Unforgettable Top Scoring Performances in NBA History You Must See
Through the program, local schools will partner with SLU to identify and nominate promising students to receive half-tuition scholarships worth more than $28,000 per year. Applicants will remain eligible for additional scholarships above this level.
I still remember where I was when Klay Thompson dropped 60 points in just 29 minutes back in 2016. I was watching with my buddies, and by the third quarter we were just looking at each other in disbelief. That's the thing about these unforgettable top scoring performances in NBA history you must see - they're not just numbers on a stat sheet, they're moments that get etched into your memory forever.
The NBA has always been a league where offensive explosions can happen on any given night. From Wilt Chamberlain's legendary 100-point game to more modern masterpieces, these performances become part of basketball folklore. What fascinates me personally is how different each of these historic nights feels. Some players methodically pile up points, while others catch fire in ways that seem almost supernatural. I've always had a soft spot for the unexpected explosions - when a role player suddenly turns into prime Michael Jordan for one magical evening.
Speaking of magical, let's talk about Damian Lillard's 71-point game last season. I was covering that game for my blog, and what struck me wasn't just the total but how he did it - 13 three-pointers while playing just 40 minutes. The Blazers needed every single one of those points too, which makes it even more impressive in my book. These unforgettable top scoring performances in NBA history you must see often come when teams need them most. It's not just about padding stats - it's about legendary players putting their teams on their backs.
Now, when we discuss scoring explosions, we can't ignore Devin Booker's 70-point game back in 2017. I know some people criticize it because the Suns were intentionally fouling to get him more shots in a game they were losing, but come on - seventy points is seventy points. The kid was 20 years old! I've rewatched that game multiple times, and his shooting form was just pristine throughout. Sometimes you just have to appreciate greatness regardless of the circumstances.
Which brings me to something that's been on my mind lately. We're in this incredible era of offensive basketball where 50-point games feel almost routine, and yet the ultimate record remains untouched. History will have to wait a little longer, though, for anyone to seriously challenge Wilt's 100. I mean, think about it - we've had players get to 70 several times recently, but that additional 30 points is like another entire game's worth of scoring. The pace and style of modern basketball might actually make it harder to reach that number, despite all the three-point shooting.
I was discussing this with a former player turned analyst recently, and he made a great point - today's game is more about efficiency than volume shooting. "Players are scoring 60 on 25 shots now," he told me. "Back in the day, you might need 40 attempts to get there. The game has evolved, but so has the defense designed to stop these explosions." Still, watching Luka Dončić drop 60-point triple-doubles or Joel Embiid dominate inside makes me wonder if we're getting closer to seeing something truly historic.
What makes these unforgettable top scoring performances in NBA history you must see so special is how they capture multiple elements of greatness. It's not just about making shots - it's about endurance, skill, mental toughness, and sometimes pure luck. I'll never forget watching Kobe's 81-point game unfold on television. My roommate at the time, who wasn't even a basketball fan, ended up glued to the screen by the fourth quarter. That's the power of these performances - they transcend the sport itself.
As I look back at all the incredible scoring nights I've witnessed, both in person and on screen, I'm struck by how each one tells a different story. From Jordan's "flu game" to Thompson's record-setting quarter to Mitchell and Murray trading baskets in the bubble, these moments define eras and create legends. History will have to wait a little longer for the next barrier to be broken, but in the meantime, we get to enjoy these spectacular displays of offensive brilliance that remind us why we fell in love with this game in the first place. The truth is, we might never see someone score 100 points in the modern NBA, but watching today's stars push the boundaries makes for some absolutely must-see basketball.