Most Points Scored in NBA Game by Player: Complete List

By Ben McKimm - Guide

Published: 26 Jan 2024|Last Updated: 22 Dec 2024

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Readtime: 3 min

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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.

RELATED: LeBron James Diet & Workout Plan.

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.

1. Wilt Chamberlain – 100 Points
2. Kobe Bryant – 81 points
3. Wilt Chamberlain – 78 points
4. Wilt Chamberlain – 73 Points
   Wilt Chamberlain – 73 Points
   David Thompson – 73 Points
   Luka Doncic – 73 Points
5. Wilt Chamberlain – 72 Points
6. Elgin Baylor – 71 Points
   David Robinson – 71 Points
   Donovan Mitchell – 71 Points
   Damian Lillard – 71 Points
7. Wilt Chamberlain – 70 Points
   Devin Booker – 70 Points
   Joel Embiid – 70 Points
8. Michael Jordan – 69 Points
9. Wilt Chamberlain – 68 Points
   Pete Maravich – 68 Points
10. 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.

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