There have only been 78 60-point games in NBA history. For an NBA player scoring 60 points in a single match, they must have great shooting abilities and be able to perform well under pressure.
These are two qualities that NBA players need to possess if they want to break the record for scoring the most points in one game. It is an accomplishment that only 18 other players have been able to achieve. Let’s dive into the world of the greatest NBA shooters and their 60 point games!
NBA History: Wilt Chamberlain
The first person ever recorded as scoring 60 points was Wilt Chamberlain of Philadelphia Warriors. He has played the most 60 point games in NBA history, with 32 games.
On March 2, 1962, in a match against the New York Knicks, Wilt Chamberlain scored 100 points with 36 field goals and 28 free throws. His famous shot of 100-point performance is now etched into history forever as he became the first man to reach this milestone during his career. This feat has not been repeated by any player.
He scored 60+ points 32 times and to this day holds the NBA record for the most 60+ points as well as the most points in one NBA game in regular-season history.
Kobe Bryant
The second place is occupied by Kobe Bryant, who scored 81 points in a single match for the Los Angeles Lakers.
He repeated his performance on more than one occasion, scoring over 60 points six times! Kobe was one of the greatest shooters in NBA history.
David Thompson
The tragic story of David Thompson is even more dramatic because of his incredible talent. His career-high was 73 points scored for the Denver Nuggets in one game.
David Robinson
David Robinson played for San Antonio Spurs and his NBA career-high is 74 points in one game. Robinson was a 10-time All-Star, the 1995 MVP, and has two championship rings. He is considered one of the best centers in NBA history.
Elgin Baylor
Elgin Baylor is an old-school player, who was drafted when the Los Angeles Lakers were Minneapolis Lakers. His career-high points in one game were 71. He stayed with the Lakers throughout his whole successful career in which he was selected as an All-Star eleven times.
Devin Booker
Devin Booker is one of the few active players, who are on this list. He was drafted by the Phoenix Suns in 2015 and his record in one game is 70.
There is a big debate on how the new rules made the game harder to play and such numbers impossible to score, but he did it anyway!
Michael Jordan
There is no need to introduce Michael Jordan, a Chicago Bulls superstar. His all-time-high is 69 and he scored 60 and more 4 times. He is one of the two players (the second one being Baylor) to score over 60 points in a playoff game. Often called the greatest of all time, Jackson is a six-time NBA champion, 5 time MVP, and fourteen-time All-Star.
Pete Maravich
‘Pistol’ Pete Maravich was a great shooter and excellent offensive player. He played for Atlanta Hawks at the beginning of his NBA career but his all-time-high (68) scored while being a part of Utah Jazz.
Rick Barry
Golden State Warrior, Rick Barry, scored 64 points in a game against Portland Trail Blazers and led his team to victory. He led the league in scoring in 1967, and in steals in 1975. He is an eight-time NBA All-Star.
George Gervin
George Gervin is mostly known for his notable accomplishments with the San Antonio Spurs, such as scoring 63 points in one game, which is not surprising as he was a four-time NBA scoring champion and nine-time All-Star.
Jerry West
Jerry West, a leader of the old school Lakers, 14 times all-star, scored 63 points in a win over the New York Knicks. He is the silhouette on the NBA logo and is still one of the most famous NBA players.
Joe Fulks
One of the OG’s, Philadelphia Warriors’ Joe Fulks, created the 60+ club with his 63 points, which was a ground-breaking record in 1949. Joe was a leading force in the Philadelphia Warriors and he was selected as an All-Star two times.
Stephen Curry
Master at three-pointers, Stephen Curry, managed to score 63 points for Golden State Warriors in one game. Three-time NBA Champion, two-time MVP, Stephen Curry is one of the best shooters in the NBA history, chasing the record for the most three-pointers made.
Carmelo Anthony
Carmelo Anthony is an active player, who scored his career record of 62 points in one game while being a part of the New York Knicks. He is a ten-time All-Star and the 2013’s scoring champion.
Tracy McGrady
Seven-time All-Star and two-time scoring, Tracy McGrady, scored career-high 62 points in one game for Orlando Magic. He is a prolific scorer and has improved his skill throughout his career.
