Where Bam Adebayo’s 83 Point Game Ranks Among the NBA’s All Time Single Game Scoring Leaders

By Ben McKimm - Guide

Updated: 11 March, 2026

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Readtime: 3 min

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Wilt Chamberlain holds the record for the most points scored in an NBA game with his infamous 100-point game in 1962, but did you know Miami Heat star Bam Adebayo now comes in a not-so-close second with 83 points?

Until Adebayo’s historic performance against the Washington Wizards on Tuesday, the 10th of March 2026, Kobe Bryant held the second-place spot with 81 points for two decades. That hasn’t stopped players from trying. Dallas Mavericks former All-Star Luka Doncic notched 73 points in a 148-143 victory over the Atlanta Hawks in January 26, 2024, moving to fifth 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 1969-70 season, when teams averaged 116.7 points per game. Rule changes in the last few seasons have increased the average team points per game from 110.6 ppg (2021-22) to 114.7 ppg (2022-23), 115.5 ppg (2023-24), 113.9 ppg (2024-25), and 115.2 ppg (2025-26).

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 now that Bam Adebayo has broken Kobe Bryant’s 81-point game, so let’s check out the top scorers below. For a complete list with player stats, dates, and game scores, scroll to the end of this article.

1. Wilt Chamberlain – 100 Points
2. Bam Adebayo – 83 Points
3. Kobe Bryant – 81 points
4. Wilt Chamberlain – 78 points
5. Wilt Chamberlain – 73 Points
   • Wilt Chamberlain – 73 Points
   • David Thompson – 73 Points
   • Luka Doncic – 73 Points
6. Wilt Chamberlain – 72 Points
7. Elgin Baylor – 71 Points
   • David Robinson – 71 Points
   • Donovan Mitchell – 71 Points
   • Damian Lillard – 71 Points
8. Wilt Chamberlain – 70 Points
   • Devin Booker – 70 Points
   • Joel Embiid – 70 Points
9. Michael Jordan – 69 Points

Now we’ve had a look at the top scorers for an NBA single game, 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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