In the fast-paced and exhilarating world of professional basketball, being able to score points is a key skill that makes the best players stand out.
Throughout the history of the NBA, there have been remarkable performances that have left fans awestruck and etched the names of certain players into the record books.
During the early years of the NBA, the game was played at a slower pace, and teams emphasized more on teamwork than individual scoring. However, as the game progressed, scoring also evolved accordingly.
In the 1960s and 1970s, players like Elgin Baylor, Wilt Chamberlain, and Rick Barry pushed the boundaries of scoring.
Baylor, a true pioneer, set the tone by dropping an astonishing 71 points in a single game during the 1961-62 season. His record was soon eclipsed by the legendary Wilt Chamberlain, who completely rewrote the scoring record books.
In this article, we delve into the fascinating world of the players who have scored the most points in a single game.
Wilt Chamberlain holds several of the most impressive scoring records in NBA history.
On March 2, 1962, while playing for the Philadelphia Warriors against the New York Knicks, Chamberlain scored 100 points. This record remains unbreakable, and no other player has come close to it.
Three months prior to his remarkable 100-point game, he established an NBA record by scoring 78 points in a game where his team suffered a loss to the Lakers.
Furthermore, Chamberlain pulled two 73-point games in 1962. One at the start of the year in January against the Chicago Packers and the other in November against the New York Knicks.
Kobe Bryant, renowned for his extraordinary offensive abilities and unwavering determination, was a legendary scorer.
While he had numerous high-scoring performances throughout his career, three games particularly shine as his absolute pinnacle.
The 2006 game against the Toronto Raptors was Kobe's most iconic and unforgettable performance. He single-handedly carried the Lakers to a 122-104 win, shooting a remarkable 28 of 46 from the field to tally 81 points in total.
It stands as the second highest scoring game in NBA history, trailing only Wilt Chamberlain's record-setting 100 points.
Similarly, in another dominant performance, Kobe poured in 65 points against the Portland Trail Blazers. He shot an efficient 23 of 39 from the field and 8 of 12 from three-point range, leading the Lakers to a 116-111 victory.
David Thompson, known as the "Skywalker," made a lasting mark in NBA history through his exceptional displays of scoring prowess.
In one of his best games ever, Thompson scored a whopping 73 points and grabbed seven rebounds, even though his team lost the game to the Pistons 137-139 in 1978. He was super efficient, making 28 out of 38 shots and sinking 17 of 20 free throws.
This feat still stands tied for the fourth-highest scoring game ever, alongside the legendary Wilt Chamberlain and Kobe Bryant.
The 4 time NBA All-Star made history by setting the NBA record for most points in a quarter with an impressive 32-point performance in the first, surpassing Chamberlain's previous record.
Thompson played for the Denver Nuggets from 1975 to 1982 before joining the Seattle SuperSonics.
Elgin Baylor, a basketball legend, made history with three amazing performances that will always be remembered.
On November 15, 1960, Baylor's remarkable 71-point game against the New York Knicks became the Lakers' franchise record and ranks as the 8th-highest individual scoring game in NBA history, showcasing Baylor's scoring prowess at its peak.
Just a year prior, Baylor unleashed a 64-point outburst against the Boston Celtics, showcasing his offensive arsenal early in his career. This performance stood as the NBA record until he surpassed it himself in 1960.
Exhibiting impressive reliability, Baylor once more exceeded the 60-point threshold in a game against the Philadelphia Warriors, solidifying his reputation as one of the most prolific scorers in the history of the sport.
David Robinson delivered a performance for the ages on April 24th, 1994, scoring 71 points in a game.
The Admiral secured the scoring title for the 1993-94 season with a notable performance against the Clippers in late April.
Locked in a tight race for the scoring title with Shaquille O'Neal, Robinson needed 33 points to secure the crown. He did just that, and then some, erupting for a career-high 71 points against the Los Angeles Clippers.
Robinson's scoring prowess was on full display. He went 26-for-41 from the field, including a three-pointer and made 18 free throws. while grabbing 14 rebounds in the win.
With that, the two-time NBA champion became part of a select group of players who have achieved 70-point games, joining the ranks of Wilt Chamberlain, David Thompson, and Elgin Baylor.
Donovan Mitchell etched his name into NBA history by delivering an awe-inspiring performance on January 2nd, 2023, in a thrilling match against the Chicago Bulls,
With an astonishing total of 71 points, he joined an elite group as the 7th player ever to achieve this remarkable feat.
This monumental accomplishment not only established a new benchmark for the Cleveland Cavaliers franchise but also solidified his standing as one of the most prolific scorers in today's game alongside Devin Booker.
Mitchell's dominance was not merely confined to scoring. He displayed remarkable accuracy, shooting 22-of-34 from the field and sinking 7 three-pointers, in addition to making 20-of-25 free throws.
His impact extended beyond scoring as he also secured 8 rebounds and dished out 11 assists, a historic feat in itself: being the sole player ever to achieve over 70 points and more than 10 assists in a game.
Damian Lillard's 71-point performance, featuring 13 three-pointers, in a victory against the Rockets, places him in a tie for eighth on the all-time scoring list.
Lillard's shooting was on fire throughout the game on February 26, 2023. He successfully converted all 14 of his free throws, demonstrating his versatile offensive skills.
Lillard achieved a career-high of 41 points and made eight three-pointers by halftime, setting a personal record for points in a half and surpassing any other player's halftime point total in the league that season.
Moreover, he reached the 50-point mark by the beginning of the fourth quarter, securing a decisive lead for his team and making the victory against the Rockets inevitable.
