Who Has Scored the Most Points in a Basketball Game?
When it comes to the record for the most points scored in a single basketball game, the name that stands out is Wilt Chamberlain. He achieved this impressive feat on March 2, 1962, when he scored an amazing 100 points in the Philadelphia Warriors’ 169-147 victory over the New York Knicks. Since then, no other player has come close to achieving this record.
Wilt Chamberlain’s Record-Breaking Game
The game was played at Hershey Sports Arena in Hershey, Pennsylvania. The arena had a capacity of just 4,124 people and the attendance was estimated at 3,000. The New York Knicks had a 7-point lead at the half, but Chamberlain scored an incredible 59 points in the second half to help the Warriors secure the victory.
Chamberlain set the record for the most points scored in a single game, outscoring the entire Knicks team by himself. He made 36 of 63 field goal attempts, 28 of 32 free throw attempts, and had three offensive rebounds.
Wilt Chamberlain’s Career
Chamberlain, who was born in Philadelphia, played his college basketball at the University of Kansas. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Warriors with the first overall pick in the 1959 NBA Draft. During his career, Chamberlain was named an All-Star 12 times, won two championships and four MVP awards, and was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1978.
Chamberlain’s impressive career statistics include 31,419 points, 23,924 rebounds, and 4,643 assists. He is also the only player to have recorded a quadruple-double, with 22 points, 25 rebounds, 21 assists, and 12 blocks.
Other Notable Individual Performance
While Chamberlain’s 100-point game is the record for the most points in a single game, there have been several other outstanding individual performances in NBA history. Here are a few notable examples:
- Kobe Bryant: On January 22, 2006, Bryant scored 81 points in a 122-104 victory over the Toronto Raptors. He made 28 of 46 field goal attempts and 18 of 20 free throw attempts.
- David Thompson: On April 9, 1978, Thompson scored 73 points in a Denver Nuggets’ win over the Detroit Pistons. He made 27 of 39 field goal attempts and 19 of 21 free throw attempts.
- Elgin Baylor: On November 8, 1960, Baylor scored 71 points in a Los Angeles Lakers’ win over the New York Knicks. He made 25 of 44 field goal attempts and 21 of 29 free throw attempts.
- Michael Jordan: On April 16, 1987, Jordan scored 69 points in a Chicago Bulls’ win over the Cleveland Cavaliers. He made 24 of 41 field goal attempts and 21 of 23 free throw attempts.
- Devin Booker: On March 24, 2017, Booker scored 70 points in a Phoenix Suns’ loss to the Boston Celtics. He made 21 of 40 field goal attempts and 24 of 26 free throw attempts.
Most Points in a High School Game
While Chamberlain holds the record for the most points scored in an NBA game, the record for the most points scored in a high school game belongs to Martin Marinovich. On January 26, 1991, Marinovich scored 105 points in a game for his school, Woodrow Wilson High School, in Long Beach, California.
Marinovich made 43 of 63 field goal attempts and 19 of 20 free throw attempts in the game. His performance helped Woodrow Wilson High School defeat Santa Fe High School 223-153.
Most Points in a College Game
The record for the most points scored in a college basketball game belongs to Pete Maravich. On February 12, 1970, Maravich scored 69 points in a game for Louisiana State University (LSU) against the University of Alabama.
Maravich, who was known as “Pistol Pete” for his shooting ability, made an impressive 24 of 37 field goal attempts and 21 of 22 free throw attempts. His performance helped LSU to a 122-107 victory over Alabama.
Most Points in an International Game
The record for the most points scored in an international basketball game belongs to Ervin “Magic” Johnson. On August 7, 1979, Johnson scored 44 points in a game for the United States against the Soviet Union in the 1979 FIBA World Championship.
Johnson, who was playing in his first international tournament, made 17 of 28 field goal attempts and 9 of 16 free throw attempts. His performance helped the United States to a 87-85 victory in the gold medal game.
Most Points in a Women’s Game
The record for the most points scored in a women’s basketball game belongs to Jackie Stiles. On February 24, 2001, Stiles scored a remarkable 55 points in a game for Southwest Missouri State University against Southern Illinois University.
Stiles made 20 of 27 field goal attempts and 15 of 19 free throw attempts in the game. Her performance helped Southwest Missouri State to a 93-76 victory over Southern Illinois.
Most Points in a Professional Game
The record for the most points scored in a professional basketball game belongs to Michael Ray Richardson. On April 28, 1983, Richardson scored 73 points in a game for the Albany Patroons of the Continental Basketball Association (CBA).
Richardson made 28 of 44 field goal attempts and 17 of 20 free throw attempts in the game. His performance helped the Patroons to a 157-133 victory over the Tacoma Stars.
Most Points in a Game by an NBA Team
The record for the most points scored in an NBA game by a single team belongs to the Phoenix Suns. On December 17, 1990, the Suns scored a remarkable 155 points in a game against the Denver Nuggets.
The Suns were led by Tom Chambers, who scored a game-high 42 points, and Kevin Johnson, who scored 41 points. The Suns made 57 of 95 field goal attempts and 41 of 58 free throw attempts in the game.
Conclusion
When it comes to the record for the most points scored in a single basketball game, Wilt Chamberlain holds the title for his incredible feat of scoring 100 points in a game for the Philadelphia Warriors on March 2, 1962. While no other player has come close to achieving this record, there have been several other impressive individual performances throughout the history of the game.