Only the greatest players in NBA history have the ability to score a lot of points in games. Scoring a lot points in a game is one way we as fans can separate just how good different players are.
These are the active NBA players who have scored the most points in a NBA game. I've listed all active players who have scored at least 51 points in a game, and noted the career highs for these NBA players.
Active NBA players with the most points scored in a game
1. Kobe Bryant - 81
Kobe Bryant is the active NBA player who has scored the most points in a game with 81. Not only is that the most points among active players, but it is also the second most points any player has ever scored in a NBA game, bested only by Wilt Chamberlain's 100 point game.
Kobe Bryant scored 81 points in a game on January 22, 2006, vs the Toronto Raptors. Kobe made 28 of the 46 shots he took in the game, including seven of 13 threes, and 18 of 20 free throws.
The Los Angeles Lakers needed Kobe's 81 points to win the game, as Toronto had a 63-49 lead at the half. Kobe scored 14 points in the first quarter, 12 in the second, 27 in the third, and 28 points in the fourth quarter. The Lakers won the game, 122-104.
2. Kobe Bryant - 65
On March 16, 2007, Kobe Bryant poured in 65 points in a OT game vs the Portland Trail Blazers, for the second most points in a game by an active NBA player. Kobe made 23 of 39 shots, including eight of 12 threes, and 11 of 12 free throws.
Kobe Bryant scored four points in the first quarter, 19 in the second, nine in the third, and exploded for 24 points in the fourth quarter of this game, including the basket that put the game into OT. In Ot, Kobe added nine more points, and the Lakers beat the Trail Blazers, 116-111.
T-3. Tracy McGrady - 62
On March 10, 2004, Tracy McGrady scored the third most points in a NBA game by an active player, and the most by an active player not named Kobe Bryant. Playing for the Orlando Magic against the Washington Wizards, Tracy McGrady scored seven points in the first quarter, 21 in the second, 24 in the third, and 10 points in the fourth quarter.
Amazingly, Tracy McGrady actually missed 10 of the last 11 shots he took in this game, or he would scored a lot more points. For the game, McGrady made 20 of 37 shots, including five of 14 threes, and 17 of 26 free throws. The Magic won the game, 108-99.
T-3. Kobe Bryant - 62
In a remarkable performance Kobe Bryant scored 62 points in a game on December 20, 2005, vs the Dallas Mavericks. What's remarkable about the performance is that Kobe Bryant sat out the entire fourth quarter of this game.
So Kobe Bryant scored 62 points in three quarters, and actually outscored the entire Dallas Mavericks team 62-61, through three quarters. Kobe scored 15 points in the first quarter, 17 in the second, and then exploded for 30 points in the third quarter.
The Lakers had a 95-61 lead after three quarters, so Kobe sat out the entire fourth quarter. The 30 points in one quarter is the fourth most by a player in one quarter in NBA history.
5. Kobe Bryant - 61
On February 2, 2009, Kobe Bryant scored 61 points in a game at Madison Square Garden vs the New York Knicks. The fifth most points in a NBA game by an active player, and the most ever by a player in a game at Madison Square Garden.
Kobe made 19 of 31 shots in the game, including three of six threes, and a perfect 20 for 20 from the free throw line. The Lakers beat the Knicks, 126-117.
T-6. Gilbert Arenas - 60
Gilbert Arenas scored 60 points in a OT game on December 17, 2006, playing for the Washington Wizards vs the Lakers. The game is notable because Arenas scored 16 of his points in OT, setting the NBA record for most points by a player in OT.
Kobe had 45 points for the Lakers in the game, which the Wizards won, 147-141.
T-6. Kobe Bryant - 60
7. Kobe Bryant - 58
T-8. Deron Williams - 57 (career high)
T-8. Jerry Stackhouse - 57 (career high)
T-10. LeBron James - 56
LeBron James' career high set on March 20, 2005, while playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers.
T-10. Kobe Bryant - 56
Active NBA players who have scored 55 points in a game
- Brandon Jennings - career high
- Dwyane Wade - career high
- LeBron James
- Tony Parker - career high
- Jermaine O'Neal - career high
- Kobe Bryant
Active NBA players who scored 54 points in a game
- Stephen Curry - career high, made 11 threes
- Ray Allen - career high
- Gilbert Arenas
Active NBA players who scored 53 points in a game
- Kobe Bryant - 3 times
- Dirk Nowitzki - career high
- Tim Duncan - career high
Active NBA players who scored 52 points in a game
- Kevin Durant - career high
- Andre Miller - career high
- LeBron James - twice
- Brandon Roy - career high
- Kobe Bryant - 3 times
- Jamal Crawford - career high
- Tracy McGrady
Active NBA players who scored 51 points in a game
- Kevin Love - career high
- Kevin Durant
- LeBron James - 4 times
- Gilbert Arenas
- Richard Hamilton - career high
- Kobe Bryant - 4 times
- Dirk Nowitzki
- Vince Carter - twice, career high
- Tracy McGrady
- Antawn Jamison - twice, career high
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