When we consider Kobe’s 81 points in one game, there are not sufficient complimentary words to praise his performance. This is what stuff dreams are made of.
History has revealed some remarkable sports achievements, and the following are the 11 most outstanding sport accomplishments. This makes legends out of mere mortals, and leave us mere mortals to extol their amazing prowess in the field of sports.
11) REGGIE JACKSON
In the 1977 world series, Reggie Jackson hit 3 home runs to beat the Dodgers in game 6.
Jackson was the MVP of the series, and his 3 fantastic homers assured him of a place as an immortal in baseball history.
10) DANNY MANNING
Playing against an Oklahoma team that averaged 103.5 points a game, Danny Manning’s inspired performance contributed 31 point, and by example he single handedly crushed the Sooners. His play encouraged his team mates to repel the opposition. He was considered to be the saviour of NBA, but cruel luck dealt him devastating blow in the form of a knee injury, which put paid to such a promising career. His moment of glory, like a beacon of light, stood out for all to see. The lean Jayhawk’s moment of triumph will stay on in the onlookers memories forever.
(9) VINCE YOUNG
Vince Young’s quarterback performance in this years Rose Bowl, was probably one of the all time great exhibitions. Facing the USC team, Vince gathered more than 200 rushing yards, and threw and completed 30 of his passes for an additional 267 yards. This happened a USC home ground, while competing for the National Championships. This 21 year old launched a quarter back career, which we hope will auger well for the future, and what a memory to have for those lucky enough to have witnessed it.
(8) NORM VAN BROCKLIN
In 1951, L.A. football fans were wondering who would be the Rams quarterback? The encumbent Bob Waterfield or new boy Norm Van Brocklin? As fate would have it, Waterfield was injured just prior to the opening day, allowing Brocklin to fill the gap. Brocklin grabbed the opportunity, and threw a new record of 554 yards, with 5 touch downs. The record still stands to this day. The game installed Van Brocklin as the top quarterback in the NFL, and he is remembered with much fondness and admiration.
(7) MOHAMED ALI
This was the thriller in Manilla between Ali and Joe Frazier. It was acclaimed as one of the greatest fights of all time, and endorsed Ali as being one of the greatest boxers of his era, and perhaps one of the greatest of all times. He combined boxing skills with psychological warfare to impose his presence on his opponents. He absorbed all of Fraziers best shots, and then when Joe was exhausted, Ali gave him the “coup des gras”.
(6) RICKY HENDERSON
In the second game of the 1987 American Championship, the best lead off hitter of all times, Ricky Henderson, dominated the proceedings. Henderson was 2 for 2 including 2 walks and 2 runs. He also stole 6 bases, 4 of second, and 2 of third, Ricky took command of the ground that day, Ricky was Ricky on the field of dreams.
(5) BO JACKSON
In the King Dome on a Monday night back in 1987, Bo Jackson ran 221 yards to touch down twice. He ran 87 yards for his first touch down. Although there have been greater games, Bo became a legendary figure with his impressive touch down strides.
(4) MAGIC JOHNSON
Magic became the only rookie to win the finals most valuable players award. He did this by scoring 42 points, and pulling 15 rebounds together with 7 assists, and 3 steals. This game was hailed as the greatest game ever played by an NBA player, because of the fact that Magic had not played center since grade school.
(3) TIGER WOODS
In 1997 the Tiger shot 270 in the Masters, and ended up 12 shots ahead of the field. At one stage he had played 37 holes without dropping a shot. Playing the last 63 holes he was 22 under, he created or tied 25 Masters records, and the P.G.A. were compelled to re-design their courses to curb Tiger’s course domination. The Tiger became a legend in his own life time.
(2) WILT CHAMBERLIN
Even though Kobe scored 81, Wilt got a century one night in Hershey PA. Wilt scored 33 in a quarter and 59 in a half, and although Kobe’s 81 is great, he still has a shortfall of 19 points, so Wilt the stilt is still on top, but for how long?
1B) DON LARSON
This legend pitched a perfect game in the ’56 world series against Brooklyn. You can’t get better than that, and this game will always be there for posterity.
(1) GORDIE HOWE
Each and every game he played. |