Wiggins, Bryant go head to head in Lakers victory
Heading into halftime with a 14-point lead, the Los Angeles Lakers had every reason to believe they would come away with their 10th win on the season, and while they did snap their 10-game losing streak, it wasn't easy.
One particular member of the Minnesota Timberwolves made life extra difficult for the Lakers.
Second-year shooting guard Andrew Wiggins may be a mere pup at 20 years old, but he played like a seasoned veteran, doing everything in his power to lift his squad to victory.
Maple Jordan exploded for 30 points on 13-for-20 shooting, adding five rebounds, two blocks, and a steal to his impressive outing.
While Wiggins received admirable contributions from his teammates - Gorgui Dieng had 19 points and Karl-Anthony Towns chipped in with 14 points and nine boards - the Wolves' valiant effort culminated in a 119-115 loss.
The real winners, though, were basketball fans who remained understandably glued to their televisions as Wiggins - one of the NBA's brightest young stars - went toe-to-toe with one of the greatest players of the past two decades, Kobe Bryant.
Really enjoying the back and forth between Kobe and @22wiggins tonight. Last yeah Andrew said Kobe told him, "You remind me of myself"
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) February 3, 2016
As Wiggins' on-court exploits paid homage to Bryant, the Tuesday night treat saw the 37-year-old get busy, as he morphed into the Black Mamba, torching the visiting team for 38 points.
Kobe Bryant, 37, with 38 points in Lakers win. The last time a player 37 or older scored 37+ points was Reggie Miller in 2005.
— Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) February 3, 2016
Possibly the most impressive part of Vino's vintage performance was that he went 7-for-11 from beyond the arc - the most 3-pointers he's made in a single game since 2008 when he drained nine treys versus the Memphis Grizzlies.
For a brief moment in the final frame, Timberwolves bench boss Sam Mitchell - who coached the Toronto Raptors on that fateful day in 2006 - likely experienced painful flashbacks of Bryant's legendary 81-point night.
Kobe Bryant on Sam Mitchell saying he hates him: “Thank you for the hate. (Jokingly) I love that. Appreciate that.”
— Ryan Ward (@Lakers_Examiner) February 3, 2016
Although there are only 24 wins combined between the two teams, this Lakers-Wolves matchup did not disappoint.
Gracious in defeat - his team's fifth consecutive loss - Wiggins applauded Bryant.
And so, it was only fitting that the outgoing Lakers icon reciprocated with praise of his own.
Byron says Kobe “still loves the challenge” of going up against players like Andrew Wiggins
— Ryan Ward (@Lakers_Examiner) February 3, 2016