NBA players with 70 point games in NBA history
Here are the NBA players that exhibited incredible scoring prowess by scoring 70 points or more in a game.
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Just a few players in NBA history have scored 70 or more points in a single game, making it a rare and exceptional feat. These games are a testament to the players’ ability, determination, and sheer brilliance in achieving this incredible scoring feat.
Damian Lillard recently scored 71 points, reminding the world of his scoring prowess once more. This has prompted us to recognise the other players who have accomplished this feat. So, let’s have a look at the eight NBA players who have scored 70 points or more in a single game.
Also Read: Damian Lillard required to undergo a blood drug test following 71-Point Performance
1. Wilt Chamberlain – 100 points
Wilt Chamberlain, one of the greatest basketball players of all time, is remembered for his historic 100-point performance. On March 2, 1962, the Philadelphia Warriors, spearheaded by Wilt Chamberlain, faced the New York Knicks. The big man dominated the game with 100 points and 25 rebounds. Because Chamberlain’s outstanding performance happened before the invention of the three-point shot, it’s essential to keep in mind that he scored all of his points from within the arc.
Regardless, the performance was one for the ages. Till this day, his 100 points are the most scored in a single NBA game. Only Kobe Bryant has come close when he dropped 81 points.
2. Kobe Bryant – 81 points
Kobe Bryant channeled his inner Black Mamba and went off for 81 points against the Toronto Raptors. His incredible performance transpired on January 22, 2006. His 81-point performance is the second-highest in NBA history. Bryant electrified the globe with his phenomenal scoring tenacity and determination to lead his squad to the victory.
The entire game, Bryant was in the zone, scoring at will and inspiring the Lakers to a comeback victory. He scored 81 points on 28 of 46 attempts, including 7 of 13 three-pointers. He came as close to shattering Chamberlain’s nearly 50-year-old record as any other player has ever come.
3. David Thompson – 73 points
David Thompson’s scoring prowess was on full display for the Denver Nuggets against the Detroit Pistons on April 9, 1978, when he scored an incredible 73 points. His scoring outburst enabled the Nuggets to win in double overtime, 137-139. Thompson finished with 73 points on 28 of 38 attempts, including 2-of-4 three-pointers. He also had eight rebounds in the game.
He cemented himself legacy as an all-time Nuggets great by that incredible performance. He averaged 24.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.4 assists while shooting 50.7 percent from the field across his seven years with the franchise.
4. David Robinson – 71 points
David Robinson’s 71-point explosion is another high-scoring game in NBA history. On April 24, 1994, Robinson’s San Antonio Spurs locked horn with the Los Angeles Clippers. Robinson displayed his dominance on the court by scoring 71 points on 26 of 41 attempts, including 2-of-3 from three-point range. Robinson also had a game-high 14 rebounds and 5 assists.
This performance transpired on the final day of the regular season, enabling Robinson to capture the NBA scoring title over Shaquille O’Neal. The Spurs’ legend narrowly edged Shaq, with 29.8 points per game, while Shaq averaged 29.3 points per game that season. That was Robinson’s first and only scoring title.
5. Elgin Baylor – 71 points
Elgin Baylor scored 71 points in a game for the Los Angeles Lakers against the New York Knicks on November 15, 1960. Baylor’s scoring barrage aided the Lakers’ 123-108 victory. Baylor scored 71 points on 28 of 48 tries, including 15 of 18 from the free-throw line. Baylor also had 25 rebounds during the game.
His performance remains the highest scoring individual performance in the history of Madison Square Garden, new or old. Elgin Baylor was the last player to hold the NBA’s single-game scoring record until Wilt Chamberlain.
6. Donovan Mitchell – 71 points
Donovan Mitchell, in this performance, delivered all the Cleveland Cavaliers asked for when they traded for him. His recent great performance established his place as one of the NBA’s finest scorers today. Mitchell scored 71 points in a game against the Chicago Bulls, breaking several records in the process. He put on a spectacular performance, making 22 of 34 field goal attempts, 20 of 25 free throws, and seven three-pointers. In 50 minutes, he also had 11 assists and eight rebounds.
His outstanding performance highlighted his versatility and ability to affect the game in a variety of ways. With this feat, he became the first player in history to score more than 70 points and dish out at least ten assists. Overall, Mitchell maintains his place as one of the NBA’s standout players.
7. Damian Lillard – 71 points
Damian Lillard joined a select group of NBA players. He established career highs of 71 points and 13 3-pointers to lead the Portland Trail Blazers to a 131-114 victory over the visiting Houston Rockets
He had the highest scoring efficiency of any player who has ever scored 70 or more points in a single game, with a true shooting percentage of 80.4%. This was more than Donovan Mitchell’s preceding month’s 71-point performance, with a true shooting percentage of 78.9%.
Lillard became the first player in NBA history to accomplish this incredible accomplishment in under 40 minutes of playing time. Despite being shorthanded, he led his side to victory by hitting 13 three-pointers and going a perfect 14-for-14 from the free-throw line.
8. Devin Booker – 70 points
On March 24, 2017 Devin Booker also added his name to the list by giving a 70-point performance. His scoring outburst transpired when the Phoenix Suns faced the Boston Celtics, and went on to break the Suns’ single-game scoring record.
Booker played 45 of a possible 48 minutes, shooting 21-of-40 from the field and a near-perfect 24-of-26 from the free-throw line while also grabbing eight rebounds and dishing out six assists.
He tallied 51 of his 70 points during the second half to attempt to propel the Suns to victory, but they came up short.
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Abhinav Singh Tomar
(58 Articles Published)