Boston in '86. And even in that one MJ took TWENTY more minutes, shot 41 times (to Kobe's 31), shot a worse % (53.7 to 58). GTFO clowns.

[@MrTrojanRam]

gerizzyYMcrew Mike is greater than Kobe, but Kobe is making it a damn good debate. The only question is HOW close a debate it'll be by the time it's all said and done. But of course, your low intelligence can't even hang in the debate when it's still in your favor. You'll be worse off if the evidence shifts further in Kobe's favor. Lol.

[@calmnrelaxed]

This is not a breakdown, it's a review very biased point of view

[@dredae76]

Well said......

[@sbeallvln]

I would LOVE to see a Jordan/Lebron comparison after Lebron's win for Cleveland. I'll be looking for it this summer.

[@dongkapuyawn5107]

MJ! 63points against the Mighty Celtics with ALL STARS on their team in the 1986 Playoffs. Kobe Pffft! He went against a weak team.

[@zackfair5408]

At last someone mention already, I thought just only me LOL... Glad to heard that someone seen that game...

[@dongkapuyawn5107]

lol

[@illuminaticonfirmed4864]

You now how trash Jordan'a team he played against when he got 18 boards

[@illuminaticonfirmed4864]

81>69 4 quarters> 5 quarters and yea they had the red rocket

[@illuminaticonfirmed4864]

Need I say 5 quarters again?

[@TheJahman33]

You seem to forget that Kobe, by himself, outscored the eventual Western Conference champion Dallas Mavericks 62-61 over three quarters... Kobe didn't even play the fourth quarter

[@jdmrchem5]

I remembered that Superbowl 37 game between the Raiders and the Bucs. Back then even in Brad Johnson's days, team defense wins championships. Now high-powered offense is necessary to win playoff games and the Superbowl. Rack up scoring boosts entertainment. Quarterbacks with high yardage and touchdowns make them MVPs rather than the defense and the offensive line. Quarterbacks are easy to root for and view them as heroes.

[@johanntschetter6297]

lol such bias commentating in Jordan's favor.

[@dancrouse5988]

Come on Kobes performance was easily better. Mj was a better player but this single performance may have been the greatest all time

[@tgc1635]

Tony Young arguably

[@Celothxu]

of all time? against the WORST team in the league, w the worst DEFENSE in the league, in a regular season game that means NOTHING? jordan dropped 63 points vs the leagues best team, the BOSTON CELTICS, of larry legend, mchale, parish, who would go on to win it all that year. But what's most impressive is that he did it in the playoffs, when it counts the MOST.

[@tgc1635]

Celothxu Well that is your opinion

[@Celothxu]

uh no it is fact. toronto was trash. on both ends. the biggest stage is the playoffs. curry choke. lebron choke. kobe choke. all lost. mamba and lbj lost 3 times a piece lol jordan never lost in the finals. ever. and before u say he had better players, kobe had shaq. in 2004, wen they got oblitereated by the pistons, kobe shot a horrid 40% and was the reason why they lost. shaq was giving kobe 27 pts, 50% shooting and 10 rebounds, kobe gave back jack and they lost. kobum.

[@jamestony6255]

Mj had 18 rebounds and 8 assist and 10 Steeles. I would rather have that then 12 more points

[@perrylee1831]

HE is the most athletic guy in the WHOLE NBA. He can score so easily because the whole MIAMI players are all high percentage shooter and scorer. He makes greatness look so easy because his teammates are giving him that ease. He has great players and those players are all willing to sacrifice. My point is MVP for KOBE BRYANT. Because of how the Lakers season went with all that said above and still playing at a high level and showing that he can do it all. People say he can't pass his avg

[@jdmrchem5]

That is fascinating. I even get blasted by telling that MJ and Kobe are on the same level because I appreciate both players. The 81 point game seemed to be not appreciated on its own right (I watched this game live on TV in 2006). The 69 point game seemed to be over-appreciated, which I don't understand why. MJ was treated like God while Kobe was under-appreciated when it comes to comparisons between the two. I start to realize that if I say other players better than MJ, I might get blasted.

[@LiiTTLExxT102]

EXACTLY

[@MrTrojanRam]

gerizzyYMcrew Bro, where the hell are you getting your stats from? Kobe during the 3Peat (Playoffs): 25.3/5.7/4.9/1.5/1.1 on 44.7% Shooting. The 2nd two years, the ones I did not give you, he's at 27.9/6.5/5.3/1.5/.8 on 45%. In what universe do Scottie's #s touch those? Also, what are all those 50s/40s? You're getting more incoherent as this argument goes. You just said "Production" and rattled off numbers? Kobe = 0? 0 50 point games? Please clarify what you meant by that comment. Preferably, clarify while not under the influence of whatever it is you do.

[@scorpionJB]

Jerry West said when trading for Kobe during the 96 draft that Kobe possessed more basketball skills than anyone he ever saw coming out of high school..

