Wilt Chamberlain’s 100-Point Game

On March 2, 1962, Wilt Chamberlain set an NBA record by scoring 100 points in a single game, a feat that remains unmatched in professional basketball history. This historic event took place at the Hershey Sports Arena in Hershey, Pennsylvania, during a regular-season game between the Philadelphia Warriors and the New York Knicks.

Context and Build-Up

• Wilt Chamberlain: Known for his extraordinary physical prowess and scoring ability, Chamberlain was already a dominant force in the NBA. By the 1961-1962 season, he was averaging over 50 points per game.
• The Philadelphia Warriors: Chamberlain’s team, the Warriors, were a competitive squad in the league, with Chamberlain as their centerpiece.
• The New York Knicks: The Knicks were struggling during this season, which contributed to the conditions that allowed Chamberlain’s scoring outburst.

The Game

• Date and Location: March 2, 1962, at the Hershey Sports Arena, a venue not typically used for NBA games, contributing to the relatively low attendance of around 4,124 spectators.
• Chamberlain’s Performance: Chamberlain scored 100 points, shooting 36 of 63 from the field and 28 of 32 from the free-throw line, an impressive feat given his career free-throw shooting struggles.
• Final Score: The Philadelphia Warriors defeated the New York Knicks 169-147.

Significance and Aftermath

• Record-Setting: Chamberlain’s 100-point game shattered the previous single-game scoring record of 78 points, which he also held.
• Legacy: This performance solidified Chamberlain’s status as one of the greatest scorers in basketball history and remains a benchmark for individual achievement in the sport.
• Cultural Impact: The game was not televised, and only a few photographs exist, but the event has become legendary, often cited as one of the greatest individual accomplishments in sports history.

Broader Historical Impact

• NBA Evolution: Chamberlain’s scoring prowess highlighted the need for changes in the game, leading to rule adjustments in subsequent years to balance the competition.
• Enduring Record: Despite the evolution of the game and the emergence of other scoring talents, Chamberlain’s 100-point game remains a singular achievement, illustrating the unique combination of skill, opportunity, and determination.

Wilt Chamberlain’s 100-point game is not just a record; it is a testament to his extraordinary talent and a moment that continues to captivate basketball fans and historians alike.