"There was no bigger stage than center stage at MSG" - Garnett on how incredible it was to watch Kobe take on Jordan at the 1998 ASG

Kobe Bryant 's debut in the NBA during the preps-to-pros era was a bold statement. His fearless approach, instilled by his father, former player Joe "Jellybean" Bryant, was evident as he intrepidly took on the biggest names in basketball at just 18 years old.

One of those big names was the GOAT himself, Michael Jordan , who had already won three NBA championships and established himself as an iconic figure in the sporting realm at the time. Despite his status, the man who would eventually be known as the "Black Mamba" did not hesitate to take it to "Air Jordan" at the 1998 All-Star Game held at the Madison Square Garden in New York City.

An unforgettable showdown

According to Hall of Fame forward Kevin Garnett , who played with the Mamba on the West squad in that game, the energy at MSG was palpable. Many sensed there would be a passing-of-the-torch moment. Though MJ was still playing at a spectacular level, he was nearing the end of his career.

That season would eventually be his last in a Chicago Bulls uniform. Meanwhile, KG and Kobe were the league's future, with the former playing in his second All-Star Game while the latter was in his first.

"That energy coming out to play—it was a magical game," "The Big Ticket" said on the "Club 520 Podcast."

KG said MJ wanted he thought would be his last ASG to be a memorable one, so he gave his all, compiling 23 points, six rebounds, eight assists, and three steals.

"MJ was looking for it too, wanting all the smoke, blowing his hand, licking his fingers. He was on demon time in Madison Square Garden," Garnett shared.

At the same time, Kobe was determined to make a strong impression in his first ASG. He produced 18 points, six rebounds, and two steals, showcasing his ambition and drive to succeed on the grandest stage.

"There was no bigger stage than center stage at MSG, watching that going back and forth. MJ was solidifying himself, but Kobe was establishing himself right there," KG, a 15-time All-Star, stated.

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Most memorable play

While Jordan was named the All-Star Game MVP, it was Kobe who executed the game's most unforgettable play. Early in the first quarter, Garnett initiated a fastbreak, lobbing the ball for Kobe to catch in the middle and deliver a thunderous two-handed slam dunk.

"In the second or third play of the game, I came down the left side and looked up. I timed it perfectly, and Kobe jumped so high. That Vince Carter moment—I watched it from my perspective. I threw it, and I watched him dunk that motherf****r. I was on some hype. Kobe was trying to be professional, but I was like, 'Nah, let's get it,'" KG recalled.

Jordan has always had special moments at the "Mecca of Basketball." However, on that occasion, Bean outdid "His Airness" and authored the most memorable play of that weekend.

Related: "This shit I can control…I'm going to take these motherfu****s out." - Kobe Bryant reveals the exact moment when The Black Mamba was born