The most points ever recorded in an official National Basketball Association (NBA) game is 81, achieved by Wilt "The Stilts" Chamberlain, on the 29th of January 1962, at the Hershey Sports Arean in Philidelphia.
Chamberlain played for the Philidelphia Warriors at the time, with his career-best performance coming against the New York Knicks. His time on the hardwood witnessed him make a total of 22 of 37 field goals and 44 of 59 free throws.
The 6-foot-3 forward was a force to be reckoned with, holding the record for the highest points per game average in a season, with 50.4 points per game in the 1961-1962 season.
Most Points Scored in an NBA Single Game
In the illustrious history of the National Basketball Association, several extraordinary performances have graced the hardwood, with players etching their names in the record books. One such remarkable feat is the most points scored in a single game.
- Wilt Chamberlain
- Philadelphia Warriors
- 81 points
- January 29, 1962
- Hershey Sports Arena
- New York Knicks
- 22 field goals
- 44 free throws
- 50.4 ppg season average (1961-62)
This record-breaking performance stands as a testament to Chamberlain's dominance and the enduring legacy he left on the game of basketball.
Wilt Chamberlain
Wilt Chamberlain's record-breaking performance in the 1962 NBA season stands as a testament to his unparalleled dominance on the basketball court. His remarkable feat of scoring 81 points in a single game against the New York Knicks showcased his exceptional skills and athleticism.
- Unstoppable Scoring Ability: Chamberlain's 81-point performance was a testament to his incredible scoring prowess. He possessed a rare combination of size, strength, and agility, allowing him to score at will against any opponent.
- Dominant Presence in the Paint: Chamberlain's physical attributes gave him a significant advantage in the paint, where he was virtually unstoppable. His height and strength allowed him to easily overpower defenders and score close to the basket.
- Effective Free-Throw Shooting: In addition to his dominance in the paint, Chamberlain was also an excellent free-throw shooter. His 44 free throws made in the 81-point game demonstrated his ability to convert at the line when fouled.
- Unwavering Determination: Chamberlain's record-breaking performance was not just a matter of talent and physical prowess; it was also a testament to his unwavering determination. He possessed an unyielding desire to win and always pushed himself to the limit on the court.
Wilt Chamberlain's 81-point game remains one of the most iconic performances in NBA history. It showcased his unmatched dominance and cemented his legacy as one of the greatest players to ever grace the game.
Philadelphia Warriors
The Philadelphia Warriors were the team that Wilt Chamberlain played for when he scored his record-breaking 81 points in a single game. The Warriors were a dominant force in the NBA during the early 1960s, winning the championship in 1962 and 1964.
Chamberlain was a major part of the Warriors' success during this period. In addition to his scoring prowess, he was also a gifted rebounder and defender. He led the NBA in rebounding seven times and was named the league's MVP four times.
The Warriors' success in the early 1960s was due in large part to Chamberlain's incredible talent. However, the team also benefited from the contributions of other talented players, such as Guy Rodgers, Tom Gola, and Paul Arizin.
Although the Warriors eventually relocated to San Francisco in 1962, the team's legacy in Philadelphia remains strong. Chamberlain's record-breaking performance is still remembered as one of the greatest moments in NBA history, and he is considered one of the greatest players to ever wear a Warriors uniform.
81 points
Wilt Chamberlain's 81-point performance in a single NBA game is one of the most iconic and memorable achievements in the history of the sport. Several factors contributed to this remarkable feat:
- Unstoppable Scoring Ability: Chamberlain was one of the most dominant scorers in NBA history. He possessed a combination of size, strength, and athleticism that made him virtually unstoppable in the paint. His signature move, the "finger roll," was nearly impossible to defend.
- Favorable Matchup: The New York Knicks, the team that Chamberlain scored 81 points against, were not a particularly strong defensive team. This allowed Chamberlain to take advantage of their weaknesses and score at will.
- High Volume of Shots: Chamberlain took a total of 63 shots in the game, which is an unusually high number. However, his high shooting percentage (63.5%) allowed him to convert a large number of those shots into points.
- Fatigue Factor: The game was played in an era when teams played more games in a shorter period of time. This meant that players were often fatigued, which may have contributed to Chamberlain's ability to dominate the Knicks.
