Sports world remembers Kobe's legendary performance against Jordan on its anniversary

It was 17 years ago on Saturday that the late-great Kobe Bryant took over the NBA from Michael Jordan. In what would be Jordan’s final game against the Lakers in Los Angeles, Kobe dropped 55 points. That included 42 in the first half alone.

On this day in 2003…Kobe Bryant scored 55 points in his final matchup against Michael Jordan, the 2nd-most points scored against Jordan in his career (Dominique Wilkins scored 57 in 1986). pic.twitter.com/7Oz2VhmPqS
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) March 28, 2020

Now about two months after Bryant’s tragic death in a helicopter accident in Southern California and following Jordan’s amazing tribute to him, the sports world is paying its respects.

The backdrop right now is the current COVID-19 pandamic plaguing the world and the absence of basketball in the process.

Needless to say, the sports world had its reactions to the goatest of all performances from the Black Mamba.

https://twitter.com/NBCSWizards/status/1243862964584812544?s=20

LeBron can’t say he dropped 55 on MJ.

Kobe=🐐 https://t.co/2eTyxFbKbH
— Jay ⚡️ (@MajinJayyy) March 28, 2020

55 out of 108. Kobe really different 😂 https://t.co/vSbVXbDDGe
— Fletch (@_KingFletch) March 28, 2020

“Jordan hits Kobe on the butt & says 'You can put the shoes on but you ain't ever gonna fill them.'" – Gilbert Arenas, No Chill Podcast

pic.twitter.com/wGjCggzuDE
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) March 28, 2020

Today would have been the only Wizards vs. Lakers game in D.C. for the 2019-20 season.

Since we don’t have that we instead give you this historic game from March 28, 2003.

The last time Jordan and Kobe faced off. Mamba🐍 dropped 55. pic.twitter.com/nyDyzBqZDS
— Hoop District (@Hoop_District) March 28, 2020

The torch was passed on this day in 2003 when Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant faced off for the final time. Kobe would finish with 55 points in a 108-94 #Lakers win over the Wizards. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/kwOQhw1eVo
— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) March 28, 2020

17 years ago today, Kobe scored 42 of his 55 points in the first half of MJ's last game at Staples Center 🙌 pic.twitter.com/N5C6pi8vJk
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) March 28, 2020

March 28, 2003:

Kobe Bryant: 55 points

Michael Jordan: 23 points

Lakers 108, Wizards 94 pic.twitter.com/8TI0L5xwsX
— Andscape (@andscape) March 28, 2020

17 YEARS AGO TODAY
Kobe scored 55 (42 in 1st half, 23 straight in 2nd Q) vs Michael Jordan, Ty Lue, Stackhouse & the Wizards!

Earlier in the season, MJ hit Kobe on the butt & said: “You can put the shoes on but you ain't ever gonna fill them.'"

https://t.co/wOuf0m36IQ
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) March 28, 2020