Scoring 50 points in an NBA game is one of the ultimate signs of an elite offensive player. Here’s a simple look at the players who’ve done it more than anyone else in league history and what made them so dangerous on the court.

1. Wilt Chamberlain1. Wilt ChamberlainLos Angeles Lakers center Wilt Chamberlain (13) is defended by Atlanta Hawks center Walt Bellamy (8) during the 1972-73 season at The Omni. Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports118 games with 50+ pointsWilt completely dominated his era with unmatched size, stamina, and scoring ability. His record for 50-point games is so far ahead of everyone else that it may never be touched.2. Michael Jordan2. Michael JordanChicago Bulls guard Michael Jordan (23), right, goes up against Utah Jazz player Bryon Russell (3) in Game 5 of the 1998 NBA Finals. Credit: Anne Ryan-USA TODAY31 games with 50+ pointsJordan’s scoring explosions came in big moments, often against top defenses. His mix of athleticism, footwork, and competitive fire made him nearly impossible to stop when he got rolling.3. Kobe Bryant3. Kobe BryantLos Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant (24) brings the ball up the court during the third quarter against the New York Knicks at Staples Center. The New York Knicks won 90-87. Credit: Kelvin Kuo-Imagn Images25 games with 50+ pointsKobe’s relentless scoring mentality fueled many legendary performances, including multiple 60-point outings. He attacked defenses at every level and remained a scoring threat well into his later years.4. James Harden4. James HardenLos Angeles Clippers guard James Harden (1) brings the ball up the court against the Utah Jazz during the second half at Delta Center. Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images25 games with 50+ pointsHarden revolutionized modern scoring with his step-back three, foul-drawing craft, and efficient shot creation. When he got hot, he could dismantle defenses all by himself.5. Elgin Baylor5. Elgin BaylorLos Angeles Lakers forward Elgin Baylor (22) is guarded St. Louis Hawks forward Bill Bridges (32) at the Forum. Credit: Darryl Norenberg-USA TODAY Sports17 games with 50+ pointsBaylor was one of the league’s first high-flying, high-volume scorers. His combination of strength and finesse allowed him to put up massive point totals before it was common to do so.6. Damian Lillard6. Damian LillardMilwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) looks on in the first quarter during game four against the Indiana Pacers of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Fiserv Forum. Lillard left the game early in the in the first quarter with an injury. Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images15 games with 50+ pointsLillard’s deep shooting range and clutch shot-making have produced some electric scoring nights. He’s known for catching fire quickly and burying teams from well behind the arc.7. Stephen Curry7. Stephen CurryGolden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) stands a play against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Paycom Center. Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images15 games with 50+ pointsCurry reshaped the NBA with his three-point shooting, and many of his 50-point games are the result of blistering long-range barrages. His gravity and shooting efficiency make his big nights look effortless.8. Rick Barry8. Rick BarryNBA great Rick Barry is honored for being selected to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team during halftime in the 2022 NBA All-Star Game at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports14 games with 50+ pointsBarry was one of the smoothest scorers of his era, capable of lighting up defenses from mid-range or driving to the basket. His scoring instincts made him a threat to go off at any time.9. LeBron James9. LeBron JamesLos Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) reacts during the first half in game five of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images14 games with 50+ pointsWhile known for his all-around game, LeBron has delivered numerous explosive scoring nights over his long career. His versatility allows him to dominate defenders in multiple ways.10. Allen Iverson10. Allen IversonMemphis Grizzlies guard Allen Iverson (3) smiles during the first quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Arco Arena. Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports11 games with 50+ pointsIverson regularly created his own offense despite being one of the smallest superstars ever. His quickness, toughness, and fearless attacking style made him a constant scoring danger.11. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar11. Kareem Abdul-JabbarKareem Abdul-Jabbar attends the game between the Los Angeles Rams and the Cleveland Browns at SoFi Stadium. Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports10 games with 50+ pointsKareem’s skyhook and scoring consistency helped him post several huge games across his long career. He controlled the paint and could score efficiently against any matchup.12. Kevin Durant12. Kevin DurantHouston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) smiles on the court during the third quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers at Toyota Center. Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images9 games with 50+ pointsDurant’s ability to shoot over almost any defender makes him one of the most unstoppable scorers ever. His skill set allows him to score efficiently from all three levels.13. Giannis Antetokounmpo13. Giannis AntetokounmpoMilwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) reacts after scoring a basket in the 3rd quarter against the New York Knicks at Fiserv Forum. Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images9 games with 50+ pointsGiannis uses his strength, length, and athleticism to dominate around the rim and draw constant fouls. His 50-point games often come from overpowering entire defenses.14. Devin Booker14. Devin BookerPhoenix Suns guard Devin Booker reacts after a play against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first half at Footprint Center. Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images8 games with 50+ pointsBooker combines smooth shooting, craft, and confidence to pile up points quickly. Even early in his career, he showed he could explode for massive scoring nights.15. Joel Embiid15. Joel EmbiidPhiladelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) drives for a shot against Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes (4) during the second quarter at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images8 games with 50+ pointsEmbiid’s combination of size, skill, and footwork makes him one of today’s most dominant scorers. His ability to draw fouls, hit mid-range shots, and finish inside fuels his frequent 50-point performances.ConclusionConclusionSuns guard Dan Majerle defends Bulls guard Michael Jordan during Game 1 of the NBA Finals in 1993 in Phoenix. Credit: © Michael Chow/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

These players represent some of the most explosive scorers the NBA has ever seen, each with a unique style that made huge scoring nights possible. Whether through skill, athleticism, or sheer dominance, they’ve delivered some of the most unforgettable performances in league history.