[@bfnelson]

THANK YOU for pointing out the facts. I saw the game myself and a lot of his points were well after the game was decided. He was just shooting at will to boost his points. Phil Jackson left him in to do that a little longer. He could have sat down at about 72 points, the game was already over.

[@RaykwonDaKilluminati]

MJ's 63 points, 5 Rebounds, 6 Assist, 3 Steals in a losing game over Larry Bird & the Celtics is an impressive individual performance. Celtic's was a top tier team with 4 of the players who played that game are now hall of famers. The game is a playoff record with MJ still holding the record. So I would say this performance is more impressive over Kobe's 81.

[@jdmrchem5]

Only the few notices that the rule changes in the 90's enhances Jordan's game. While rule changes happened on Chamberlain's time, these there were designed to slow him down. Hand-checking was mentioned during the 1994 NBA finals and it was discussed whether if hand-checking would be banned on the following season. Some of these rule changes favor perimeter players like Jordan, Kobe, Iverson, McGrady, Rose, etc. The rule changes in the 90's benefit Jordan more than any players in the 2000's.

[@playerbryant248898]

THANK YOU FOR SAYING THE TRUTH MAN!

[@zelj1234]

@bballbreakdown How is 10:20 not a travel?

[@Khaled14322]

81 on any team is a fucking incredible performance

[@Nathan-no6wc]

How many assists does Kobe have?

[@choward5430]

Both were amazing to me. The fact that two guards did this is even more amazing. I will also say that Kobe's 62 vs Dallas, had he played the 4th quarter, he would have eclipsed 81. I though Kobe was even more focused vs Dallas than Toronto. Finally, put Kobe or Jordan in Lebron's body and we would have seen ONE HUNDRED!

[@mikellt4917]

oh, and in 1990, this "really" good cavs team went 42-40. just stop. "winston bennet was a good defender?" lmao.

[@backtoshallabal6662]

Were there any great scorers competing with Michael in his day for scoring champ? Like an Iverson, McGrady, Carter, Pierce, Dirk, Carmelo, LeBron, Wade, Shaq?

[@MrDotaleavers]

DREAM TEAM 1, check it out. Those were legend and were on thier prime

[@DRDRADR4]

I see what both of you are saying. but looking at just scoring, the era kobe has played in, there have been alot more pure scorers. You look at tmac iverson, dirk, melo and lebron and later kevin durant. Theres never been a point guard who can score like ai could, up until this little run by westbrook. Lebron is fucking lebron. Dirk is just unbelievable. Theres a reason hes 7th on the all time scoring list. Shaq is shaq, and again, theres a reason hes 6th on the list. T mac, if he didn't have his career ripped apart by injuries, would be top ten scoring no doubt. in his prime when he was healthy the man was averaging over 30 points per game.

[@MrDotaleavers]

but looking at just scoring, the era kobe has played in, there have been alot more pure scorers. - because NBA evolve into a game of specialists. - 90's Era are a do-it-all - 90's have the best jump shooting centers Theres never been a point guard who can score like ai - yes, but ai does not even belong the top 5 conversation of the best. Kobe fan boy this is the bottom line, scoring wise, those that you mentioned are nowhere to be found on SHOOTING PERCENTAGE! Kobe has the most attempt on his ERA. So what is your argument again?

[@avzeolla]

MJ is the greatest player of all time. regardless of how many pure scorers he was competing against.

[@RickyMoss]

Oliver Oliver Dominiquqe, Barkley, Shaq (well vs the 90s Jordan), Dr. J vs the 80s Jordan, Karl Malone, Clyde Drexler, Larry Bird, Bernard King, Alex English,the other guy the Nuggets had..(Mitch Richmond 90s), Hakeem Olajuwon (drafted the same night as MJ) Patrick Ewing, the admiral David Robinson (who had a 71-point game).. as amatter of fact, besides Shaq and an aging Motumbo..there weren't any real centers in the Kobe era

[@MultiScienceMan]

Jordan scored most of his points on one-on-one defense. Lakers were trailing 18 by the start of the 3rd quarter before Kobe took over. He single handily made everyone that night forget all about the NFL and AFC playoffs that night. Every NBA player was tweeting and facebooking about what Kobe had just done. A more better game than the 81 Point game is his 63 Point game in 3 quarters. He outscored a 60-22 Finals Contender team. Kobe scored 81 in regulation while MJ had to score 69 in overtime.

[@ranon81]

Rules were different back then. Defense was tougher and more physical because of the rules with teams like the Bad Boys, early 90s NY Knicks,etc. Handchecking in the perimeter was legal before it was eliminated in '94. NBA made additional rules changes during the early 2000s that make it easier for perimeter players compared to MJ's prime. Thats why you hear all these folks say the NBA is "soft" today. Its because of the rules.

[@pkafan5625]

to me that makes kobe even better because he was more long term and is kicking ass at age 35 also has a chance to be number 1 scorer ever and he won 2 titles with his best players being pau gasol and RON ARTEST