The NBA has seen countless incredible feats, but some records are seemingly unbreakable milestones. These achievements highlight the exceptional talent of their creators and the unique eras they dominated. As the game evolves, these records become even more legendary. Let’s look at some of the most incredible records in NBA history, each showing how great the players who achieved them were.
Most points by a player in a single game
NBA legend Wilt Chamberlain made history on March 2, 1962, by scoring an astounding 100 points for the Philadelphia Warriors in a thrilling game against the New York Knicks. The game ended with an unbelievable 169-147 scoreline. Only Kobe Bryant has come close, scoring 81 points for the Lakers in a 2006 victory over the Raptors.
Most triple-double season averages
In the 2016-17 season, Russell Westbrook defied expectations by averaging a triple-double for the year, a score not achieved since Oscar Robertson in 1962. Driven to prove himself after Kevin Durant left the Oklahoma City Thunder, Westbrook recorded 42 triple-doubles and became the first to average a triple-double in multiple seasons.
Most wins in an NBA regular season
In the 1995/96 season, Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and Dennis Rodman guided the Chicago Bulls to a remarkable 72-10 record. This feat was once thought unbeatable. However, in 2015/16, Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors surpassed it with a 73-9 record, although they didn’t win the championship.
Longest NBA-winning spell
The Los Angeles Lakers, with Chamberlain, Riley, and West, set a remarkable 33-game winning streak from November 5, 1971, to January 7, 1972. Only the Milwaukee Bucks, led by Robertson and Abdul-Jabbar, could halt them. The closest since then was the Golden State Warriors, who won 28 straight games from April to December 2015.
Most NBA MVP awards
Abdul-Jabbar’s legacy is unmatched, with an impressive six regular-season MVP awards. This victory was split evenly between the Bucks and the Lakers. The record stands alone, with even legends like Michael Jordan and Bill Russell falling just short with five each. Wilt Chamberlain and LeBron James follow with four, though James remains the only one still chasing history.
Most assists by a player in a single game
Scott Skiles may have ended his career with a modest 6.5 assists per game, but he set a record that still stands today. On December 30, 1990, during his second season with the Orlando Magic, Skiles dished out an incredible 30 assists in just 44 minutes, leading his team to a 39-point victory over the Denver Nuggets.
Highest career points-per-game average
Michael Jordan is considered the greatest basketball player ever due to his phenomenal scoring ability. In 15 seasons—13 with the Bulls and two with the Wizards—he averaged 30.1 points per game. Only Kevin Durant and LeBron James, averaging 27.3 and 27.1, come close.
Largest margin of victory in an NBA game
The Memphis Grizzlies made NBA history with a staggering 73-point win over the Oklahoma City Thunder in December 2021, a jaw-dropping 152-79 blowout. This record-breaking victory eclipsed the previous league record, set nearly 30 years earlier, when the Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Miami Heat by 68 points on December 17, 1991.
Most assists in a career
Stockton was the epitome of a pure point guard, leading the floor with unmatched vision and precision. He racked up an astounding 15,806 career assists, outpacing second-ranked Jason Kidd by nearly 4,000 and leaving third-ranked Chris Paul trailing by 4,535. His dominance as a floor general remains unparalleled.
Most NBA Titles Won by a Player
Bill Russell’s 11 NBA championships with the Boston Celtics in the 1950s and ’60s remain unparalleled. Today, reaching multiple finals is a tremendous achievement, and this makes Russell’s achievement nearly untouchable. In comparison, LeBron James, a contemporary icon, has appeared in 10 finals and won four over his 19-year career.
Most consecutive games
AC Green set an unmatched Iron Man record with 1,192 consecutive games in the ABA and NBA, a rare record in today’s load-managed era. In 16 years, he missed only three games in his second season. Green played a crucial role in three Lakers championships and averaged over 28 minutes per game.
Most Minutes Played In A Game
On November 9, 1989, Dale Ellis showcased his superhuman stamina in an epic 73-minute clash between the Seattle Supersonics and the Milwaukee Bucks, which stretched to five overtimes. Ellis dazzled with 53 points and 7 rebounds over 69 minutes, but the Bucks edged out a 155-154 victory thanks to Ricky Pierce’s 36 points.
Most Rebounds In A Game
In their prime, Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain were fierce rivals, especially when it came to clinching championships. Driven by this rivalry, Chamberlain dominated with 55 rebounds, 34 points, and 4 assists against Russell’s Celtics on November 24, 1960. Despite his incredible performance, Boston secured a narrow 132-129 victory.
Most Three-Pointers In A Game
Klay Thompson is one of basketball’s all-time great shooters, scoring effortlessly even without dribbling. On October 29, 2014, he showed the world this brilliance playing against the Chicago Bulls. He sunk 14 of 24 three-pointers and scored a dazzling 52 points. The Warriors cruised to a 149-124 victory thanks to Thompson’s explosive performance.
Most three-pointers in a career
Stephen Curry’s record is still a work in progress, and it’s set to soar even higher! Averaging between 250 and 300 three-pointers each season, and considering that he’s currently on 3,747, he’s on track to hit the 4,000 mark in just a few more years. Watch out—Curry’s future stats are bound to amaze!
