IMPORTANT UPDATE: This ball has been conclusively photo-matched to Kobe's 61-point game at MSG by Sports Investors Authentication.
This significant Kobe Bryant autographed Official NBA game used basketball is from Kobe’s incredible 61-point performance at Madison Square Garden on February 2, 2009. MSG, known as the mecca for professional basketball, has witnessed many memorable scoring outbursts in its hallowed history, but none quite like Kobe’s 61-point eruption during the 2009 NBA season.
On this evening, the Los Angeles Lakers visited New York to face the Knicks and came away with a 126-117 victory thanks to their superstar guard. Kobe shot 19-for-31 from the field and a perfect 20/20 from the free throw line, breaking the then MSG record for points in a single game (since broken by Carmelo Anthony's 62 points in 2014).
Kobe autographed the ball above the Spalding logo in bold, black permanent marker for excellent eye appeal and included a “24” inscription below. The Official NBA (David Stern) basketball is stamped "OFFICIAL GAME BALL" in bold black with "NEW YORK KNICKS" in faded print on the panel below to indicate it was part of the game ball rotation that evening. It shows evidence of heavy use and dons a handwritten “XX” below the Spalding logo, perhaps a marking from one of the team equipment managers to tag its importance.
Very reputable provenance from a longtime client of ours with exclusive access to NBA games and player-used items. Kobe signed this game ball for him in-person right after the game. (Our source requests to remain anonymous.)
Accompanied by full LOAs from Beckett and PSA/DNA for the autograph authentication. Photo-matched paperwork from Sports Investors Authentication included.