Basketball history unfolds in California as Kobe played last game, Warriors clinch win no. 73

By: Paolo Manuel C. Fule

Today marks a milestone in NBA history as a basketball legend finally played his last game in Staples Center, Los Angeles, California dropping 60 points while at the other end in San Francisco, the Golden State Warriors erased the 20-year-old best regular season win-loss record ever for win number 73 at Oracle Arena.

In a surprising come-from-behind victory, the Los Angeles Lakers, led by Kobe Bryant, defeated the Utah Jazz, 101-96. The star-studded Staples Center, where international football star David Beckham, Hollywood actor Jack Nicholson, former NBA stars Charles Barkley and Shaquille O’ Neal, among others watched the Black Mamba’s last stand in the hard court.  Kobe Bryant scored 23 points in the fourth quarter, and rallying the Lakers from a 15-point deficit to win the final game of his decorated career.

The entire game was a fitting tribute to Bryant, who is retiring after 20 seasons, five championship rings, 18 All-Star selections with the Lakers, just the fifth player in NBA history to play 20 seasons-- the first with just one team, third-leading scorer in NBA history, and winner of a lone Maurice Podoloff trophy in 2008.

Meanwhile in Oakland, the Golden State Warriors defeated the Memphis Grizzlies, 125 -104 and broke the record set by the 1995-1996 Chicago Bulls. Stephen Curry finished with 46 points, on 10 made three’s. Curry achieved one more shooting milestone, becoming the first player to make 400 3-pointers in a single season by knocking down 10 from beyond the arc on the way to 46 points and 402 total 3’s.

"Congrats to the Warriors, a great group of guys on and off the court. If somebody had to break the Bulls' record, I'm glad it's them." said American President Barack Obama, a known basketball enthusiast.

“I want to congratulate the Warriors on their amazing season. The game of basketball is always evolving and records are made to be broken.” said Michael Jordan, the player who led the Bulls to their 72-10 win-loss record way back in 1996.

Email the author at: paolomanuelfule@yahoo.com or text 09184059751