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