Kobe Bryant's 81-point masterpiece against the Raptors in 2006 is still etched in the annals of the NBA. But on Monday night, two modern giants, Joel Embiid and Karl-Anthony Towns, reignited the scoring fire with historic performances of their own.

Embiid, the reigning MVP, made everyone remember his offensive prowess by dropping a career-high 70 points and 18 rebounds in the Sixers' win over the Spurs, breaking franchise records. Not to be outdone, Towns was in danger of rewriting Timberwolves scoring history when he chipped in a team-record 44 points in the first half against the Hornets.

The outbursts, which coincided with the anniversary of Bryant's classic performance, had NBA fans buzzing on social media:

"Towns and Embiid on fire! Feeling the Kobe vibe tonight!"

"81 points may be a long way off, but these guys are performing! #ScoringNight."

The rarity of such scoring extravaganzas is even more exciting. Only a handful of players, including Donovan Mitchell and Damian Lillard last season, have crossed the 70-point threshold in recent years. Embiid and Towns' performances on Bryant's record-setting night are proof that the NBA's tradition of offensive excellence endures.

Beyond the historical context, these performances showcase the incredible talent and skill that exists in the league. Embiid's unstoppable backcourt movement and Towns' silky shooting touch are a joy to watch and remind us why basketball is such a fascinating sport.

As the scoring torch was passed, the NBA world waited for the next player to join the unique 70-point club. Embiid and Towns proved that the offence still shines in a league where Kobe once excelled.

Key Takeaways

Embiid and Towns scored 70 and 44 points, respectively.
Their performances coincided with Kobe's 81-point anniversary.
Their performances reignited the conversation about scoring legends and future record-setters.
NBA fans cheered their display of talent and skill.