Who Scored 70 Points in the NBA? Historic Performances & Legends Unveiled

Who Scored 70 Points in the NBA? A Look at Historic Performances

The Legendary 70-Point Games: An Unforgettable Feat

You’ve probably heard of some big NBA scoring nights, but a 70-point game? That’s rare, and I mean really rare. To put it into perspective, hitting 70 points in an NBA game is no small feat. It’s not just about being a great scorer—it’s about having the stamina, mentality, and skill to carry your team while making history. But who exactly has pulled it off? Let’s dive into this fascinating topic and take a closer look at the players who’ve scored 70 or more points in a single game.

Wilt Chamberlain: The First to Reach 70 and Beyond

A Record That Still Stands

Honestly, it’s hard to talk about 70-point games without mentioning Wilt Chamberlain. This guy didn’t just score 70 points in a game—he did it multiple times. In fact, he still holds the record for the most points in a single NBA game with a mind-boggling 100 points in 1962. But back to 70… Chamberlain was a scoring machine, and his performances in the 60s were so dominant that they still leave people in awe.

I remember talking to a buddy of mine about Wilt’s incredible scoring ability, and we both just stared in disbelief. To be honest, I don’t think anyone will ever top his 100-point game, but his 70-point games? They are just as iconic.

Kobe Bryant: The Modern-Day Legend

The Black Mamba’s 81-Point Game

Now, if you want to talk about a more recent 70-point game, look no further than Kobe Bryant. In 2006, Kobe dropped 81 points against the Toronto Raptors, which was, and still is, the second-highest point total in a single game in NBA history. But, honestly, the guy didn’t just settle for 70—he went for the whole 81. That game? It was pure magic. The way he moved, how he took over the game, and the sheer willpower—Kobe was on another level that night.

I wasn’t actually watching it live, but when I saw the highlights, I got goosebumps. To score that many points in an era filled with elite defenders? That’s just insane. It was like watching a man carry a team on his back, single-handedly.

David Thompson: A Forgotten Scoring Machine

The 73-Point Game

Okay, I’ll admit—David Thompson might not come to mind as quickly as Wilt or Kobe when you think of 70-point games, but let me tell you, his 73-point performance in 1978 was legendary. The Denver Nuggets star was one of the most dynamic scorers of the 70s, and that night against the Detroit Pistons, he was absolutely on fire.

I actually read an old interview with Thompson, and he mentioned that he felt like everything he threw up was going in. It’s crazy to think that a player from the 70s could be so dominant in an era that was a little rougher on scoring. Watching some footage of Thompson’s game, I was surprised by how smooth his play looked, especially considering the competition at the time.

Other Notable Scorers: A Few Close Calls

Players Who Almost Reached 70

Well, not everyone who dropped 70+ points in a game ended up making the headlines like Wilt or Kobe. But let’s not forget about some other memorable scoring performances. Players like Elgin Baylor (71 points), James Harden (61 points in 2019), and Rick Barry (64 points) all had their moment of brilliance. Sure, these performances weren’t as frequent as Wilt’s or Kobe’s, but they still made a lasting impact on the history books.

I had a conversation with a friend just last week about James Harden’s 60-point performances, and we agreed—his ability to rack up points quickly, especially from the line, makes him one of the most versatile scorers in the modern era. But for me, it's still hard to top Kobe’s sheer will and dominance in 2006.

Why Scoring 70 Points in the NBA is So Rare

The Challenges of Scoring 70

Honestly, I’ve been thinking a lot about what it actually takes to score 70 points in an NBA game. It’s not just about talent—it’s about hitting shots at the right moments, playing through fatigue, and maintaining focus in the heat of the game. The mental aspect is huge.

Take Kobe’s 81-point game, for example. The man wasn’t just scoring for the fun of it—he was putting on a show for his team and the fans. It was calculated, strategic, and just flat-out incredible. The fact that players like Wilt, Kobe, and Thompson were able to do this repeatedly is a testament to their insane level of focus and commitment.

Conclusion: The Legends Who Will Be Remembered

I think the thing that’s so amazing about these 70-point performances is that they truly represent the pinnacle of individual achievement in the NBA. You’ve got legends like Wilt Chamberlain, Kobe Bryant, and David Thompson who will always be remembered for these performances—especially since, in today’s game, scoring 70 is almost an impossible feat. There are a lot of elite players out there right now, but I’m not sure any of them will have the same kind of scoring nights that these guys had.

But hey, who knows? The game is constantly evolving, and maybe we’ll see another 70-point game in the near future. Until then, we can only look back in awe at the records these guys set and cherish those incredible moments in NBA history.

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.