Wilt Chamberlain’s 100-Point Game: A Monumental Achievement in Basketball History
Setting the Stage
On March 2, 1962, a remarkable event unfolded in the world of sports: Wilt Chamberlain, playing for the Philadelphia Warriors, scored an unprecedented 100 points in a single NBA game. This game, held at Hershey Sports Arena in Hershey, Pennsylvania, saw the Warriors triumph over the New York Knicks with a score of 169-147.
Chamberlain’s Season
Chamberlain, a 7-foot-1-inch giant weighing 260 pounds, was in his third NBA season, already known for his scoring prowess. He had set season scoring records in his first two seasons and was averaging an astonishing 50.4 points per game that season. Chamberlain’s performance was not just a one-game wonder; earlier that season, he had set a new NBA record of 78 points in a game.
The Game Itself
The game was a showcase of Chamberlain’s offensive dominance. By the end of the first quarter, he had scored 23 points, and by halftime, his tally stood at 41. The Warriors, sensing a historic opportunity, began feeding Chamberlain the ball relentlessly. The Knicks, in an attempt to thwart Chamberlain, began fouling other players and playing slow to limit his scoring chances. But Chamberlain was unstoppable, breaking his own scoring record of 78 points with 7:51 left in the game.
Final Moments
Chamberlain’s 100th point, a feat that seemed almost surreal, came with just 46 seconds remaining in the game. The arena erupted in celebration, and the game was momentarily halted due to the excitement. Despite some initial belief that the final 46 seconds were not played, recordings later confirmed that the game did continue to its conclusion.
Key Factors
- Absent Opposition: The Knicks were at a disadvantage with their starting center, Phil Jordan, sidelined (allegedly due to a hangover). This left rookies and less experienced players to defend against Chamberlain.
- Warriors’ Strategy: Realizing the possibility of a 100-point game, the Warriors focused on passing the ball to Chamberlain, even at the expense of their usual gameplay. Chamberlain himself acknowledged that he shot too often during the game, especially in the final quarter.
- A Different Era: It’s important to note that the NBA in 1962 was not the media powerhouse it is today. The game wasn’t televised, and there is no complete video recording of the event. The NBA was still vying for prominence against college basketball, and the game took place in front of a half-capacity crowd.
Chamberlain’s Remarkable Stats
- Shooting Accuracy: Chamberlain shot 36-for-63 from the field and an extraordinary 28-for-32 from the free-throw line, a significant feat given his typically poor free-throw shooting.
- Contributions Beyond Scoring: In addition to his 100 points, Chamberlain also grabbed 25 rebounds and gave out two assists. It’s speculated that he might have also had several blocks, although blocks were not an official statistic at the time.
- Wilt Chamberlain sets a record for most field goals in a game with 36
- Wilt Chamberlain sets a record for most field goal attempts in a game with 63
- Wilt Chamberlain sets a record for most field goals in a half with 22
- Wilt Chamberlain sets a record for most free throws in a game with 28
- Wilt Chamberlain sets a record for most points in a game with 100
- Wilt Chamberlain sets a record for most field goal attempts in a half with 37
- Wilt Chamberlain sets a record for most field goal attempts in a quarter with 21
- Wilt Chamberlain sets a record for most points in a half with 59
Legacy and Impact
Chamberlain’s 100-point game remains one of the most astonishing achievements in sports history. It wasn’t just about the number of points; it was about breaking the boundaries of what was thought possible in basketball. To date, no other NBA player has come close to matching this feat. The game stands as a testament to Chamberlain’s dominance and a pivotal moment in the evolution of professional basketball.
