NBA Debate: How does Mitchell’s 71 compare to Kobe’s 81?

Scoring is…not at a premium in the NBA these days.

A panel of NBA reporters this week — Melissa Rollin When Yaron Weitzman — See Donovan Mitchell’s 71-point explosion, LeBron James’ dominance in his 20th year, and Boston’s ups and downs.

1. How does Donovan Mitchell’s 71 point performance compare to Kobe Bryant’s 81 point performance? Are they on par?

Rollin: Kobe’s highlight reel stands alone. In 2005 when he scored 62 points in the third quarter, in 2006 he had an 81-point performance, in 2007 when he scored at least 50 points in his four-game streak, or sustained a torn Achilles tendon. For example, when he made two free throws after Bryant is one of the greatest players of all time and it makes no sense to look at his highly memorable moments in isolation. Together, he makes up one of the most impressive resumes in NBA history. Mitchell’s 71-point performance was impressive, but he doesn’t even belong in the same conversation as Kobe.

Weitzmann: of course? No? yes? Both are great. 81 is above 71. But Mitchell shot from the field where he went 32-for-44 while Kobe went 28-for-46. Mitchell also had 11 assists, while Kobe had just 2. However, Mitchell needed overtime to score points. Let’s say that both were miraculous performances worthy of appreciation.

2. Mitchell posted 71, Luka Doncic Scored 60 points last week. Giannis Antetokounmpo Scored 55 on Tuesday — What do you think caused the recent uptick in individual scoring performance across the league?

Rollin: I think technological progress has a lot to do with it. Athletes are more finely tuned than ever before. With metrics to measure every aspect of an athlete’s performance, it’s easy to determine the optimal oxygen, rest, sleep and nutrition needs to maximize performance.

Weitzmann: Players are more talented than ever, and teams are smarter than ever about how to maximize and unlock that talent. The floor is spread out. Every team has multiple guys who are not only Deadeye his shooters, but also take deadly shots as they pull up from deep in the dribble that was rarely seen a decade ago. It’s impossible to protect these guys, so there will be more and more box scores like video games.

3. golden state Won 5 of the last 6 Stephen CurryAre the Warriors getting their mojo back?

Rollin: This is a hugely positive sign for the Warriors. What I find most encouraging is the return of Klay Thompson. He’s been looking like a superstar again recently after missing two-and-a-half years with injuries to the ACL and Achilles. It also includes a 54-point performance on a 53.8% shooting percentage in the game-winning game against Atlanta. If he remains an offensive weapon, it will be very difficult to stop the Warriors when Steph returns.

Weitzmann: It’s definitely a good sign that they not only survived, but were able to pick up some wins without Steph. 38.3% shot from deep) is a huge improvement. But the Warriors are still 3-16 this season. At some point they’ll have to find a way to win some games away from Chase Center.

4. Boston is 5-5 in its last 10 games, losing 150-117. OKCMore on Tuesday without Shai Gilgeous-AlexanderWhat Causes Panic and Midseason Lulls?

Rollin: I’m not worried at all. Here’s why: Remember, the Celtics made it to the Eastern Finals last season after he was 11th in the conference until January 16th. They currently rank first with a record of 27-12 and have the best winning percentage in the league. Every team will encounter some clashes during the 82-game season. This could be theirs. But that’s far from a cause for concern.

Weitzmann: There is absolutely no reason to panic. They still own the league’s best offensive rating, currently 7th in defense and 1st in points difference. Part of this lull is that they’ve been missing a few good looks from his 3 and reintegrating Robert Williams III into their lineup.The Celtics are and will be fine, Continue to be the winning team in the East.

5. Has LeBron James’ statistical dominance in his 20th season caused you to reconsider whether he is the greatest player of all time?

Rollin: LeBron is one of the greatest players of all time his dominance in the twilight of his career is unparalleledThe 38-year-old is averaging 29 points on 51 percent shooting, 8.2 rebounds and 6.6 assists, making him the oldest player to record those numbers, according to Stathead. You can argue until you’re blue in the face over whether he, Michael Jordan, or Kobe Bryant is the greatest of all time. Throughout his career, no player has been more dominant than LeBron. That alone could make him the greatest NBA player of all time.

Weitzmann: I don’t know if he’s The Goat, but I definitely haven’t seen anything like this before. Think of it this way. LeBron he is 38 years old. Do you know what Michael Jordan was doing at age 38. He shot 42% with the Washington Wizards. I think we’ll look back on his long-great ability as LeBron’s most impressive achievement.

Melissa Rohlin is an NBA writer for FOX Sports. She has previously covered the league for Sports Illustrated, Los Angeles Times, Bay Area News Group and San Antonio Express-News. Follow her on her Twitter @melissa rollin.

Yaron Weitzman is an NBA writer for FOX Sports.he is the author of Tanking to the top: The Philadelphia 76ers and the most daring process in professional sports history”Follow him on Twitter @Yaron Weitzman.

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