You already know that Wilt Chamberlain holds the record for the most points scored in an NBA when he recorded 100 points in 1962, but did you know Kobe Bryant comes in a not-so-close second with 81 points?
Indeed, we haven’t seen anyone get close since, however, that hasn’t stopped players from trying. Recently, Dallas Mavericks All-Star Luka Doncic notched 73 points in a 148-143 victory over the Atlanta Hawks for fourth on the all-time list. Donovan Mitchell of the Cleveland Cavaliers scored 71 points, 8 rebounds, and 11 assists in a 145-134 overtime game against the Chicago Bulls on January 2nd, 2023 and then Damian Lillard equalled that total in the same year during a 131-114 win against the Houston Rockets on February 26, 2023.
It’s well-documented that the NBA is in the midst of a scoring boom. Data from Basketball Reference shows teams are on pace to beat the all-time NBA average scoring record for the first time since the 1961-62 season when teams averaged 118.8 points per game. Rule changes in the last two seasons have increased the average team points per game from 110.6ppg in 2021-22 to 114.7ppg in 2022-23 and 115.5ppg during the 2023-24 season so far. This is a season where the worst team in the league, the Detroit Pistons, are scoring an average of 112.5 points per game. That figure alone would be league-leading in the booming 70s.
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Most Points Scored in an NBA Game at a Glance
Nonetheless, we’re here to look at a list of the most points scored in an NBA game so let’s check out the top 10 below. For a complete list with player stats, dates, and game scores, check out the end of this article.
- Wilt Chamberlain – 100 Points
- Kobe Bryant – 81 points
- Wilt Chamberlain – 78 points
- Wilt Chamberlain – 73 Points
Wilt Chamberlain – 73 Points
David Thompson – 73 Points
Luka Doncic – 73 Points - Wilt Chamberlain – 72 Points
- Elgin Baylor – 71 Points
David Robinson – 71 Points
Donovan Mitchell – 71 Points
Damian Lillard – 71 Points - Wilt Chamberlain – 70 Points
Devin Booker – 70 Points
Joel Embiid – 70 Points - Michael Jordan – 69 Points
- Wilt Chamberlain – 68 Points
Pete Maravich – 68 Points - Wilt Chamberlain – 67 Points
Wilt Chamberlain – 67 Points
Wilt Chamberlain – 67 Points
Wilt Chamberlain – 67 Points
Now we’ve had a look at the top 10, let’s check out a detailed breakdown.
Most Points Scored in an NBA Game
Here’s a closer look at the most points scored in an NBA game.
| Points | Player (Team) | Date | Score | FG-FGA | 3PM-3PA | FTM-FTA |
| 100 | Wilt Chamberlain (Warriors) | March 2, 1962 | Warriors 169 Knicks 147 | 36-63 | N/A | 28-32 |
| 81 | Kobe Bryant (Lakers) | January 22, 2006 | Lakers 122 Raptors 104 | 28-46 | 7-13 | 18-20 |
| 78 | Wilt Chamberlain (Warriors) | December 8, 1961 | Lakers 151 Warriors 147 (3 OT) | 31-62 | N/A | 16-31 |
| 73 | Wilt Chamberlain (Warriors) | January 13, 1962 | Warriors 135 Packers 117 | 29-48 | N/A | 15-25 |
| 73 | Wilt Chamberlain (Warriors) | November 16, 1962 | Warriors 127 Knicks 111 | 29-43 | N/A | 15-19 |
| 73 | David Thompson (Nuggets) | April 9, 1978 | Pistons 139 Nuggets 137 | 28-38 | N/A | 17-20 |
| 73 | Luka Doncic | January 26th, 2024 | Mavericks 148 Hawks 143 | 25-33 | 8-13 | 15-16 |
| 72 | Wilt Chamberlain (Warriors) | November 3, 1962 | Lakers 127 Warriors 115 | 29-48 | N/A | 14-18 |
| 71 | Elgin Baylor (Lakers) | November 15, 1960 | Lakers 123 Knicks 108 | 28-48 | N/A | 15-19 |
| 71 | David Robinson (Spurs) | April 24, 1994 | Spurs 112 Clippers 97 | 26-41 | 1-2 | 18-25 |
| 71 | Donovan Mitchell (Cavs) | January 2, 2023 | Cavs 145 Bulls 134 (OT) | 22-34 | 7-15 | 20-25 |
| 71 | Damian Lillard (Blazers) | February 26, 2023 | Blazers 131 Rockets 114 | 22-38 | 13-22 | 14-14 |
| 70 | Wilt Chamberlain (Warriors) | March 10, 1963 | Nationals 163 Warriors 148 | 27-38 | N/A | 16-22 |
| 70 | Devin Booker (Suns) | March 24, 2017 | Celtics 130 Suns 120 | 21-40 | 4-11 | 24-26 |
| 70 | Joel Embiid (76ers) | January 22, 2024 | Sixers 133 Spurs 123 | 24-41 | 1-2 | 21-23 |
Your FAQs Answered
Wilt Chamberlain holds the record for the most points in an NBA with 100 points. He scored the record during a Warriors 169 vs. Knicks 147 win back on March 2, 1962. His shooting stats for the game were 36-63 from the field and 28-32 from the free-throw line. He hit no 3-pointers as there was no official 3pt line.
Joel Embiid was the last NBA player to score 70 points on January 22, 2023. He shot 24-41 from the field, 21-23 from the free-throw line, and 1-2 from behind the arc.
LeBron James’ top scoring game was 61 against the Charlotte Bobcats on March 3, 2014.
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