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NBA Players With Most Points in a Single Game
From Wilt Chamberlain's historic 100-point night to Bam Adebayo's shocking 83-point explosion, these unforgettable scoring performances have defined the league.
Published on Mar. 11, 2026
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The NBA has produced some of the most unforgettable scoring performances in sports history, with certain players elevating the game to extraordinary levels. These historic moments capture a rare combination of talent, determination, and the ability to rise to the occasion under intense pressure. Wilt Chamberlain's iconic 100-point game remains the gold standard, while Kobe Bryant's 81-point masterpiece stands as the highest scoring performance of the modern era. Other stars like Luka Dončić and Bam Adebayo have also delivered incredible scoring nights that demonstrated their offensive brilliance.
Why it matters
Single-game scoring records in the NBA are particularly fascinating because they capture a rare moment when a player seems almost unstoppable. These performances not only showcase individual talent, but also represent the dramatic circumstances and the player's ability to take complete control of the game. These historic moments continue to inspire basketball fans and stand as lasting milestones in the league's rich history.
The details
Wilt Chamberlain holds the NBA record for most points in a single game, scoring an incredible 100 points for the Philadelphia Warriors against the New York Knicks on March 2, 1962. Bam Adebayo of the Miami Heat recently set the second-highest scoring record with 83 points against the Washington Wizards on March 10, 2026. Kobe Bryant's 81-point game for the Los Angeles Lakers against the Toronto Raptors on January 22, 2006 remains the highest-scoring performance in the modern NBA era. Other players who have delivered unforgettable scoring nights include Luka Dončić (73 points) and David Thompson (73 points).
- Wilt Chamberlain scored 100 points on March 2, 1962.
- Bam Adebayo scored 83 points on March 10, 2026.
- Kobe Bryant scored 81 points on January 22, 2006.
- Luka Dončić scored 73 points in 2024.
- David Thompson scored 73 points in 1978.
The players
Wilt Chamberlain
A legendary NBA center who is known for his dominant scoring ability, including holding the record for most points in a single game with 100.
Bam Adebayo
A Miami Heat center who recently set the second-highest scoring record in a single NBA game with 83 points.
Kobe Bryant
A former Los Angeles Lakers star who scored 81 points in a game, the highest-scoring performance in the modern NBA era.
Luka Dončić
A Dallas Mavericks superstar who delivered one of the greatest scoring games of the modern era with 73 points.
David Thompson
A former Denver Nuggets forward who recorded one of the most remarkable scoring outbursts in league history with 73 points.
The takeaway
These unforgettable scoring performances in the NBA showcase the extraordinary talent and determination of the league's greatest players. From Wilt Chamberlain's dominance to Kobe Bryant's iconic 81-point game and Bam Adebayo's shocking 83-point explosion, these historic moments continue to inspire basketball fans and cement the players' legacies as all-time greats.
