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Rockets' Eric Gordon passes Kobe Bryant with notable milestone

Passing Bryant on Monday night is a notable accomplishment for Gordon for more than just its statistical significance. Gordon and Bryant were frequent competitors for nearly a decade from Gordon's rookie season in 2006-07 to Bryant's final NBA campaign in 2015-16, and while Bryant often got the last laugh—amassing a 12–4 record in 16 career battles—Gordon wasn't totally overmatched for stretches as he became one of the league's more reliable shooting guards. Gordon averaged 16.4 points per game in contests against Bryant, including a January 2011 game in which Gordon's 30 points fueled a 99-92 Clippers victory.

Kobe Bryant (L) of the Los Angeles Lakers attempts to navigate before Eric Gordon (R) of the New Orleans Hornets during their NBA game on January 29, 2013 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California.
Kobe Bryant (L) of the Los Angeles Lakers attempts to navigate before Eric Gordon (R) of the New Orleans Hornets during their NBA game on January 29, 2013 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California.