1 Wilt Chamberlain's 100 Point Game
On March 2, 1962, Wilt Chamberlain set an NBA record with an astonishing 100 point game, reaching a milestone that remains untouched. Playing for the Philadelphia Warriors against the New York Knicks, Chamberlain exemplified a level of dominance and scoring ability never seen before or since. Nothing else could be number one. This is just one of those records that no player could beat. Wilt was truly a one of a kind athlete.
2 Kobe Bryant's 81 Point Game
In a staggering display of offensive skill and determination, Kobe Bryant scored 81 points for the Los Angeles Lakers against the Toronto Raptors on January 22, 2006. This performance, the second-highest single-game scoring total in NBA history, cemented Kobe's legacy as one of the game's greatest players. Nobody has ever matched Wilt, but Kobe came close.
3 Bill Russell's 30-40 Game
Bill Russell, the cornerstone of the Boston Celtics, showcased his remarkable rebounding and scoring prowess on November 16, 1957. He recorded 30 points and 40 rebounds against the Philadelphia Warriors, a testament to his sheer dominance on both ends of the court. In the 1962 finals, during Game 7. He scored 30 points and grabbed 40 rebounds.
4 Elgin Baylor's 61 Point Game
Elgin Baylor set an NBA Finals record by scoring 61 points for the Los Angeles Lakers against the Boston Celtics on April 14, 1962. His record-breaking performance stands out as one of the greatest individual efforts in NBA Finals history. Although Bill did have the better game of the series, Elgin's performance 2 games earlier was still an amazing one. He scored 61 points and grabbed 22 rebounds.
5 Michael Jordan's "Flu Game"
Michael Jordan's legendary "Flu Game" took place during Game 5 of the 1997 NBA Finals against the Utah Jazz. Battling severe flu-like symptoms, Jordan scored 38 points, a remarkable feat that proved his relentless dedication and competitiveness. This might be the most iconic performance in the NBA's history. Michael Jordan showed up to Game 5 of the 1997 NBA finals with the flu (although there has been theories that he was not sick and was instead hungover or had food poisoning) and dropped 38 on the Utah Jazz.
6 Michael Jordan's "Last Shot"
In a defining moment of his career, Michael Jordan hit a game-winning shot against the Utah Jazz in Game 6 of the 1998 NBA Finals. This iconic shot, known as "The Last Shot", secured the Chicago Bulls' sixth championship and marked the end of Jordan's illustrious career with the Bulls. Ah yes, the shot that made Michael Jordan immortal. The shot that won him his 6th NBA title. Oh, and did I mention he dropped 45 points? Yeah, enough said.
7 Wilt Chamberlain's 78 Point, 43 Rebound Game
On December 8, 1961, Wilt Chamberlain delivered a performance of a lifetime. His 78 points, combined with 43 rebounds for the Philadelphia Warriors against the Los Angeles Lakers, stand as a testament to his extraordinary athletic ability and court dominance.
8 David Robinson's Quadruple Double
David Robinson, the star center for the San Antonio Spurs, achieved a rare quadruple-double on February 17, 1994. His 34 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists, and 10 blocks against the Detroit Pistons showcased his versatility and ability to impact the game in multiple ways.
9 Hakeem Olajuwon's Quadruple Double
Hakeem Olajuwon, one of the greatest centers in NBA history, recorded a controversial quadruple-double for the Houston Rockets against the Milwaukee Bucks on March 29, 1990. Though initially recording a triple-double, a reevaluation of the game footage later credited him with an additional block, solidifying his place in NBA history.
10 Wilt Chamberlain Grabs 55 Rebounds
On November 24, 1960, Wilt Chamberlain set the single-game rebounding record by grabbing an extraordinary 55 rebounds for the Philadelphia Warriors against the Boston Celtics. This record, set against fellow Hall of Famer Bill Russell, remains unbeaten and demonstrates Chamberlain's unmatched presence in the paint.
The Contenders
11 Wilt Chamberlain's 60/40 Game(S)
Wilt Chamberlain, known for his outlandish stat lines, had a game for the ages on February 2, 1961. Scoring 60 points and grabbing 40 rebounds for the Philadelphia Warriors against the Detroit Pistons, Chamberlain showed his unparalleled ability to dominate a basketball game. Wilt had over 60 points and over 40 rebounds in eight different games.
12 Hakeem Olajuwon Almost Gets a Second Quadruple Double
On March 3, 1990, Hakeem Olajuwon came tantalizingly close to recording his second quadruple-double. Falling just one assist short, Olajuwon finished the game for the Houston Rockets against the Golden State Warriors with 29 points, 18 rebounds, 11 blocks, and 9 assists. His performance remains a testament to his all-around abilities.
13 Wilt Chamberlain's "Unofficial" Quintuple Double
In a legendary, yet unverified performance, Wilt Chamberlain is reported to have achieved a quintuple-double, with estimates placing his stats at 53 points, 32 rebounds, 14 assists, 24 blocks, and 11 steals. This feat, believed to have occurred in the early '60s when blocks and steals were not officially recorded, cements Chamberlain's mythical status in NBA history. On March 18, 1968, Wilt had 53 points, 32 rebounds, 16 assists, 24 blocks, 11 steals.
However, blocks and steals were not an official NBA stat at the time. Wilt is currently #5 in all-time Triple Doubles, just behind Westbrook and just ahead of LeBron. Given the prodigious number of blocks he had, its reasonable to assume he had quite number of Quadruple Doubles that went unrecorded, and may possibly have had a Quintuple on at least one other occasion.
14 Michael Jordan's 63 Point Playoff Game
Michael Jordan delivered a legendary performance in Game 2 of the 1986 Eastern Conference First Round against the Boston Celtics. Despite the Chicago Bulls' loss, Jordan's record-setting 63 points in a playoff game showcased his remarkable scoring ability and competitiveness.
15 Wilt Chamberlain's 26 Blocks
In a game against the Detroit Pistons, Wilt Chamberlain is reported to have recorded a staggering 26 blocks, a record feat in the NBA. This performance, dating from the early '60s when blocks were not officially tracked, further illustrates Chamberlain's defensive prowess and impact on the game. Although blocks were not an "official" NBA stat until the year after Wilt retired, the NBA tallied 26 blocks for Wilt during a game when they were testing it out as a stat.
Blocks were an official "internal" stat for the Philadelphia 76'ers, and Wilt averaged an amazing 8.8 blocks per game during his time on that team.
16 Wilt Chamberlain's Double-Triple-Double
Wilt Chamberlain, renowned for his extraordinary stat lines, achieved a double-triple-double on March 18, 1968. Representing the Philadelphia 76ers against the Los Angeles Lakers, Chamberlain recorded 22 points, 25 rebounds, and 21 assists, a performance that illustrates his all-around dominance and versatility.
17 Wilt Chaimberlain's 73 Point Game
On January 13, 1962, Wilt Chamberlain put on a scoring clinic, pouring in 73 points for the Philadelphia Warriors against the Chicago Packers. This performance, which stands as one of the highest-scoring games in NBA history, is a testament to Chamberlain's offensive dominance.