Spike Lee Remembers Kobe Bryant’s Legendary Performance at Madison Square Garden

NEW YORK, NY – Spike Lee recalled a memorable moment from Kobe Bryant‘s career during an interview on The Young Man and the Three podcast. The famed filmmaker was in attendance on February 2, 2009, when Bryant scored 61 points against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.

This performance, which led the Los Angeles Lakers to a 126-117 victory over the Knicks, solidified Bryant’s status as one of basketball’s greats. The game marked a significant achievement as it broke Michael Jordan‘s record for the most points scored by an opponent at Madison Square Garden. The record stood until 2014 when Carmelo Anthony scored 62 points in the arena.

Lee, a longtime fan of the Knicks and a frequent presence at basketball games, shared his unique relationship with Bryant, describing how they often exchanged playful banter. After the game, they recorded commentary for an ESPN project, where Bryant jokingly signed the stat sheet, stating, ‘P.S. Spike, this s*** was all your fault.’

Reflecting on the performance, Lee suggested that Bryant was aware he would be providing commentary after the game, saying, “I don’t think it was a coincidence that game at the Garden. He knew we were doing the commentary after the game. I think he came to the Garden to break that record.”

Even after their competitive battles on the court, Lee and Bryant maintained a mutual respect for each other. “I always saw him now and then when they would come to the Garden. He’s always an assassin. I miss him,” Lee stated, highlighting the impact Bryant had on basketball and his lasting memory.