How Many 70-Point Games Have Been Scored in NBA History?

AvatarByWilfredo Olivar NBA

Few feats in basketball capture the imagination quite like scoring 70 points in a single NBA game. This extraordinary achievement represents a blend of skill, endurance, and sheer determination, placing players who reach this milestone in an exclusive club. Fans and analysts alike marvel at these high-scoring performances, which often become defining moments in the sport’s rich history.

Throughout the decades, the NBA has witnessed a select number of players who have pushed the boundaries of scoring, lighting up scoreboards and rewriting records. These rare games not only highlight individual brilliance but also reflect the evolving nature of basketball, from playing styles to pace of the game. Understanding how many 70-point games have occurred offers a fascinating glimpse into the legends who have left an indelible mark on the league.

As we explore the history of these monumental scoring nights, we’ll uncover the context behind each performance and the players who achieved them. This journey through NBA history celebrates the extraordinary talent and moments that continue to inspire fans around the world.

Notable Players with 70+ Point Games

Several NBA players have achieved the extraordinary feat of scoring 70 or more points in a single game, an accomplishment that underscores exceptional skill, endurance, and competitive drive. While Wilt Chamberlain dominates this category with multiple entries, a select few others have also joined this elite group.

Wilt Chamberlain, known for his scoring prowess, recorded the most 70+ point games in NBA history. His highest scoring game remains the legendary 100-point performance on March 2, 1962. Besides Chamberlain, only a handful of players have reached or surpassed the 70-point threshold:

  • Kobe Bryant scored 81 points in a game against the Toronto Raptors in 2006, marking the second-highest single-game point total in NBA history.
  • David Robinson scored 71 points in 1994.
  • Elgin Baylor reached 71 points in 1960.
  • Devin Booker scored 70 points in 2017.

These performances are rare and often occur under unique circumstances, such as overtime games or exceptionally high-paced contests.

Frequency and Context of 70+ Point Games

70-point games are extremely rare given the defensive intensity and strategic complexity of the modern NBA. Most high-scoring games occur in eras or situations where pace and shooting volume are unusually elevated. The table below summarizes the known 70+ point games by player, date, and point total:

Player Date Points Scored Opponent Notes
Wilt Chamberlain March 2, 1962 100 New York Knicks All-time single-game record
Wilt Chamberlain January 13, 1962 78 Los Angeles Lakers Prolific scoring stretch
Kobe Bryant January 22, 2006 81 Toronto Raptors Second highest single-game points
David Robinson April 24, 1994 71 Los Angeles Clippers Playoff game
Elgin Baylor November 15, 1960 71 New York Knicks Regular season
Devin Booker March 24, 2017 70 Boston Celtics Youngest to reach 70 points

The rarity of these performances is evidenced by the limited number of players and the decades that sometimes separate these feats. Many of these 70+ point games also involve extraordinary shooting efficiency and volume, often requiring a player to take a majority of the team’s shots.

Factors Contributing to 70+ Point Games

Achieving 70 or more points in an NBA game requires a combination of factors including:

  • High Usage Rate: The player must be the focal point of the offense, often taking the majority of shot attempts.
  • Extended Playing Time: Many 70+ point games occur in overtime or involve players logging near or full game minutes.
  • Exceptional Shooting Efficiency: Scoring at such a high volume necessitates a high field goal percentage, including a combination of three-pointers, mid-range shots, and free throws.
  • Game Pace: Faster-paced games with more possessions increase scoring opportunities.
  • Team Strategy: Coaches may design plays to maximize a hot player’s scoring, especially if the player is carrying the team offensively.

These factors often align in unique ways, making 70-point games a hallmark of historic individual performances.

Historical Trends and Evolution

The distribution of 70+ point games reflects changes in the game of basketball over time. Wilt Chamberlain’s era featured fewer defensive restrictions and a faster pace, which facilitated his scoring outbursts. In contrast, the modern NBA emphasizes three-point shooting and defensive schemes that make such individual scoring feats more challenging.

Notably:

  • The 1960s saw multiple 70+ point games, mainly due to Wilt Chamberlain and Elgin Baylor.
  • The 1990s and 2000s have fewer occurrences, with Kobe Bryant’s 81-point game standing out as an anomaly.
  • Recent years have seen a slight increase in high-scoring games due to the three-point revolution, but 70+ point games remain scarce.

Understanding these trends helps contextualize just how remarkable each 70+ point game is within the broader history of the NBA.

Occurrences of 70-Point Games in NBA History

Scoring 70 or more points in a single NBA game is an exceptionally rare feat that has been achieved only a handful of times since the league’s inception. This milestone represents one of the highest individual scoring performances and is often associated with some of the greatest offensive displays in basketball history.

Notable Players with 70+ Point Games

  • Wilt Chamberlain: The all-time leader in 70+ point games, known for his dominant scoring prowess in the 1960s.
  • Kobe Bryant: Achieved a legendary 81-point game, the second-highest single-game scoring record.
  • David Thompson: Known for his scoring ability and a remarkable 73-point game.
  • Elgin Baylor: Recorded a 71-point game during his prolific career.
  • Devin Booker: The youngest player in NBA history to score 70 points in a game.
  • Donovan Mitchell: Recently joined the elite 70-point club with a historic scoring output.

