Malcolm Brogdon, like most of the basketball world, got to witness history -- as LeBron James broke the NBA all-time scoring record by passing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Tuesday night.
James hit a fadeaway late in the third quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder to clinch the record and play stopped for a brief on-court celebration -- before concluding with 38 points on 13-of-20 shooting (4-of-6 from deep) in a 133-130 loss.
Wednesday morning following shootaround, Brogdon spoke and reacted to James' achievement.
"Monumental moment for one of the greats," Brogdon said in his post-practice presser. "A lot of respect to him, what he's done over his career, his longevity. It's just remarkable."
While Brogdon and the Celtics own two overtime wins over James and the Los Angeles Lakers this season, including a 125-121 victory just over a week ago (that ended in controversy), the veteran guard recalled a favorite memory of the many battles over the years against the now all-time scoring leader.
During his rookie season (2016-17), Brogdon then with the Milwaukee Bucks, remembers one of his better dunks of a six year career, which happened to be over James -- then during a second stint with the Cleveland Cavilers -- on a emphatic reverse slam (click here).
"I think I surprised LeBron," Brogdon said with a grin. "If he had known [I was driving], he probably wouldn't have let me dunk it. … As a rookie, I wasn't known for jumping. I went up and snuck one on him."
Brogdon went on to win Rookie of the Year during the 2016-17 campaign, and has earned respect around the league as one of the better two-way guards in the league since. Now in his seventh season, the Celtics sixth-man cherishes those moments, especially against James -- who is considered one of the all-time greats to ever play the game and now breaking an all-time record that held up for over 38 years, while showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
"It sticks out in my mind because it's LeBron. It's everything he's accomplished," Brogdon said of the dunk over James. "What a great player, and everything he's stood for even off the court, especially for the Black community trying to make this world a better place. So he's a guy I have the utmost respect for."
The Celtics at 38-16, own the best record in the league, while the Lakers are currently the 13th seed at 25-30.
Joel Pavón
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