On March 2, 1962, before a small crowd of 4,124 at Hersheypark Arena, withering chamberlain he set what was quickly regarded as an unbreakable record. The Philadelphia Warriors center scored 100 points in a win over the New York Knicks, breaking his own record for most points in a single game.
But, Is it really impossible to reach Chamberlain’s famous figure? With the NBA in full scoring explosion, the question doesn’t sound as far-fetched as it has in years past.
There are 42 players in the league’s official rankings averaging over 20 points per game. In 2012-2013 there were only nine. Fourteen players currently have a usage rate over 30. A decade ago, that number was five.
Seeing a 40 point game is no longer a surprise. In fact, it was three players (De’Aaron Fox, Kawhi Leonard and Malik Monk) who reached that total in one game last month. To take it a step further, this is the first season in NBA history in which different players They have recorded a 70 point game.
On the 61st anniversary of Chamberlain’s 100-point game, The Sporting News team chose some players capable of breaking this record. Let’s review our options.
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Which NBA players could break Wilt Chamberlain’s 100-point record?
Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers
Go ahead, clue me in on the fashion choice. I’ll go with Lillard, who tied Donovan Mitchell’s season high with 71 points against the Houston Rockets on February 26th. The seven-time All-Star had 22 field goals, 14 free throws and 13 three-pointers in just 39 minutes of action.
TO @pioneers franchise record and eighth player in NBA history to score 70+ PTS in a single game.
All 71 of @Dame_LillardHis points from his historic exit 👏 pic.twitter.com/WoowXdFCzM
—NBA (@NBA) February 27, 2023
Lillard already has five 60-point games in his career. Only Chamberlain (32) and Kobe Bryant (six) top him on that list. He’s the only player in NBA history with 60 or more points and 10 or more three-pointers in a single game – he’s done it twice.
The Trail Blazers already do it all through Lillard, so why not give him the freedom to make “Gimme Time” last a game?
— Jordan Greer (@jordangreer42)
More | Five Things You Didn’t Know About Wilt Chamberlain’s NBA Record-Setting 100-Point Game
Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors
I let myself get carried away by the math and choose the best triple shooter.
It may come as a surprise that Curry’s career best is just 62 points — the only 60-point game of his career, in January 2021 — but few players can put together scoring streaks like Steph, who has the most 20-point quarters in NBA history!
Even though he doesn’t shoot many free throws or shoot at the rim at a breakneck pace, isn’t it possible for him to hit 20 3-pointers in a single game?
— Benjamin Kidan (@BenyamKidane)
Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves
We’ve already answered that very question in 2021, and my Lillard pick (somehow) almost got it right the other night. But since Jordan has already chosen give me timeLet’s throw another name into the mix.
I’m taking Edwards, who has the perfect mix of talent and unwavering confidence to try and pull it off. It sounds ridiculous because Edwards has yet to score 50 points in a game, but he’s only 21 years old.
He has proven to have the ability to score and if fired up early, has the relentless mentality to keep shooting until someone stops him.
Edwards isn’t necessarily a three-pointer like Curry or Lillard to chase the record, but he has already made 10 threes in one game in his career. Add to that his ability to get to the free throw line, and maybe he can not only threaten Kobe’s record of 81 points, but also Wilt’s 100.
—Kyle Irving@KyleIrv_)
Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks
I’ll take whoever leads the NBA in scoring and has the most 50-point games this season.
In addition to being a scoring machine, Doncic checks some important boxes. First of all, he is a good three-point shooter. Two, live by going to the free throw line. Three, when he’s on fire, he seems like he can score from anywhere.
We’ve already seen Doncic score 60 points in a game this season, going 21-31 from the field, 2-6 from 3-point range and 16-22 from the free-throw line (he also had 21 rebounds and 10 assists. Pair). He’s only 24, so I’m going to guess he’ll surpass that number at some point and maybe even challenge Wilt’s record.
60 points
21 REB
10 ASTLuka Doncic is the first player in NBA history to record 60+ PTS, 20+ REB and 10+ AST in one game.
historical. pic.twitter.com/ik8MdBYbFR
—NBA (@NBA) December 28, 2022
— Scott Rafferty (@crabdribbles)
Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers
We saw him score 71 points, so why not step it up a bit and add another 30 points?
Mitchell’s 71-point outburst is his most prolific scoring feat, but let’s not forget that he topped 50 points twice in the same playoff series during the 2020 bubble. When Mitchell starts… he lights up .
Reviewing Mitchell’s 71-point performance, he shot 22-34 from the field, 7-15 on 3-pointers and 20-25 on free throws. I know it was an overtime winner and I’m probably oversimplifying, but if I had hit 10 threes in that game, I would have had 80 points.
71 points
8 REB
11 AST
WDonovan Mitchell sets a new scoring record for the Cleveland Cavaliers and becomes only the 7th player in NBA history to score 70+ points in a game. pic.twitter.com/qbOwr3sqyH
—NBA (@NBA) January 3, 2023
Mitchell’s ability on the ball along with his shooting ability make him an ideal candidate to achieve this. Let’s imagine you make 12 3-pointers and add 20 free throws. It seems far-fetched to think Mitchell could add another 22 home goals to that, but his talented teammates could make it happen.
He’s only 26 and entering his prime…never say never.
—Gilbert McGregor (@GMcGregor21)
The views expressed here do not necessarily represent those of the NBA or its organizations.
