The National Basketball Association (NBA) has seen some of the most prominent basketball players ever grace the court. These players have made history in numerous ways, from setting records to winning championships. One of the most impressive records a player can achieve is to score the most points in a single game. Here are the ten players who have achieved this feat and set the benchmark for future generations.
1. Wilt Chamberlain: 100 Points
The man who tops the list is none other than legendary center Wilt Chamberlain. On March 2, 1962, Chamberlain scored a whopping 100 points in a 169-147 victory against the New York Knicks. This record has stood the test of time and is considered one of the greatest single-game performances in NBA history.
2. Kobe Bryant: 81 Points
The late great Kobe Bryant was one of the greatest players of all time. On January 22, 2006, Bryant scored an astonishing 81 points in a 122-104 win over the Toronto Raptors. This is the second-most points any player has ever scored in an NBA game and is a testament to Bryant’s greatness.
3. Elgin Baylor: 71 Points
Elgin Baylor is one of the most underrated players of all time. On November 15, 1960, Baylor scored a remarkable 71 points in a 123-108 win over the New York Knicks. This is the third-highest total any player has ever scored in a single game.
4. David Thompson: 73 Points
David Thompson was one of the most exciting players in the 1970s. On April 9, 1978, Thompson scored a career-high 73 points in a 115-109 win over the Detroit Pistons.
5. Michael Jordan: 69 Points
Michael Jordan is well known as one of the most popular and greatest basketball players of all time. On March 28, 1990, Jordan scored an impressive 69 points in a 117-113 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers.
6. Devin Booker: 70 Points
Devin Booker is one of the finest players in the NBA today. On March 24, 2017, Booker scored a remarkable 70 points in a 130-120 win over the Boston Celtics.
7. Pete Maravich: 68 Points
Pete Maravich is one of the most innovative and entertaining players of all time. On February 25, 1977, Maravich scored a career-high 68 points in a 154-122 win over the New York Knicks. This is the seventh-most points any player has ever scored in a single game.
8. Rick Barry: 64 Points
Rick Barry was one of the most prolific scorers of all time. On March 26, 1974, Barry scored an impressive 64 points in a 126-121 win over the Portland Trail Blazers.
9. Larry Bird: 60 Points
Larry Bird is one of the most incredible players of all time. On March 12, 1985, Bird scored a remarkable 60 points in a 126-115 victory against the Atlanta Hawks.
10. LeBron James: 60 Points
LeBron James is widely considered one of the most remarkable players of all time. On March 3, 2014, James scored an impressive 60 points in a 124-107 win over the Charlotte Bobcats.
These ten players have achieved the unachievable by scoring the most points in a single game. They have set the bar extremely high for future generations and will be remembered as some of the most outstanding players to ever grace the court.
