As many around the world reflect on the legendary career of Kobe Bryant following his tragic death on Sunday, New Yorkers can certainly remember the times he had in Madison Square Garden -- a place he fully recognized as The Mecca of Basketball.
Bryant played many games at MSG over his 20-year career, so as we mourn the loss of undoubtedly one of the best to ever touch a basketball, here are some of his biggest moments on the biggest stage in the NBA...
1) Kobe's First Point (Nov. 3, 1996)
Bryant's first time stepping on an NBA court came against the Timberwolves out in Los Angeles. But in just a little over six minutes of play, he missed his one shot from the field while collecting a rebound and block.
The Lakers hit the road after that game to face the Knicks. He saw a little over three minutes in that game, but after a hard drive to the hoop, Bryant was fouled and was sent to the line for two shots. Bryant made one of two, collecting the first of what would become the fourth-most points in NBA history at 33,643 over his career.
He was only 18 years old, but his status in the league would grow exponentially. And that led to our next moment on the list...
2) Kobe's First All-Star Game Appearance (Feb. 7, 1998)
Bryant didn't burst onto the scene as a rookie, but fans definitely recognized his sophomore season -- the one that began his rise to NBA royalty.
At the time, he was averaging 17.9 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.4 assists, and it was enough to earn him his first of 18 All-Star game nods. And, of course, the game was being held at The Garden that season.
Bryant took advantage of that moment, scoring 18 points for the Western Conference. At only 19 years old, he hung with the best in the game.
3) Kobe's Reverse Dunk (Feb. 6, 2003)
This one isn't the whole game, but rather one moment that would be synonymous with Bryant's MSG career.
With Latrell Sprewell guarding him in the corner, Bryant drove baseline and rose up to everyone's surprise. A little clutch underneath the basketball, Bryant didn't just hit a reverse layup.
Instead, he did this...
4) Kobe's First MSG Game Against Melo (Dec. 13, 2012)
Bryant and Carmelo Anthony shared a very special bond, and Melo was hurt discussing his friend's death after his game for the Trail Blazers on Sunday.
"I was in bed with my son, my wife called me crying," Anthony said. "People that's close to the family called me. At that point, everything just kind of went numb, dark. Basketball for me was the furthest thing on my mind today."
When these two were on the court, their friendship transformed into strict competitive play. They had already faced each other when Anthony was playing for the Nuggets, but after getting traded to the Knicks, they were set to face off in The Garden.
The matchup had to wait with Anthony not dressing in the Lakers' first road trip to The Garden after his trade, but it was worth it. Bryant dropped 31 points on 10-for-24 shooting, including 5-of-11 from three. He also had 10 rebounds for a double-double with six assists as well.
Anthony's Knicks got the win, though, as he led the way with 30 points on 10-of-15 from the field.
5) Kobe's Record-Setting Night (Feb. 2, 2009)
Last but not least, you can't tell Bryant's MSG story without talking about this night. Bernard King owned the record for the most points scored at The Garden with 60. But Bryant had to put his name next to that achievement...
Bryant went 19-for-31 from the field with a perfect 20-for-20 from the free throw line that led to 61 points. That record has held up to this day, with James Harden tying it last season with the Rockets.
This was a perfect example of Bryant's Mamba Mentality, as he only took six three-pointers. He continuously went to the rack and pulled up from mid-range -- and just as he did so many times over his career -- Bryant got hot and couldn't be stopped.
It wasn't 81 points, but that 61 continues to live in MSG lore.
And these were just a few of Bryant's best moments playing under the city's brightest lights. Here's a full look at how he affected New York with his iconic play...
