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Booker pays tribute to Kobe after 70-point outburst: 'He never had a limit'

Barry Gossage / National Basketball Association / Getty

Devin Booker only got to take the court against Kobe Bryant one time in his rookie season before the legendary Laker called it a career, but that didn't stop Bryant from leaving a lasting impact on Booker.

Just over a year to the day since Bryant left Booker a signed message telling him to "Be legendary," the burgeoning Phoenix Suns guard exploded for 70 points in a loss to the Boston Celtics, and paid tribute to the Black Mamba afterward.

"I've seen an interview with Kobe, and he said what separated him from a lot of people, other people thought that 30 points was a lot," Booker told reporters after becoming the sixth player in history to score 70-plus in a game. "He never set himself a limit. That always sticks in my head. He said he would score 100 if he could. He never had a limit, and I never put a limit on anything.

"I want to be the best in life - all parts of life, not just basketball. I never set my limit to 'I want 40 points, I want 50 points.' No. The most I can get, I want no limit on my game."

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