Ben McKimm
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Wilt Chamberlain holds the record for the most points scored in an NBA game with his infamous 100-point game in 1962, but did you know Miami Heat star Bam Adebayo now comes in a not-so-close second with 83 points?
Until Adebayo’s historic performance against the Washington Wizards on Tuesday, the 10th of March 2026, Kobe Bryant held the second-place spot with 81 points for two decades. That hasn’t stopped players from trying. Dallas Mavericks former All-Star Luka Doncic notched 73 points in a 148-143 victory over the Atlanta Hawks in January 26, 2024, moving to fifth on the all-time list. Donovan Mitchell of the Cleveland Cavaliers scored 71 points, 8 rebounds, and 11 assists in a 145-134 overtime game against the Chicago Bulls on January 2nd, 2023, and then Damian Lillard equalled that total in the same year during a 131-114 win against the Houston Rockets on February 26, 2023.
It’s well-documented that the NBA is in the midst of a scoring boom. Data from Basketball Reference shows teams are on pace to beat the all-time NBA average scoring record for the first time since the 1969-70 season, when teams averaged 116.7 points per game. Rule changes in the last few seasons have increased the average team points per game from 110.6 ppg (2021-22) to 114.7 ppg (2022-23), 115.5 ppg (2023-24), 113.9 ppg (2024-25), and 115.2 ppg (2025-26).
Further Reading
Wilt chamberlain 100 point game
Wilt Chamberlain after his famous 100 point game | Image: Supplied
Most Points Scored in an NBA Game at a Glance
Nonetheless, we’re here to look at a list of the most points scored in an NBA game now that Bam Adebayo has broken Kobe Bryant’s 81-point game, so let’s check out the top scorers below. For a complete list with player stats, dates, and game scores, scroll to the end of this article.
Wilt Chamberlain – 100 Points
Bam Adebayo – 83 Points
Kobe Bryant – 81 points
Wilt Chamberlain – 78 points
Wilt Chamberlain – 73 PointsWilt Chamberlain – 73 Points
David Thompson – 73 Points
Luka Doncic – 73 Points
Wilt Chamberlain – 72 Points
Elgin Baylor – 71 PointsDavid Robinson – 71 Points
Donovan Mitchell – 71 Points
Damian Lillard – 71 Points
Wilt Chamberlain – 70 PointsDevin Booker – 70 Points
Joel Embiid – 70 Points
Michael Jordan – 69 Points
Now we’ve had a look at the top scorers for an NBA single game, let’s check out a detailed breakdown.
Joel embiid 70 point game
Philadelphia 76ers superstar Joel Embiid, after beating Wilt Chamberlain’s team record with 70 points on January 22, 2024 | Image: ESPN
Most Points Scored in an NBA Game
Here’s a closer look at the most points scored in an NBA game.
Points Player (Team) Date Score FG-FGA 3PM-3PA FTM-FTA
100 Wilt Chamberlain (Warriors) March 2, 1962 Warriors 169 Knicks 147 36-63 N/A 28-32
83 Bam Adebayo (Heat) 2026 Heat 150 Wizards 129 20-43 7-22 36-43
81 Kobe Bryant (Lakers) January 22, 2006 Lakers 122 Raptors 104 28-46 7-13 18-20
78 Wilt Chamberlain (Warriors) December 8, 1961 Lakers 151 Warriors 147 (3 OT) 31-62 N/A 16-31
73 Wilt Chamberlain (Warriors) January 13, 1962 Warriors 135 Packers 117 29-48 N/A 15-25
73 Wilt Chamberlain (Warriors) November 16, 1962 Warriors 127 Knicks 111 29-43 N/A 15-19
73 David Thompson (Nuggets) April 9, 1978 Pistons 139 Nuggets 137 28-38 N/A 17-20
73 Luka Doncic January 26th, 2024 Mavericks 148 Hawks 143 25-33 8-13 15-16
72 Wilt Chamberlain (Warriors) November 3, 1962 Lakers 127 Warriors 115 29-48 N/A 14-18
71 Elgin Baylor (Lakers) November 15, 1960 Lakers 123 Knicks 108 28-48 N/A 15-19
71 David Robinson (Spurs) April 24, 1994 Spurs 112 Clippers 97 26-41 1-2 18-25
71 Donovan Mitchell (Cavs) January 2, 2023 Cavs 145 Bulls 134 (OT) 22-34 7-15 20-25
71 Damian Lillard (Blazers) February 26, 2023 Blazers 131 Rockets 114 22-38 13-22 14-14
70 Wilt Chamberlain (Warriors) March 10, 1963 Nationals 163 Warriors 148 27-38 N/A 16-22
70 Devin Booker (Suns) March 24, 2017 Celtics 130 Suns 120 21-40 4-11 24-26
70 Joel Embiid (76ers) January 22, 2024 Sixers 133 Spurs 123 24-41 1-2 21-23
Scroll horizontally to view full table
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