Kristian Ferrell
Wilt Chamberlain holds the record for the most points scored in a single NBA game. On March 2, 1962, Chamberlain scored 100 points for the Philadelphia Warriors in a 169-147 win against the New York Knicks. This record has stood for over six decades, with only Kobe Bryant in 2006 coming within 20 points of Chamberlain's mark. In terms of career points, LeBron James is basketball's all-time top scorer with over 50,000 points scored over his 22-year career.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Player with the most points scored in a single NBA game | Wilt Chamberlain |
| Number of points scored by Wilt Chamberlain | 100 |
| Date of Wilt Chamberlain's record | 2nd March 1962 |
| Team Wilt Chamberlain played for | Philadelphia Warriors |
| Opponent team | New York Knicks |
| Final score | 169-147 |
| Player with the second-highest points scored in a single NBA game | Kobe Bryant |
| Number of points scored by Kobe Bryant | 81 |
| Year Kobe Bryant scored 81 points | 2006 |
| Team Kobe Bryant played for | Los Angeles Lakers |
| Opponent team | Raptors |
| Player with the most points scored in their career | LeBron James |
| Number of points scored by LeBron James | Over 50,000 |
| Number of active playing years | 22 |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Wilt Chamberlain's 100-point game
On March 2, 1962, Wilt Chamberlain set the single-game scoring record in the NBA by scoring 100 points for the Philadelphia Warriors in a 169–147 win over the New York Knicks. The game took place at Hershey Sports Arena in Hershey, Pennsylvania, and is widely considered one of the greatest records in the sport's history. Chamberlain's record-breaking performance included several other league records, such as most free throws made (28), despite him being regarded as a poor free-throw shooter. He also set records for most field goals attempted (63) and made (36), most points in a quarter (31), and most points in a half (59). The teams combined for a record-breaking total of 316 points.
Chamberlain's extraordinary scoring feat captivated the crowd, who chanted "Give it to Wilt!" as the game drew to a close and history was in the making. With ten minutes remaining, the Warriors' offense shifted entirely to getting the ball to Chamberlain, who needed 25 points in eight minutes to reach 100, an astonishing rate of scoring. He broke his previous record of 78 points with his 79th point, sending the crowd into a frenzy.
With less than two minutes left, Chamberlain scored his 94th and 96th points in quick succession. His 97th point came off a powerful dunk, a rare move for him. With 46 seconds left and after a few missed attempts, he received a high pass from teammate Ruklick, broke free from the Knicks' defence, jumped, and scored his 100th point, making basketball history.
The game's iconic image was captured in the locker room afterward when Chamberlain held up a piece of paper with "100" written on it by the team statistician, Harvey Pollack. Chamberlain's record has stood the test of time, with only Kobe Bryant coming within 20 points of his record in 2006. Chamberlain's 100-point game remains an iconic moment in NBA history, showcasing his incredible scoring ability and leaving an indelible mark on the league.
Where to Watch Husker Basketball on TV Tonight
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Kobe Bryant's 81-point game
Bryant's performance was a masterclass in scoring, as he shot 28 of 46 from the field and an impressive 18 of 20 from the free-throw line. He led his Los Angeles Lakers to a 122-104 victory over the Raptors, with the Lakers' next highest scorer, Lamar Odom, contributing 15 points. Bryant's 81 points were more than a third of his team's total points.
The game showcased Bryant's incredible offensive arsenal, as he scored from all areas of the court. He was 10 of 16 on two-point field goals, showcasing his ability to get to the basket and make difficult shots in traffic. He also drained 7 of 12 three-pointers, displaying his deadly accuracy from beyond the arc.
But it wasn't just his scoring that stood out. Bryant also contributed in other areas, grabbing 6 rebounds and dishing out 2 assists. He played 42 minutes out of a possible 48, showcasing his endurance and impact on the game.
Bryant's 81-point outburst was a historic achievement and a testament to his incredible talent and determination. It solidified his place in NBA history as one of the greatest scorers of all time.
Butler Basketball: Latest Scores and Game Results
You may want to see also
Explore related products
LeBron James' 50,000+ career points
LeBron James is the first NBA player to score 50,000 combined points in the regular season and postseason. The milestone was achieved in a game against the New Orleans Pelicans on March 4, 2025, when James, aged 40, scored a three-pointer early in the first quarter, taking his total to 50,000 points. He finished the game with 34 points, pushing his regular-season record to 41,871.