Damian Lillard
Damian Lillard’s name shows three times when you look through the statistics. Together with the next player on our list, he is one of the only active players who scored 60+.
He made history by scoring 61 two times and 60 once for the Portland Trail Blazers. To make the matter more serious, all of Lillard’s historic performances were carried out in one season!
James Harden
James Harden is one of the only six players who scored over 60 more than once, with his biggest score being 61 (two times!)
His best record-breaking days were while playing for the Houston Rockets.
LeBron James
LeBron James is a star. He has been on the top for so long, that despite being still an active player, he is already considered a legend. He is a four-time NBA champion, four-time MVP, and a four-time Finals MVP. He led the league in scoring in 2008.
One of his achievements is that he scored 61 points while playing for Miami Heat.
Shaquille O’Neal
Fan-favorite Shaquille O’Neal is one of the most prominent players in league history. He is the 2000’s MVP, three-time finals MVP, four-time NBA champion, and a 15-time All-Star. He is so famous that he has plays named after him!
His highest score in one game was 61 when he played for the Los Angeles Lakers.
Karl Malone
Two-time MVP Karl Malone, scored 61 while playing for the Utah Jazz. He is considered to be the greatest power forward ever and was selected to the NBA All-Star team fourteen times.
George Mikan
George Mikan was the second player to ever score over 60 points. He managed to make 61 successful shots and won the game for Minneapolis Lakers. Mikan is one of OG’s and his gameplay was so dominant, that it contributed to the implementation of a shot clock.
Jayson Tatum
Jayson Tatum was born in 1998 which makes him the youngest player on this list. In March of 2021, he scored 60 points in one game for the Boston Celtics. He already has received All-Star honors two times and this is just the beginning of his career.
Bradley Beal
Washington Wizards shooting guard, Bradley Beal is another active player, who managed to score 60 points. He is a three-time All-Star and a solid shooting guard.
Kemba Walker
Kemba Walker, now an active player for the New York Knicks, scored 60 points in one game for Charlotte Hornets. He gained All-Star honors in four consecutive years as he evolved his game.
Klay Thompson
Another Golden State Warriors star, Klay Thompson gave a real show of his abilities, when he shot 60 points in a single game. Klay Thompson won three NBA championship rings and was selected to the All-Star team five times.
Gilbert Arenas
Gilbert Arenas, who is now retired, made his career-high 60 points in one NBA game, playing for the Washington Wizards. He is the Most Improved Player of 2003 and a three-time All-Star.
Allen Iverson
NBA’s MVP Allen Iverson scored 60 points in a game for the Philadelphia 76ers, shooting mainly from a free throw line. He is a four-time scoring champion, three-time steals leader, 11-time All-Star, and the 2001’s MVP.
Tom Chambers
Tom Chamber’s long career was filled with success as he was named to the NBA All-Star team four times and become the All-Star Game MVP of 1987. One of the high points of his career is when he made a 60 point score for the Phoenix Suns in 1990.
Larry Bird
Larry Legend spent his whole career with the Boston Celtics. He was named the NBA Finals MVP two times, league’s MVP three times, and an All-Star fourteen times. He led the Celtics to the NBA championship three times.
Among other great accomplishments, he scored 60 points in one game, establishing his position as one of the greatest of All-Time.
Bernard King
The last NBA player on this list is Bernard King with his 60 point score for the New York Knicks. He is a four-time All-Star and NBA scoring champion of 1985.
NBA Playoffs History
All of the information above is concerning regular-season games. The only players, who scored 60 or more in a playoff game are Michael Jordan, who holds a playoff record with 63, and Elgin Baylor with 61.
Few Last Words
Considering how few players have reached this milestone, we can see why these are considered legends of the sport. Along with other statistics, the numbers can tell you a lot about the player.
Who has scored the most points in a single basketball game in the NBA?
With 100 points, Wilt Chamberlain holds the record for most points scored in an NBA game. 81 points put Kobe Bryant in second place. Other than these men, the only players to score 70 or more points during an NBA game are David Thompson (73), Elgin Baylor (71), David Robinson (71), and Devin Booker (70).
Who is the youngest NBA player to score 60 points?
Devin Booker (born on October 30, 1996) is the youngest player to achieve this in a regular season game.
