Studying basketball statistics and records is a great way to understand the impact certain players have had on the game. Not all players achieve greatness in their stat lines, but here are a few who have:
- Most points – Wilt Chamberlain
The legendary forward, Wilt Chamberlain set the record for most points by an individual in a game, all the way back in 1962: 100 points. “Wilt the Stilt” managed to set the record in addition to getting 25 rebounds and 2 assists. He could have easily had a 100 point triple-double if blocks were also counted back then.
- Most blocks – Manute Bol
15 blocks in a single game goes a long way to help your team get the win. Manute Bol did that in a game against the Atlanta Hawks back in 1986. His form around the board means that the Washington Bullets won the game on the back of their relentless defensive play.
Bol would repeat this feat the following year and Shaquille O’Neal was able to do the same in 1993 with 15 blocks against the New Jersey Nets.
- Most points without field shots – Rip Hamilton
Rip Hamilton once contributed 14 points to the Detroit Pistons’ cause by scoring all of his points with free throws back in 2005. Hamilton became the only player in NBA history to score that many points without a single field goal, proving that drawing penalties and taking full advantage can make the difference in who wins and loses.
Record-breaking performances become the measuring stick for players in the years that follow. These records are a testament to the history of basketball and the players who showed up and performed like no one else.