Wilt Chamberlain's 81-point game remains one of the most incredible individual performances in NBA history. It showcased his unmatched scoring ability and dominance on the court.
January 29, 1962
Wilt Chamberlain's record-breaking 81-point performance took place on January 29, 1962, at the Hershey Sports Arena in Hershey, Pennsylvania. The game was between the Philadelphia Warriors and the New York Knicks.
The Warriors were heavily favored to win the game, as they were one of the top teams in the NBA at the time. However, the Knicks played a surprisingly strong game and kept the score close throughout the first half.
In the second half, Chamberlain began to dominate the game. He scored 20 points in the third quarter and 23 points in the fourth quarter, leading the Warriors to a 169-147 victory.
Chamberlain's 81-point performance was a truly remarkable achievement. It is still the highest single-game scoring total in NBA history, and it is unlikely to be broken anytime soon.
Hershey Sports Arena
The Hershey Sports Arena is a multi-purpose indoor arena located in Hershey, Pennsylvania. It was the home of the Hershey Bears of the American Hockey League (AHL) from 1936 to 2000 and the Philadelphia Phantoms of the AHL from 1996 to 2009.
The arena opened in 1936 and has a seating capacity of 7,333. It has hosted a variety of events over the years, including concerts, ice shows, and sporting events.
The Hershey Sports Arena is most famous for being the site of Wilt Chamberlain's record-breaking 81-point performance in 1962. The arena was packed to capacity that night, and the fans witnessed one of the greatest individual performances in NBA history.
The Hershey Sports Arena is a historic venue that has played an important role in the community of Hershey. It continues to host a variety of events and is a popular destination for sports fans and concertgoers alike.
New York Knicks
The New York Knicks are a professional basketball team based in New York City. They are one of the most storied franchises in NBA history, having won two NBA championships and making numerous appearances in the NBA Finals.
- Unfavorable Matchup: The Knicks were not a particularly strong defensive team during the 1961-62 season. This allowed Chamberlain to take advantage of their weaknesses and score at will.
- Fatigue Factor: The game was played in an era when teams played more games in a shorter period of time. This meant that players were often fatigued, which may have contributed to Chamberlain's ability to dominate the Knicks.
- Lack of Defensive Stopper: The Knicks did not have a player who could effectively guard Chamberlain. He was simply too big, strong, and athletic for any one player to handle.
- Historical Significance: The Knicks were the unfortunate team that allowed Chamberlain to score his record-breaking 81 points. This game is still remembered as one of the greatest individual performances in NBA history.
Despite their role in Chamberlain's record-breaking performance, the New York Knicks remain one of the most popular and successful teams in the NBA. They have a passionate fan base and have been home to some of the greatest players in the history of the sport.
22 field goals
Wilt Chamberlain's 81-point performance in a single NBA game is one of the most iconic and memorable achievements in the history of the sport. One of the most impressive aspects of his performance was his efficiency in scoring the ball. He made 22 field goals on 37 attempts, which is a field goal percentage of 59.5%.
- Unstoppable in the Paint: Chamberlain was one of the most dominant players in the paint in NBA history. He used his size, strength, and athleticism to overpower defenders and score at will. His 22 field goals included a variety of shots, including dunks, layups, and jump shots.
- Effective Post Moves: Chamberlain was a master of the post move. He had a variety of moves that he could use to get open for a shot or create scoring opportunities for his teammates. His signature move was the "finger roll," which was a soft, underhanded shot that was nearly impossible to block.
- High Volume of Shots: Chamberlain took a total of 37 shots in the game, which is an unusually high number. However, his high field goal percentage allowed him to convert a large number of those shots into points.
- Fatigue Factor: The game was played in an era when teams played more games in a shorter period of time. This meant that players were often fatigued, which may have contributed to Chamberlain's ability to dominate the Knicks.
Wilt Chamberlain's 22 field goals in a single game is a testament to his incredible scoring ability and dominance on the court. It is a record that is unlikely to be broken anytime soon.
