Gallinari Remembers Kobe: A Touching Italian Connection Behind 61-Point Performance

Danilo Gallinari revisited his first encounter with Kobe Bryant back in 2008, highlighting an Italian connection to the informal atmosphere that preceded the late NBA superstar’s remarkable 61-point performance.

During an appearance on the Run Your Race podcast, the 36-year-old Italian forward recounted his experience trailing Team USA’s practice in Las Vegas before his rookie NBA season. The practice was part of the team’s preparations for the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China.

“A member of the U.S. coaching staff, who was also guiding me through my NBA preparation, said, ‘Listen, stick around a bit longer because Kobe wants to meet you,’” he recalled.

Gallinari stayed, patiently waiting as Kobe went through his icing and stretching routine, lingering for about an hour post-practice. “In the U.S., not many people pronounce my name correctly, and then I hear someone say, ‘Hey Danilo, come here,’ in Italian—‘Danilo, come here.’ I look up, and it’s Kobe!” Gallinari described, “He was walking with ice on his knees. I walked down the stairs, and we chatted. It was incredible; he even gave me his shoes. When I returned to my room, I found a letter he had written for me.”

The next time their paths crossed was entirely different, devoid of any Italian flair. In February 2009, when the New York Knicks faced the Los Angeles Lakers, Kobe showcased his scoring prowess by netting 61 points.

“I thought Kobe was being incredibly nice to me,” Gallinari reminisced. “I expected him to say something kind to me in Italian before the game, but he didn’t speak to anyone that day. He stepped onto the court, took his position, and didn’t engage with anyone. I was like, okay. And then he goes on to score 61 points.”

Now with 828 NBA games under his belt, Gallinari, who was the sixth pick in the 2008 draft, is currently showcasing his talent with the Bayamon Vaqueros in Puerto Rico.

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