When it comes to unforgettable moments in basketball, the NBA always delivers, consistently showcasing breathtaking shooting performances. I vividly remember the night of April 13, 2016, when Kobe Bryant dropped 60 points in his final game against the Utah Jazz. Seriously, 60 points at 37 years old – the guy was a living legend. To give you some context, the average NBA player might score 10-15 points per game, yet Kobe quadrupled that while waving goodbye to the league. That shooting display wasn't just about numbers; it was an emotional farewell that captured the hearts of millions across the globe.
Then there's Klay Thompson, who completely lost his mind on January 23, 2015. In a single quarter, the third to be precise, Klay scored 37 points against the Sacramento Kings. That's just insane! I mean, 37 points in 12 minutes of play? For many, that's an entire game's worth of scoring. But hold on, the man hit 13 out of 13 shots from the field, including 9 from beyond the arc, bringing his shooting percentage to a ridiculous 100% for that quarter. The term “on fire” was never more appropriate.
But let's not forget the legends who paved the way. Michael Jordan’s 63-point playoff game against the Boston Celtics on April 20, 1986, remains etched in NBA folklore. At just 23 years old, Jordan faced one of the most formidable teams of that era. The Boston Garden crowd witnessed sheer excellence, despite the Bulls eventually losing. And here’s a jaw-dropping fact: Larry Bird, one of the Celtics’ greats, called MJ’s performance “God disguised as Michael Jordan.” That kind of shooting mastery had never been seen before, and it set the tone for Jordan’s illustrious career.
I’ve got to mention Devin Booker’s 70-point game on March 24, 2017, against the Boston Celtics. Booker was just 20 years old, for crying out loud! To see someone that young put up such numbers in a single game was mesmerizing. The Suns might have lost, but Booker's immaculate shooting that night, where he connected on 21 of his 40 field-goal attempts, made him only the sixth player in NBA history to score 70 or more in a game. For a kid barely legal to drink, that’s nothing short of spectacular.
Moving on, how could anyone forget Allen Iverson’s dazzling 55-point game in the 2003 playoffs against the New Orleans Hornets? The man stood at only 6 feet without shoes, yet he towered above all with his scoring prowess. During those playoffs, Iverson averaged 31.0 points per game, showing pure heart and determination. At that height, his ability to dominate offensively and shoot over bigger defenders was something else – truly remarkable.
Speaking of remarkable, Wilt Chamberlain’s 100-point game on March 2, 1962, remains the Holy Grail of NBA shooting performances. Playing for the Philadelphia Warriors against the New York Knicks, Wilt shot 36 out of 63 from the field and made 28 of his 32 free throws. Just consider these stats – a field goal percentage of 57.1% and an almost perfect free-throw performance from a man often criticized for poor foul shooting. This feat was achieved in a pre-three-point era, making it even more surreal.
And what about modern-day marksman Steph Curry? The dude redefined what it means to be a shooter in the NBA. On November 7, 2016, Steph knocked down 13 three-pointers in a single game against the New Orleans Pelicans, breaking the NBA record for most threes in one game. Considering that the three-point shot is worth an extra point, Steph’s efficiency and accuracy from deep have transformed the game. In that particular game, he scored 46 points, shooting 13 for 17 from beyond the arc. That's an astonishing 76.5% shooting from three, unheard of in even the most optimistic scouting reports.
Do you know what's wild? We’re still talking about shooting displays from previous decades, but we can’t overlook what Luka Dončić did on December 28, 2019. At just 20 years old, Luka scored 41 points and dished out 10 assists against the Golden State Warriors. This sort of performance in a player's sophomore year, essentially his second year in the league, indicates a career filled with promise and record-breaking potential. Luka has become synonymous with high-pressure shooting and clutch performances, making his games must-watch TV for any NBA fan.
Now, if you mention perfect games, it’d be a crime not to talk about Dirk Nowitzki's 2006 game against the Phoenix Suns. Dirk finished with 50 points, shooting 14-for-26 from the field and a perfect 17-for-17 from the free-throw line. This level of shooting efficiency mixed with high volume showcases the true skill and practice behind every shot.
These awe-inspiring shooting performances underline why basketball fans worldwide adore the NBA. They highlight the sheer talent, practice, and mental fortitude that it takes to deliver such moments on the grandest stage. Want to relive some of these incredible moments? You can check out more legendary performances and keep up with the latest in sports on arena plus.