44 free throws
In addition to his dominance in the paint, Wilt Chamberlain was also an excellent free-throw shooter. He made 44 free throws on 59 attempts in his 81-point game, which is a free-throw percentage of 74.6%.
Chamberlain's ability to convert free throws was a major factor in his high scoring output. He was often fouled by defenders who were trying to stop him from scoring in the paint. However, Chamberlain was able to make them pay for their fouls by converting free throws at a high rate.
Chamberlain's free-throw shooting was also a product of his hard work and dedication. He spent countless hours practicing his free throws, and it paid off in games. He was one of the most consistent free-throw shooters in the NBA during his career.
Chamberlain's 44 free throws in a single game is a testament to his all-around scoring ability. He was not only a dominant scorer in the paint, but he was also a reliable free-throw shooter. This made him one of the most unstoppable players in NBA history.
50.4 ppg season average (1961-62)
In addition to his record-breaking 81-point performance, Wilt Chamberlain also had a remarkable season in 1961-62. He led the NBA in scoring with a 50.4 points per game average, which is the highest single-season scoring average in NBA history.
- Unstoppable Scoring Machine: Chamberlain was an unstoppable scoring force throughout the 1961-62 season. He scored at least 30 points in every game, and he had 45 games with 40 or more points.
- Dominance in the Paint: Chamberlain's dominance in the paint was a major factor in his high scoring average. He was able to score at will against any opponent, and he was virtually unstoppable near the basket.
- High Usage Rate: Chamberlain had a high usage rate during the 1961-62 season. He took a lot of shots, and he was the focal point of the Philadelphia Warriors' offense.
- Fatigue Factor: The game was played in an era when teams played more games in a shorter period of time. This meant that players were often fatigued, which may have contributed to Chamberlain's ability to dominate the league.
Wilt Chamberlain's 50.4 ppg season average in 1961-62 is a testament to his incredible scoring ability and dominance on the court. It is a record that is unlikely to be broken anytime soon.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about the most points scored in an NBA game:
Question 1: Who holds the record for the most points scored in an NBA game?
Answer: Wilt Chamberlain, with 81 points.
Question 2: When did Chamberlain score 81 points?
Answer: January 29, 1962.
Question 3: Which team was Chamberlain playing for when he scored 81 points?
Answer: Philadelphia Warriors.
Question 4: Which team did Chamberlain score 81 points against?
Answer: New York Knicks.
Question 5: How many field goals did Chamberlain make in his 81-point game?
Answer: 22.
Question 6: How many free throws did Chamberlain make in his 81-point game?
Answer: 44.
Question 7: What was Chamberlain's season average in the 1961-62 season?
Answer: 50.4 points per game.
Closing Paragraph for FAQ
These are just a few of the frequently asked questions about the most points scored in an NBA game. For more information, please visit the NBA website.
In addition to the FAQ, here are some tips for scoring more points in basketball:
Tips
In addition to the skills mentioned above, here are a few practical tips for scoring more points in basketball:
Tip 1: Work on your shooting. The best way to score points in basketball is to be a good shooter. Practice your shot regularly, and focus on developing good form and technique.
Tip 2: Drive to the basket. Another great way to score points is to drive to the basket and finish at the rim. This is a more difficult skill to master, but it can be very effective if you can do it well.
Tip 3: Get good at passing. Passing is an essential part of basketball, and it can help you create scoring opportunities for yourself and your teammates.
Tip 4: Be aggressive on the boards. Rebounding is important for both offense and defense. If you can get good at rebounding, you can give yourself more chances to score second-chance points.
Closing Paragraph for Tips
These are just a few tips to help you score more points in basketball. With hard work and practice, you can improve your scoring ability and become a more valuable player on your team.
Conclusion
Conclusion
The most points scored in an NBA game is a record that has stood for over 60 years. Wilt Chamberlain's 81-point performance is a testament to his incredible skill and dominance on the court.
In this article, we have discussed some of the key factors that contributed to Chamberlain's record-setting performance. We have also provided some tips for players who want to score more points in their own games.
While scoring points is important, it is not the only thing that matters in basketball. Teamwork, defense, and rebounding are all essential parts of the game. If you want to be a successful player, you need to develop all aspects of your game.
We hope this article has been helpful. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment below.