During the 2000-01 season, Kobe Bryant became universally regarded as the best non-big man or all-around player in the NBA.
But there were still plenty of people who questioned if he was truly deserving of that accolade.
One man vying with Bryant for that honor was Toronto Raptors star Vince Carter, and on Dec. 17, the two went head-to-head at Air Canada Centre.
While Carter had 31 points, 12 rebounds and six assists, he shot a dismal 10-of-32 from the field. Bryant, meanwhile, finished with 40 points on 14-of-29 shooting, seven rebounds, four assists and three blocked shots.
He helped lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a 104-101 win in overtime against the Raptors.
It was part of a torrid December for Bryant and his first of numerous dominant performances versus Toronto.
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