James is also the leading scorer in postseason history, with 8,162 points. He broke the career regular-season record previously held by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who had 38,387 points. James surpassed 40,000 points on March 2, 2024, in a game against the reigning champions, the Denver Nuggets.
James holds a career average of 27 points per game, but he has scored more than 50 points in a single game on multiple occasions, with a single-game high of 61 points. His penchant for high scoring meant that longtime fans saw the 50,000-point milestone coming. James achieved this feat in his 22nd season, tying him with Vince Carter for the most played in NBA history.
LeBron James is a four-time Olympic medallist, with three golds and one bronze, and has appeared in four Olympic Games. He is also a three-time Olympic champion, having won gold with Team USA in Beijing 2008, London 2012, and Paris 2024. He has scored a total of 358 points in his four Olympic editions, with 214 in group games and 144 in knockout matches.
Basketball Fiber: The Science Behind the Game
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Oscar Schmidt's 49,737 career points
Oscar Daniel Bezerra Schmidt, nicknamed "Mão Santa" (Portuguese for "Holy Hand"), is a Brazilian former professional basketball player. He is considered one of the greatest players in the history of the sport, with an incredible career total of 49,737 points (some sources state 49,973). This tally includes both his pro club league play and senior Brazilian national team appearances.
Schmidt was born on February 16, 1958, in Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. He started his professional club career in 1974 at the age of 16 with the Brazilian Championship club S.E. Palmeiras. He primarily played as a power forward and small forward, standing at 2.06 m (6 ft 9 in) and weighing 109 kg (240 lbs). In addition to his home country of Brazil, Schmidt also played in Italy and Spain.
Throughout his illustrious career, Schmidt achieved numerous accolades and set multiple records. He was the top scorer in the Italian First Division seven times and was inducted into the Italian Basketball Hall of Fame in 2017. In the 1993-94 season, he was the top scorer in the Spanish ACB League with an average of 33.3 points per game. Schmidt also represented Brazil in five consecutive Olympic Games from 1980 to 1996, becoming the top scorer in three of them.
Schmidt holds the record for the longest career span of a professional basketball player, playing for an impressive 29 years. He concluded his remarkable sports career in May 2003 at the age of 45. Although Schmidt never played in the NBA, Kobe Bryant, who grew up watching Schmidt play in Italy, idolised him and believed he could have been one of the greatest NBA players ever.
St. Mary's Basketball Triumph: Net Score Recap
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Michael Jordan's 262 All-Star points
Michael Jordan is one of the greatest basketball players of all time, and his All-Star Game stats are a testament to his talent and impact on the game. Jordan was selected to play in the All-Star Game 14 times during his illustrious career, a true testament to his consistent excellence.
Jordan's first All-Star Game MVP came in 1988 when the game was held in his hometown of Chicago. He scored 40 points, just two points shy of Wilt Chamberlain's record of 42 points set in 1962. Jordan's performance in that game is truly remarkable, especially considering he fell just short of breaking a record that had stood for over two decades.
Jordan's second All-Star Game MVP came in 1996, and he secured his third in 1998, further solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest All-Star performers. While exact figures for Jordan's total All-Star points are difficult to come by, estimates place the number at around 262 points. This impressive tally is a result of his incredible scoring average of 41.0 PPG (points per game).
Jordan's scoring prowess and ability to perform on the biggest stages are undeniable. His All-Star Game performances, combined with his regular-season and playoff achievements, firmly establish his iconic status in the world of basketball. Jordan's impact extended far beyond just his scoring, as he revolutionised the game with his all-around talent, tenacious defence, and winning mentality.
US 2002 FIBA Basketball: What Went Wrong?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Wilt Chamberlain scored 100 points in a single game for the Philadelphia Warriors in 1962.
LeBron James is the NBA's all-time leading scorer with over 40,000 regular-season points.
Some of the NBA's top scorers include Stephen Curry, Russell Westbrook, DeMar DeRozan, Chris Paul, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Anthony Davis.
In addition to LeBron James, other players with high career point totals include Oscar Schmidt, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Michael Jordan.
