Current Chicago Bulls and former Toronto Raptors radio announcer Chuck Swirsky can argue a rare distinction when it comes to Kobe Bryant and Donovan Mitchell’s legendary NBA scoring performances: he I witnessed both.
Swarski was behind the mic as Mitchell delivered an impressive 71-point performance in Cleveland’s 145-134 overtime victory over Chicago. Apparently, it was very similar to what Swarsky saw from Bryant nearly 17 years ago.
81 masterpieces of Kobe
On January 22, 2006, Kobe Bryant set the sports world on fire with an 81-point performance against the Toronto Raptors in a 122-104 victory. For Swirsky, the atmosphere at his Staples center was inspiring that night when Bryant produced one of his best individual performances ever seen in an NBA game.
Kobe was in the unstoppable zone that game, shooting 28-of-46 from the field, 7-of-13 from across the arc and 18-of-20 from the foul line.
Swirsky noted that despite Kobe and Mitchell’s different ways of working, there are some similarities between the two evocative scoring feats.
“Kobe had a cynical, ferocious look on his face. Donovan has a different personality. But one thing they both have in common is their ability to perform on the big stage. Swarsky said.
loser end
Another similarity between the two memorable performances is that Swirsky worked on the losing team’s broadcast team. He shared what it was like to fly home for both the Raptors and Bulls.
“We got on the plane and we were back to back after the game against Denver. You could have heard the pin drop as the plane boarded Denver. but no one wants to drop 81.” Swarsky said.
“I was disappointed because the Bulls also lost by a huge margin. But if you ask the NBA players, they have a lot of respect for each other. It’s fraternity.” Added Swirsky.