Total Number of 70-Point Games

The total number of individual games in which a player scored at least 70 points is:

Player Number of 70+ Point Games Highest Single-Game Point Total
Wilt Chamberlain 32 100
Kobe Bryant 1 81
David Thompson 1 73
Elgin Baylor 1 71
Devin Booker 1 70
Donovan Mitchell 1 71

Historical Context

  • Wilt Chamberlain’s dominance: Wilt Chamberlain’s 32 games with 70 or more points stand as a testament to his unparalleled scoring ability. His record-setting 100-point game on March 2, 1962, remains the highest single-game point total in NBA history.
  • Modern era rarity: Since the 1970s, 70-point games have become much rarer, with only a few players crossing that threshold. Changes in defensive strategies, pace of play, and team dynamics contribute to this scarcity.
  • Recent examples: Devin Booker’s 70-point game in 2017 and Donovan Mitchell’s 71-point performance in 2023 highlight that while rare, such explosive scoring nights are still possible in today’s NBA.

Factors Contributing to 70-Point Games

  • High usage rate: Players who achieve 70-point games typically dominate the offensive possessions, taking a large share of shots.
  • Game tempo and style: Faster-paced games with more possessions increase scoring opportunities.
  • Overtime periods: Some 70+ point games have included overtime, providing additional minutes for scoring.
  • Shooting efficiency: Exceptional shooting percentages, including three-pointers and free throws, are crucial to reaching this milestone.

Summary of 70-Point Games by Decade

Decade Number of 70+ Point Games Notable Players
1960s 30+ Wilt Chamberlain, Elgin Baylor
1970s 1 David Thompson
1980s 1 None (Kobe’s game was in 2006)
2000s 1 Kobe Bryant
2010s 1 Devin Booker
2020s 1 Donovan Mitchell

Each of these performances remains a benchmark of individual scoring excellence and is celebrated as a historic moment in NBA history.

Expert Perspectives on 70-Point Games in NBA History

Dr. Michael Reynolds (Sports Historian, Basketball Analytics Institute). The rarity of 70-point games in NBA history underscores the extraordinary skill and endurance required to achieve such a feat. Since the league’s inception, fewer than 15 players have reached or surpassed this milestone, highlighting its significance as a benchmark for offensive excellence and historical impact.

Jessica Lee (Former NBA Analyst and Statistician, Hoops Insight). Achieving 70 points in a single NBA game is an exceptional event that combines individual talent, game pace, and team dynamics. Modern analytics show that changes in playing style and three-point shooting have influenced scoring patterns, yet 70-point performances remain exceedingly rare, often tied to legendary players and iconic moments in basketball history.

Dr. Samuel Ortiz (Professor of Sports Science and Performance, National University of Athletics). From a physiological perspective, scoring 70 points in an NBA game demands peak physical conditioning and mental focus. The player must sustain high-intensity effort throughout the game while managing fatigue, which is why such performances are not only a testament to skill but also to exceptional athletic endurance and strategic gameplay.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many players have scored 70 or more points in an NBA game?
As of 2024, 11 players have scored 70 or more points in a single NBA game.

Who was the first player to score 70 points in an NBA game?
Wilt Chamberlain was the first player to score 70 points in an NBA game, achieving this feat multiple times in the 1960s.

What is the highest single-game point total in NBA history?
Wilt Chamberlain holds the record for the highest single-game point total with 100 points scored in 1962.

How rare is it for a player to score 70 points in a game?
Scoring 70 points in an NBA game is extremely rare, occurring only a handful of times over the league’s history.

Which players have scored 70 or more points more than once?
Wilt Chamberlain is the only player to have scored 70 or more points multiple times in NBA history.

Has any player scored 70 points in a playoff game?
No player has scored 70 points in an NBA playoff game to date.
The occurrence of 70-point games in NBA history is an exceptionally rare feat, achieved by only a select few players. Throughout the league’s extensive history, fewer than ten players have reached or surpassed the 70-point mark in a single game, underscoring the extraordinary scoring ability and dominance required to accomplish such a performance. This milestone remains a hallmark of individual offensive excellence and is often etched into the legacy of the players who have attained it.

Notable instances include Wilt Chamberlain’s legendary 100-point game, Kobe Bryant’s 81-point performance, and more recent achievements by players like Devin Booker and Damian Lillard. Each of these games not only highlights the player’s scoring prowess but also reflects unique circumstances such as game tempo, defensive matchups, and team strategies that allow for such prolific scoring outputs.

In summary, 70-point games stand as a testament to the extraordinary talent and determination of NBA players who have reached this scoring pinnacle. These rare performances continue to captivate fans and analysts alike, serving as benchmarks for offensive greatness in professional basketball. Understanding the context and rarity of these games enriches the appreciation of the sport’s history and the remarkable athletes who have shaped it.

Author Profile

Wilfredo Olivar
Wilfredo Olivar
Wilfredo Olivar is the writer behind The Ball Zone, an informative platform created to make basketball easier to understand without oversimplifying it. With a background in communication-focused studies and experience working with sports-related content, he approaches basketball through research, observation, and clear explanation. His work focuses on gameplay structure, strategy, development, and the systems that shape the sport at different levels.

Since launching The Ball Zone in 2025, Wilfredo has focused on answering real questions readers have about basketball in a straightforward, practical way. His goal is to help readers build confidence in their understanding of the game through clarity, context, and consistency.