Accolades continue to pour in after Kobe Bryant’s epic 60-point farewell performance

Kobe Bryant closed out his NBA career as only the Black Mamba could. After missing his first five shots, Bryant poured in 60 points — the sixth time in his career he’s reached that lofty mark.

You've earned it #ThankYouKobe

A photo posted by Los Angeles Lakers (@lakers) on Apr 14, 2016 at 12:57am PDT

Fittingly, Bryant saved the best for last. He scored 23 points in the fourth quarter to lead the Lakers back from a 15-point deficit and nip the Utah Jazz 101-96.

[fusion_title size=”4″]KUDOS TO KOBE[/fusion_title]

Praise for Bryant came from a who’s who of NBA greats, both in a pre-game tribute video introduced by Earvin Magic Johnson…

…and on social media after his offensive masterpiece. Former foes and teammates alike marveled both at Bryant’s swan song performance and his overall brilliance during two decades of play dressed in the purple and gold.

No words can describe this last game by @kobebryant! Pure GREATNESS!! #60points #MambaDay #ThankYouKobe

— Pau Gasol (@paugasol) April 14, 2016

The good times! Best 1-2 punch of all time! Thanks for the memories Kobe #34 #24 #8 #mamba #diesel

A video posted by DR. SHAQUILLE O'NEAL Ed.D. (@shaq) on Apr 13, 2016 at 11:20pm PDT

UNBELIEVABLE MAN!!! #MambaDay

— LeBron James (@KingJames) April 14, 2016

60!!

— LeBron James (@KingJames) April 14, 2016

Kobe Bean!!

— LeBron James (@KingJames) April 14, 2016

First let me say congrats to Kobe on an unbelievable career. 20 years! You set he bar on the court for our generation. Thank you. And 60….for real? This is how I'd look At you after tonight. #MambaOut

A photo posted by Wardell Curry (@stephencurry30) on Apr 14, 2016 at 12:05am PDT

60 piece. Mamba out.

— Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) April 14, 2016

BEANNNNNNNNNNNNNN

— Russell Westbrook (@russwest44) April 14, 2016

That's my dogggggg #besttodoit

— Russell Westbrook (@russwest44) April 14, 2016

The L.A. Legend – Paying tribute to #kobebryant on the night of his final game. 🏀#lakers #blackmamba #kobe #24 #basketball

A photo posted by Mayor Eric Garcetti (@mayorofla) on Apr 13, 2016 at 8:00pm PDT

I'll remember @kobebryant as one of the greatest @Lakers ever, right next to @MagicJohnson and among the game's all-time elite players.

— Scottie Pippen (@ScottiePippen) April 13, 2016

Black Mamba showing he's still got plenty of bite. Incredible performance by @kobebryant in his @NBA finale. #MambaDay

— Scottie Pippen (@ScottiePippen) April 14, 2016

60 points and a win. Amazing. Fans in LA got their money's worth tonight. #MambaDay #ThankYouKobe

— Scottie Pippen (@ScottiePippen) April 14, 2016

"Everything passes. Both soaring joys and crushing sorrows fade away like a dream. However, the knowledge of having lived one’s life to the fullest never disappears." The Game is going to Miss you @kobebryant #MambaDay #StayMe7o

A photo posted by @carmeloanthony on Apr 13, 2016 at 12:01pm PDT

Nothing but LOVE for Kobe, but I'll still break that old man's ankles… #LegendsLiveOn @NBA2K https://t.co/yCjCo8CiVy

— Kyrie Irving (@KyrieIrving) April 13, 2016

Mother Effin amazed!!!!!! Left the game on his terms and his way! Legend engraved in history forever!!

— Kyrie Irving (@KyrieIrving) April 14, 2016

Thanks KB for showing us what true dedication, commitment and LOVE for the Game🏀 is all about. It has been a dream and honor to compete against you these past 6 years, your grit and toughness is unmatchable. #MAMBADAY #ThankyouKobe #LEGEND #SALUTE !!

A photo posted by johnwall (@johnwall) on Apr 13, 2016 at 12:05pm PDT

Who would've thought that Kobe scoring 60pts in his last game would upstage the Warriors winning their 73rd game? Well it happened tonight!

— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) April 14, 2016

I love the way @kobebryant scored 60pts, said "Mamba Out" and dropped the mic! #ThankYouKobe

— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) April 14, 2016

[fusion_title size=”4″]THANK YOU KOBE[/fusion_title]

Draymond Green, Dwyane Wade, Tyson Chandler, and Anthony Davis were among the players from around the league that contributed to a final “Thank You Kobe!” video produced by the NBA and released the day after his retirement.