Lillard, aged 33, stands as the sole player to achieve a scoring feat of at least 70 points in an NBA game when aged 30 or above.
Devin Booker left an indelible mark on NBA history when, on March 24th, 2017, he delivered a jaw-dropping performance by scoring an astounding 70 points against the Boston Celtics.
This exceptional feat earned him the title of the youngest player in NBA history to reach the remarkable milestone of 70 points at just 20 years old.
Although he made 21 out of 40 field goal attempts and a modest 4 out of 11 three-pointers, his nearly flawless performance at the free-throw line (24 out of 26) solidified his status as one of the all-time greats.
Besides, Booker's 51 points in the second half alone put him among the exclusive list of players with the most points in a half.
Though the Suns ultimately lost the game 130-120, Booker's individual brilliance remains engraved in NBA history.
Michael Jordan is widely regarded as one of the most exceptional basketball players in history.
Surprisingly, despite numerous remarkable achievements throughout his career, he never reached the milestone of scoring 70 points in a single game.
Jordan’s highest career scoring total came on March 28, 1990, against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Jordan erupted for an astounding 69 points, leading the Bulls to a 117-113 victory.
He also grabbed 18 rebounds, distributed six assists, and contributed four steals in the victory over the Cavaliers.
Three years later, in a matchup against the Orlando Magic, MJ poured in 64 points, his second-highest in a single game ever. Although the Bulls lost the game 128-124, he attempted 49 shots and connected on 27, including 1-of-5 from three-point range.
Pete Maravich, nicknamed "Pistol Pete," delivered an unforgettable performance against the New York Knicks in February 1977.
The New Orleans shooting guard scored a staggering 68 points, inscribing his name in NBA history.
Maravich displayed his trademark dazzling dribbling moves, acrobatic shots, and uncanny passing ability. He shot an impressive 26-of-43 from the field, including 16-of-19 free throws showcasing his shooting mastery.
Notably, this record was achieved without the benefit of the three-point line, which would not be introduced for another two years.
Though Maravich earned five NBA All-Stars, he was unable to lift the NBA championship even after playing for three franchises.
In 1987, he was honored with induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and his jersey, No. 7, has been officially retired by the Utah Jazz and the New Orleans Pelicans.
The Golden State Warriors forward Rick Barry went ballistic, dropping a career-high 64 points on March 26, 1974, in a resounding 143-120 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers.
During that period, Wilt Chamberlain and Elgin Baylor were the only players who had recorded a higher point total in a single NBA game.
Barry's scoring outburst was particularly impressive considering it came in the penultimate game of the season. He exploded for a staggering 45 points in the second half alone, showcasing his incredible shooting prowess and offensive versatility.
In a span of 43 minutes, Barry achieved a shooting record of 30 successful shots out of 45 attempts on the field, along with a 4-for-5 performance from the free-throw line. Additionally, he contributed 10 rebounds and provided nine assists.
Joe Fulks inscribed his name in NBA history with a 63-point outburst on February 10, 1949, against the Indianapolis Jets.
This surge in scoring not only broke the previous record of 48 points but also represented the league's inaugural 60-point and 50-point games.
It held the record for the highest score in an NBA game until Elgin Baylor achieved 64 points in a 1959 match.
Fulks exhibited remarkable skill, making 27 out of 56 field goal attempts and converting nine of 14 free throws. His performance was so exceptional that he broke the record for most points in one half with an impressive tally of 33, as well as setting new records for both field goals made and attempted.
Jerry West, then a 23-year-old, unleashed a scoring explosion against the New York Knicks, dropping a jaw-dropping 63 points to secure a 129-121 victory for the Los Angeles Lakers.
In only his second season, West demonstrated an impressive range of abilities on the basketball court. He highlighted his distinctive fadeaway jump shot, polished ball handling, and knack for scoring from every part of the court.
West made 22 out of 36 field goals and 19 out of 22 free throws, emerging as the Lakers' top scorer and showcasing his ability to perform under pressure throughout the game.
This remarkable achievement not only became a defining moment in West's illustrious career but also solidified his legacy as one of the most prolific scorers and clutch players in NBA history.
George Gervin put on a masterclass performance on April 9, 1978, scoring a dazzling 63 points against the New Orleans Jazz.
This outstanding display marked the conclusion of a season-spanning scoring rivalry with David Thompson, ultimately clinching Gervin the 1978 NBA scoring title by an incredibly narrow margin of 0.07 points.
Gervin's offensive artistry was on full display throughout the game. He poured in 53 points by halftime, including a record-breaking 33 points in the second quarter alone. His smooth shooting, crafty footwork, and unstoppable mid-range game were too much for the Jazz defense to handle.
Although the Spurs lost the game 153-132, George's 63-point outburst remains his career-high and also earned him the nickname "The Iceman."
Stephen Curry pulled one of his best performances scoring a career-high 62 points for the Warriors in a 122-137 win over the Portland Trail Blazers in 2021.
Chef Curry showed his dominance by making 18 out of 31 shots, hitting 8 out of 16 three-pointers, and making 18 out of 19 free throws. He did something no one had done since Kobe Bryant in 2005, i.e., scoring 30 points or more in both halves of a game.
Plus, the four-time NBA champ surpassed his highest score ever, beating his previous record of 54 points from a game against the Knicks in 2013.
The New York Times commended him highly, noting that his 62-point game silenced his critics.
Other players who are not mentioned on the aforementioned list to hit 62 points are:
Tracy McGrady: March 10, 2004 against Washington Wizards
Carmelo Anthony: January 24, 2014 against Charlotte Bobcats
