There have been gifted and unstoppable scorers in the history of the league, regularly torching defenses for massive scoring nights.

No matter the level, putting up a 50 burger requires a rare combination of skill, efficiency, and relentless scoring ability. In the NBA? It happens fewer than a couple dozen times a season. Considering there are 2,460 total games = 50 point games account for less than 1% of all games. That’s why you have to be truly special to not only score 50 points, but have done it multiple times in your career.

While many greats have had a 50-point game at some point in their careers, only a select few have done it repeatedly, stamping their legacy as elite scorers. From Wilt Chamberlain’s untouchable dominance to Michael Jordan’s cold-blooded performances, our list highlights the 25 players with the most 50-point games in NBA regular season history. Click here to see the 27 players with most 50 point games in the NBA Playoffs.

The 10 Greatest Scorers in 50-Point Game History

Scoring 50 points in an NBA game is an elite feat, but for some legends, it became a semi-regular occurrence. While some names on this list are ones you would expect, you might find a few surprises among the all-time leaders in 50-point performances. It’s worth mentioning that this list differs from the ranking of players with the most 40-point games more than you would expect because reaching 50 requires an entirely different level of shot-making  offensive explosion.

1. Wilt Chamberlain – 118 Games

When it comes to scoring, no one in NBA history comes close to Wilt Chamberlain. The legendary big man holds an absurd record of 118 50-point games—nearly four times more than the next closest player. Wilt’s dominance in the paint was unmatched, routinely overwhelming opponents with his size, strength, and athleticism. Most famously, Chamberlain dropped 100 points in a single game in 1962, a record that still stands today. He averaged over 50 points per game for an entire season (1961-62) and is the only player to score 4,000 points in a single year. His scoring numbers look like something out of a video game, and while the era he played in certainly helped, his sheer dominance remains unparalleled.

2. Michael Jordan – 31 Games

The greatest scorer of his generation, Michael Jordan, sits in second place with 31 50-point performances. MJ had an unrivaled ability to take over games, using his mid-range mastery, footwork, and relentless will to win. Whether it was the flu game, the double-nickel at Madison Square Garden, or his iconic last shot against Utah in the 1998 Finals, Jordan had a flair for the dramatic.

A 10-time scoring champion, Jordan holds the highest career playoff scoring average (33.4 PPG) and remains the gold standard for elite scorers. Every 50-point game he had was a statement—his competitive fire ensured that when he went off, it was for a reason.

3. Kobe Bryant – 25 Games

One of the most fearless scorers in NBA history, Kobe Bryant had 25 games with at least 50 points. His most legendary performance came in 2006, when he erupted for a career high 81 points against the Toronto Raptors, the second-highest scoring game in NBA history. Kobe was known for his impeccable footwork, difficult shot-making, and relentless work ethic. He once had a stretch in 2007 where he scored 50+ points in four straight games, a feat only Wilt Chamberlain had previously accomplished. His ability to torch even the best defenders made him one of the most feared offensive players ever.

4. James Harden – 24 Games

James Harden’s place on this list is a testament to his unique offensive skill set. With 23 50-point games, Harden revolutionized modern scoring with his step-back three, ability to draw fouls, and sheer scoring efficiency. His most impressive stretch came in the 2018-19 season, where he scored 50 or more six times and averaged an outrageous 36.1 PPG. Harden’s isolation-heavy style may not be for everyone, but his ability to score at will made him one of the most unstoppable offensive players of his era.

5. Elgin Baylor – 17 Games

A pioneer of high-flying offense, Elgin Baylor was one of the original scoring machines, tallying 17 50-point games. Baylor played in an era before the three-point line, making his ability to pile up points even more impressive. His career-high 71-point game in 1960 was a record at the time, and his playoff scoring ability was legendary. He once scored 61 points in an NBA Finals game, a record that still stands today. Baylor’s mix of finesse, athleticism, and scoring touch set the stage for the modern game.

6. Damian Lillard, Steph Currt – 15 Games

One of the biggest surprises on this list is Damian Lillard. Considered one of the deadliest shooters in NBA history, Lillard has established himself as a clutch-time assassin also known as “Dame Time.” With 15 games of 50 or more points, Lillard’s deep shooting range and ability to take over games have made him a must-watch scorer – even if he’s not one of the players you think about, he’s got one of the best odds at Kinghills casino to go for 50 points amongst today’s players.

Lillard’s 71-point game in 2023 was one of the most electrifying performances in recent memory. His ability to pull up from 35 feet and consistently score in crucial moments has cemented his place as one of the top scorers in NBA history.

Joining Lillard in 2025 is the greatest shooter of all time, Stephen Curry has fifteen 50-point performances and counting. His ability to score from distance opens up his ability to get to the rim. For better or worse, Curry has redefined NBA offense, stretching defenses to their limits while relying on three point shots. Curry’s 62-point game against Portland in 2021 was a reminder of how unstoppable he can be when locked in. His combination of deep shooting, finishing ability, and off-ball movement makes him one of the most electrifying scorers ever.

7. LeBron James, Rick Barry  – 14 Games

Despite being known for his all-around game, it’s no surprise to see that LeBron James has 14 50-point games to his name seeing as he’s the league’s all-time leading scorer ever. LeBron’s blend of size, speed, and basketball IQ allows him to score effortlessly against any defender. LeBron’s career-high 61-point game in 2014 with Miami showed his ability to take over offensively when needed. As the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, his ability to produce at a high level for two decades is nothing short of remarkable.

A scoring machine in his era, Rick Barry had 14 50-point games and is remembered for his silky shooting and deadly underhand free throws. Barry averaged 30.5 PPG in the 1966-67 season and was one of the first true scoring forwards in league history.

10. Allen Iverson – 11 Games

Despite his 6’0 frame, Allen Iverson was one of the most dynamic scorers in NBA history. With 11 50-point games, Iverson’s quickness, ball-handling, and fearless mentality made him a nightmare to guard. His career-high 60-point game in 2005 was a testament to his relentless scoring ability. Iverson’s impact went beyond numbers—his heart and competitive fire made him a legend.

While some players are simply consistent bucket getters – players like Karl Malone, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Dirk Nowitzki, and Kevin Durant, you might be surprised to not see them in the top ten even though all four have scored over 30,000 points.

The Evolution of Scoring in the NBA

The presence of multiple active players like Harden, LeBron, Lillard, and Curry in the top 10 reflects the evolution of scoring in today’s NBA. With faster pace, waaaaaaay more three-point shooting, and increased offensive freedom due to rules limiting defensive contact, players have more opportunities than ever to put up big numbers. At the same time, legends like Wilt, MJ, and Kobe showcased scoring dominance in completely different eras, proving that elite scorers can adapt to any style of basketball.  Looking ahead, young stars like Luka, Tatum, and Booker could one day crack the top ten as they continue to rack up huge scoring nights. Even as the game evolves, the 50-point game will remain a relatively rare feat.