The NBA has seen some of the most talented and skilled basketball players in the world. Throughout its history, numerous records have been set and broken, with some of the most impressive feats being in the scoring department. In this article, we will take a look at the top 10 NBA scoring records and the legendary players who hold them.
- Most Points in a Single Game: Wilt Chamberlain (100)
Wilt Chamberlain’s 100-point game on March 2, 1962, remains the highest-scoring performance in NBA history. Playing for the Philadelphia Warriors, Chamberlain accomplished this incredible feat against the New York Knicks. This record still stands today, with no player coming close to breaking it.
- Most Points in a Season: Wilt Chamberlain (4,029)
Wilt Chamberlain holds yet another scoring record, this time for the most points scored in a single season. During the 1961-62 season, Chamberlain scored an astonishing 4,029 points, averaging 50.4 points per game. This record remains unbroken to this day.
- Most Points in a Career: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (38,387)
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, one of the most dominant centers in NBA history, holds the record for the most points scored in a career. Over his 20-year career, Abdul-Jabbar scored a total of 38,387 points, a record that still stands today.
- Highest Points Per Game Average in a Season: Michael Jordan (37.1)
Michael Jordan, widely regarded as the greatest basketball player of all time, holds the record for the highest points per game average in a single season. During the 1986-87 season, Jordan averaged an incredible 37.1 points per game, showcasing his scoring prowess.
- Most Points in a Playoff Game: Michael Jordan (63)
Michael Jordan makes the list again with his record for the most points scored in a single playoff game. On April 20, 1986, Jordan scored 63 points for the Chicago Bulls against the Boston Celtics, a record that still stands today.
- Most Points in a Finals Game: Elgin Baylor (61)
Elgin Baylor holds the record for the most points scored in a single NBA Finals game. On April 14, 1962, Baylor scored 61 points for the Los Angeles Lakers against the Boston Celtics. This impressive performance remains unmatched in NBA Finals history.
- Most Points in a Single Quarter: Klay Thompson (37)
Klay Thompson, one of the best shooters in NBA history, holds the record for the most points scored in a single quarter. On January 23, 2015, Thompson scored an incredible 37 points in the third quarter for the Golden State Warriors against the Sacramento Kings.
- Most Points in a Single Half: Wilt Chamberlain (59)
Wilt Chamberlain appears on the list once again, this time for the most points scored in a single half. During his 100-point game, Chamberlain scored 59 points in the second half, a record that still stands today.
- Most Consecutive Games Scoring 50+ Points: Wilt Chamberlain (7)
Wilt Chamberlain’s scoring dominance is further showcased by his record for the most consecutive games scoring 50 or more points. Chamberlain achieved this feat during the 1961-62 season, scoring 50+ points in seven consecutive games.
- Most Points Scored by a Rookie in a Single Game: Wilt Chamberlain (58)
Wilt Chamberlain rounds out the list with his record for the most points scored by a rookie in a single game. On January 25, 1960, Chamberlain scored 58 points for the Philadelphia Warriors against the Detroit Pistons, setting the record for the highest-scoring game by a rookie.