Basketball is a sport that has captivated millions of people around the world. From the high-flying dunks to the clutch buzzer-beaters, the game of basketball has become one of the most popular sports. While there have been a number of great players throughout the history of the game, only one player has ever averaged 50 points per game: Wilt Chamberlain.
Early Career
Wilt Chamberlain had a remarkable career in basketball, one that began in the 1950s. He was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and attended the University of Kansas, where he became a two-time All-American. Chamberlain was selected by the Philadelphia Warriors with the first overall pick in the 1959 NBA draft.
In his rookie season, Chamberlain averaged 37.6 points per game, a record that still stands today. He was named the NBA Rookie of the Year and was selected to play in the All-Star game. He quickly established himself as one of the top players in the league, leading the Warriors to the NBA Finals in his second season.
Averaging 50 Points A Game
In 1961-62, Chamberlain had one of the greatest seasons in NBA history. He averaged an astonishing 50.4 points per game, a record that will likely never be broken. He also averaged 25.7 rebounds and 48.5 minutes per game, both of which are also single-season records.
Chamberlain was unstoppable that season, scoring 100 points in a single game against the New York Knicks on March 2, 1962. He was named the NBA Most Valuable Player, the first of four MVP awards he would receive in his career. He also led the Warriors to their second NBA championship, defeating the Boston Celtics in the Finals.
Legacy
Wilt Chamberlain finished his career with an average of 30.1 points per game, the highest in NBA history. He was a 12-time All-Star and was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1978. He was also the first player in NBA history to reach the 20,000-point mark, a feat that has only been achieved by six other players.
Chamberlain’s legacy lives on today in the form of the 50-point club, a group of players who have scored 50 or more points in a game. The club includes some of the greatest players in NBA history, such as Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, and LeBron James.
Conclusion
Wilt Chamberlain is one of the greatest players in the history of basketball. His record of averaging 50.4 points per game in a single season will likely never be broken, and he will forever be remembered as one of the greatest players of all time. His legacy lives on today in the form of the 50-point club and his remarkable achievements will continue to inspire basketball fans for years to come.