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Watch: Kobe's 81-point performance on its 11th anniversary

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On Jan. 22, 2006, "The Black Mamba" Kobe Bryant stuck his venomous fangs directly into the heart of the Toronto Raptors, putting forth the second-greatest offensive performance in the history of the National Basketball Association.

In 41 minutes, Bryant scored a staggering 81 points on 28-of-46 shooting from the field, 7-of-13 from 3-point range, and 18-of-20 from the charity stripe.

It may very well be the defining moment of his legendary 20-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers, which was also highlighted by five NBA championships, 18 All-Star appearances, and a league Most Valuable Player nod in 2008.

"It's really a testament to the power of imagination, honestly," Bryant told ESPN's Arash Markazi early last year. "There's a lot of players who come up now who don't think 80 points is possible. You think 50, and if you're really hot - 60. I never had that limit. Ever. I never, ever though that way.

"I always thought 80 was possible. I thought 90 was possible. I thought 100 was possible. Always. I think that game is a testament to what happens when you put no ceiling to what you're capable of doing."

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