Gilbert Goes Off

Arenas Stat line:
49mins of play time / 17-32FG's / 5-12threes / 21-27FT's / 8rebounds / 8assists / 2steals

In front of the Staples Center crowd, including Jack Nicholson and others, Gilbert Arenas put on his own "quiet" performance Sunday night, scoring a total 60 points versus Kobe's Lakers. The feat is amazing in that Gilbert beat single game scoring records set by other Wizards/Bullets stars including Michael Jordan and Earl Monroe. The Wizards beat the Lakers 147-141 in an OT thriller, and another great high scoring NBA contest. If Arenas and Kobe played 1 on 1 Arenas would have won 60-45. The last time a player scored 60 vs the Lakers, was Wilt Chamberlain in 1966.

Gilbert is one of the guys you have to really love the league to know about. He isn't exactly the household name or perennial fan favorite, but he is slowly but surely making his name in NBA history. Game after game he puts on great shows, and marvels crowds with his abilities; he can drive, hit outside shots, 3's, dunks and make great passes. He made the all star game last year due to another player's injury. He made Team USA's original roster, then was cut before the final team was selected. For several years (or maybe just last) he was a steal in a fantasy draft. Nobody was quick to take him, but then Gilbert made them pay. This year he went first round, it shows his popularity and skills have been noticed.

No word yet if the 60 point performance is a direct result of him sleeping in the hyperbaric room he has set up in his home, to simulate conditions of higher altitude air.