List of Highest NBA Single-Game Scores
This list compiles the 15 highest individual scoring performances in NBA history. It prominently features Wilt Chamberlain, who holds multiple top spots. David Thompson also appears among the elite scorers.
The pursuit of individual excellence in the NBA often culminates in breathtaking single-game scoring performances. These rare displays of offensive mastery are more than just statistical anomalies; they represent a perfect storm of skill, strategy, and sheer will. A player reaching such stratospheric heights typically showcases an unparalleled ability to navigate defenses, create shots, and maintain peak efficiency throughout an entire contest. These games are etched into the annals of basketball history, becoming legendary benchmarks that define eras and careers, captivating fans with their sheer audacity and brilliance. No discussion of single-game scoring records is complete without acknowledging the monumental presence of Wilt Chamberlain. His name appears with astonishing frequency at the pinnacle of these lists, a testament to a period of unmatched individual dominance in the sport. Chamberlain's ability to consistently overwhelm opponents, whether through powerful post moves, relentless rebounding, or sheer athletic superiority, allowed him to rewrite the record books repeatedly. His multiple appearances among the highest scorers underscore a unique chapter in NBA history where one player's offensive output reached levels rarely, if ever, seen again, solidifying his legacy as one of the game's most prolific and unstoppable forces. While Chamberlain's feats stand in a league of their own, the pantheon of elite single-game scorers also includes other extraordinary talents who have pushed the boundaries of offensive production. Players like David Thompson, whose name also graces the upper echelons of these lists, exemplify the diverse range of skills and playing styles that can lead to historic scoring outbursts. Each record-setting game tells a unique story of a player rising to the occasion, often against formidable opposition, to achieve something truly remarkable, leaving an indelible mark on the sport's rich tapestry.
| # | Name |
|---|---|
| 1 | Wilt Chamberlain 100 Points, Philadelphia Warriors vs. New York Knicks |
| 2 | Wilt Chamberlain 100 Points, Philadelphia Warriors vs. New York Knicks |
| 3 | Wilt Chamberlain 100 Points, Philadelphia Warriors vs. New York Knicks |
| 4 | Wilt Chamberlain 100 Points, Philadelphia Warriors vs. New York Knicks |
| 5 | David Thompson 73 Points, Denver Nuggets vs. Detroit Pistons |
| 6 | Devin Booker 70 Points, Phoenix Suns vs. Boston Celtics |
| 7 | Wilt Chamberlain 100 Points, Philadelphia Warriors vs. New York Knicks |
| 8 | Kobe Bryant 81 Points, Los Angeles Lakers vs. Toronto Raptors |
| 9 | Donovan Mitchell 71 Points, Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Chicago Bulls |
| 10 | David Robinson 71 Points, San Antonio Spurs vs. Los Angeles Clippers |
| 11 | Bam Adebayo 83 Points, Miami Heat vs. Washington Wizards |
| 12 | Luka Dončić 73 Points, Dallas Mavericks vs. Atlanta Hawks |
| 13 | Damian Lillard 71 Points, Portland Trail Blazers vs. Houston Rockets |
| 14 | Elgin Baylor 71 Points, Los Angeles Lakers vs. New York Knicks |
| 15 | Joel Embiid 70 Points, Philadelphia 76ers vs. San Antonio Spurs |
This list is compiled from verified public records and reference sources. Last verified: March 14, 2026.
Found an error? Report it here