Most Points Scored in an NBA Game: The All-Time Single-Game Scoring Record
In the history of the NBA, one number stands alone — 100. That’s the number scored by Wilt Chamberlain in a single game back in 1962. Decades later, no one has surpassed his feat. Yet a few extraordinary nights — like Kobe Bryant’s 81‑point explosion in 2006 — have come close, reminding fans just how special scoring records can be.
The record for most points in a single NBA game belongs to Wilt Chamberlain, who scored 100 points for the Philadelphia Warriors against the New York Knicks on March 2, 1962. That night remains unmatched, even though several players have scored 70 or more. The legacy of that record, and the most prolific single‑game performances, continue to define what “scoring greatness” means in the NBA.
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The 100‑Point Night: Wilt Chamberlain’s Historic Game
On March 2, 1962, Wilt Chamberlain did what many considered unthinkable: he scored 100 points in one game, leading the Philadelphia Warriors to a 169–147 victory over the New York Knicks. He ended the game with 36‑of‑63 shooting from the field and 28‑of‑32 from the free‑throw line, along with 25 rebounds and two assists — and played all 48 minutes. The image of him holding up a sign with “100” written on it became an iconic snapshot in NBA history. Because the three‑point line did not yet exist, all his points came from two‑point field goals and free throws — making the feat even more impressive. Even more remarkable: 100 points remain the single‑game scoring record — more than six decades later. No player has scored 100 since.
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Other Legendary High-Scoring Performances
Though Chamberlain’s record stands alone, several players have come strikingly close. Notable performances include:
● 81 points — Kobe Bryant, January 22, 2006. Facing the Toronto Raptors, he delivered one of the greatest offensive showcases ever and sits second in all‑time single‑game scoring.
● 78 points — Wilt Chamberlain (December 8, 1961). In a triple‑overtime game versus the Lakers, Chamberlain dropped 78.
● 73 points — Several players achieved this mark, including Chamberlain himself (on multiple occasions) and David Thompson (April 9, 1978).
● 72, 71, 70-point games — A handful of such performances over the decades by very talented players.
As of 2025, there have been about 15 games where players scored 70 or more points, spread across different eras and styles of play — but none have threatened Chamberlain’s triple‑digit mark.
Why the 100-Point Record Matters — On and Off the Court
Benchmark of Individual Scoring Prowess
Scoring 100 points without the three‑point line meant relentless dominance inside the arc — a testament to strength, stamina, skill, and basketball IQ. It remains the ultimate single-game scoring achievement in NBA history.
A Legacy That Sets the Bar
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Chamberlain’s night became a legend, a standard for “unbreakable” in a league where records fall, but some targets remain nearly unreachable. Every 70‑ or 80‑point game since is often measured against that 100‑point benchmark.
Historical Context and Evolution of the Game
The league has evolved drastically — pace, three-point shooting, defense, physicality — yet the fact that no one has eclipsed 100 points reminds us how extraordinary that moment was. It highlights the differences between eras and the
challenge of greatness under changing conditions.
Can the 100‑Point Record Ever Be Broken? The Odds & Challenges
Breaking the record today would require more than just scoring ability — it would demand near‑perfect execution, high volume of shots, and perhaps favorable pace or low defense resistance. Several factors complicate that:
● Three‑point era and defensive schemes make constant scoring harder.
● Team dynamics, player rotations, and minutes distribution rarely allow one player to dominate entire game possessions.
● Physical demands — maintaining efficiency and consistency for 40+ minutes is rare in modern NBA with deeper rosters and stronger defenses.
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That said, recent decades have seen more high‑scoring games. With evolving offensive schemes and pace, some analysts consider it possible one day — though many still view it as unlikely.
What This Means for Today's Players and Fans
● Every time a player heads toward a 60–70 points night, fans and analysts compare to history’s greats — it keeps the spirit of excellence alive.
● Records like these show how individual brilliance can transcend era and style, offering a bridge between different generations of basketball.
● For young players, they serve as motivation: exceptional achievements come from extraordinary effort, consistency, and belief.
The single‑game scoring record of 100 points remains one of the most iconic — and seemingly unbreakable — achievements in NBA history. While other legendary performances by players such as Kobe Bryant, David Thompson, and more recently rising stars have come close, none have reached triple digits. The 100‑point game is more than a statistic; it’s a milestone in basketball lore. As the game evolves, every 70‑point explosion reminds us: the door to greatness stays open — but to rewrite history, one must do something never done before.
