The National Basketball Association (NBA) stands as one of the premier professional sports leagues in the world. With exciting play and extraordinary talent on display, the NBA has produced some of the most memorable and unbelievable records over its 75-year history.
We’ve thoroughly researched the league’s extensive archives and highlighted some truly remarkable numbers that define this illustrious competition. From individual scoring outbursts to dominant team streaks, these records reflect the pinnacle of basketball achievement.
Table of Contents
● Mythic Individual Game Records
● Dominant Season Campaigns
● Playoff Heroics for the Ages
● Historic Championship Dynasties
● Unwanted Marks of Futility
Mythic Individual Game Records
On the court, iconic players have produced magical performances that were previously unthinkable. These larger-than-life scoring outputs and statistical anomalies have etched legendary status for the responsible parties.
Wilt Chamberlain’s 100-Point Eruption
On March 2, 1962, Wilt "The Stilt" Chamberlain delivered a performance for the ages. In a game between the Philadelphia Warriors and New York Knicks, Chamberlain scored an unbelievable 100 points, demolishing the previous record of 71. This feat has never been seriously challenged; the closest was Kobe Bryant’s 81-point outburst in 2006. Chamberlain averaged over 50 points per game that season while also hauling in over 25 rebounds a night – utterly absurd numbers that may never be matched again.
Kobe Bryant’s 81-Point Explosion
Though it fell short of Wilt’s 100, Kobe Bryant’s 81-point game on January 22, 2006, was no less dazzling. Bryantsingle-handedly outpaced the Toronto Raptors, shooting an efficient 60.9% from the field. It’s the second-highest scoring game ever and a testament to Bryant’s transcendent talent.
Steph Curry Rains 14 Threes
On October 29, 2018, Steph Curry caught fire from deep, nailing an unbelievable 14 three-pointers to set the single-game record. Curry revolutionized the three-ball era, and this outburst showed how efficiently he could torch teams from beyond the arc.
Dominant Season Campaigns
While individual game performances capture the imagination, sustained success over full campaigns is an incredible achievement. These remarkable season-long statistical benchmarks demonstrate versatile excellence across the board.
73 Wins and Counting
In 2016, the Golden State Warriors authored the greatest regular season ever, finishing 73–9. Led by Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, the Dubs eclipsed Michael Jordan’s 72-win Chicago Bulls squad with their uptempo, three-point barrage. This record may stand for eons as one of sports’ most unbreakable marks.
|
NBA Wins Record |
Team |
Wins |
Year |
|
1. |
Golden State Warriors |
73 |
2016 |
|
2. |
Chicago Bulls |
72 |
1996 |
A 33-Game Roll by the Lakers
The 1971-72 Los Angeles Lakers hold the record for longest winning streak with 33 consecutive wins. All-time legends Wilt Chamberlain and Jerry West catalyzed this rampage that only ended with a loss to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s Bucks. The Showtime Lakers of the 1980s came closest by rattling off 19 straight.
Playoff Heroics for the Ages
Postseason intensity brings out the best in the NBA’s legends. Under the microscope of the league’s climactic tournament, these household names have authored timeless performances that influenced championship glory.
LeBron James Rules the Record Books
No one has experienced more playoff success than LeBron James. He surpassed Derek Fisher with his 162nd playoff win in 2020 while also pacing the field by logging over 10,000 postseason minutes. And counting. With four rings and ten Finals appearances, James’ sustained excellence remains unmatched.
Jordan’s Playoff Scoring Prowess
While LeBron James boasts playoff longevity records, Michael Jordan remains the most dominant postseason scorer ever. His 33.4 points per game average in the playoffs tops his already absurd 30.1 regular season scoring clip. Jordan twice averaged over 43 points in the Finals, including a record 63-point output in 1986.
Magic and Stockton Share Dime-Dropping Record
On April 22, 1984, Hall of Fame point guard Magic Johnson dished out an improbable 24 assists against the Phoenix Suns to set the playoff record that John Stockton later matched in 1988. This remarkable number spotlights their court vision and passing wizardry.
Historic Championship Dynasties
The ultimate barometer of greatness is championship jewelry. Sustained success resulting in title banner years and bruising playoff battles breeds special legacies. These decorated organizations stand atop the NBA pantheon thanks to their winning ways.
Bill Russell’s 11 Rings Still Reign Supreme
The name Bill Russell defines the word "winner" more than any other in basketball history. The ultimate champion, Russell amazingly captured 11 championships in only 13 NBA seasons from 1957-1969. The league also named the Finals MVP Award after him. Teammate Sam Jones trails with 10 titles, but Russ’s haul remains safe decades later.
Lakers and Celtics in Title Fight with 17 Each
The most prolific championship empires undoubtedly belong to the Boston Celtics (17) and the Los Angeles Lakers (17). This history-laden rivalry has delivered a majority of the hardware over the NBA’s 75 years. With over 30 head-to-head Finals matchups, the league’s banners flow through these warring factions.
Unwanted Marks of Futility
For all of the incredible achievements, there also exist records that players and teams desperately want to avoid. From technical fouls to scoring droughts, these face-palming numbers embarrass the associated parties.
41 Technicals Makes Sheed the 1-Man Wrecking Crew
Rasheed Wallace infamously set the single-season record with 41 technical fouls in 2000-2001. Wallace had confrontations with referees turn into an art form, and the 41 techs resulted in a league-best $395,000 in fines.
Bubba Wells Fouls Out in Record Time
Reserve guard Bubba Wells incredibly fouled out in only 2 minutes and 43 seconds after the opening tip against the Bulls in 1997. Wells could not contain Dennis Rodman, committing five personal fouls at a rate of one per 33 seconds. An all-timer for notoriety.
Seven Wins and Nothing Else
The 2011-2012 Charlotte Bobcats posted the worst season ever, limping to a nightmarish 7-59 finish. Charlotte posed almost no threat, getting outscored by over 14 points a game. It was rock bottom for the wayward franchise that recovered to become a competent squad in subsequent seasons.
And there are the most significant and unforgettable NBA records. From Wilt’s mythical 100 points to the tragic failing of the ’11-’12 Bobcats, these marks reflect the highest highs and lowest lows in league history. Which entry stands out the most? The debate rages on.
