Wilt Chamberlain sets the single-game scoring record in the National Basketball Association by scoring 100 points.

Often referred to simply as "Wilt," Wilton Norman Chamberlain was an American professional basketball player, born on August 21, 1936, and passing away on October 12, 1999. Standing at an imposing 7 feet 1 inch (2.16 meters), he revolutionized the center position and is universally acclaimed as one of the greatest, if not *the* greatest, players in the history of the sport. Before gracing the professional courts of the National Basketball Association (NBA), Chamberlain honed his skills with the Kansas Jayhawks in college and even showcased his talents globally with the iconic Harlem Globetrotters, setting the stage for a career of unparalleled dominance.

An Unstoppable Force in the NBA

Wilt Chamberlain’s professional journey saw him don the jerseys of several prominent NBA franchises: the Philadelphia/San Francisco Warriors, the Philadelphia 76ers, and the Los Angeles Lakers. Across these teams, he etched his name into the annals of basketball history with a slew of NBA records that remain unbroken to this day. His scoring and rebounding prowess were simply legendary, unmatched in sheer volume and consistency.

Consider this: Wilt Chamberlain is the only player ever to score a mind-boggling 100 points in a single NBA game – a feat that sounds more like fiction than fact. He also holds the distinction of averaging over 40 and even 50 points per game in a season, numbers that underscore his absolute offensive supremacy. His trophy cabinet would groan under the weight of his individual accolades: he led the league in scoring seven times, was the top rebounder eleven times, set nine durability records, and boasted the best field goal percentage nine times. Remarkably, he even led the league in assists on one occasion, showcasing a more versatile side to his game.

His ability to dominate both ends of the floor is further highlighted by the fact that he is the only player in NBA history to average at least 30 points and 20 rebounds per game in a season, a monumental achievement he repeated seven times. Astonishingly, he maintained this extraordinary average of at least 30 points and 20 rebounds per game over the entire course of his illustrious NBA career, a testament to his sustained excellence.

Career Achievements and Enduring Legacy

Despite a narrative often highlighting a string of NBA Finals losses, Wilt Chamberlain's career was undeniably successful, punctuated by two hard-earned NBA championships. He was also a four-time regular-season NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP), the NBA Rookie of the Year, an NBA Finals MVP, and an NBA All-Star Game MVP. His talent was consistently recognized, leading to thirteen selections for the NBA All-Star Game and ten spots on the prestigious All-NBA Teams (seven First Team and three Second Team selections).

His immense contributions to basketball were formally recognized with his induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1978. Further cementing his place among the game's elite, he was named to the NBA 35th Anniversary Team in 1980, chosen as one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History in 1996, and most recently, honored with a spot on the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in October 2021.

The Unforgettable 100-Point Game

Among his myriad NBA records, the single-game scoring record stands as perhaps the most iconic achievement of Wilt Chamberlain's career. On March 2, 1962, for the Philadelphia Warriors, he stunned the basketball world by scoring an unprecedented 100 points in a single NBA game in a dominant 169-147 victory over the New York Knicks. This historic game unfolded at the Hershey Sports Arena in Hershey, Pennsylvania, and remains one of the greatest and most revered records in all of sports.

In that same legendary contest, Chamberlain shattered five other league records, including a remarkable achievement for him: most free throws made. This was particularly notable because, despite his overwhelming offensive power, Wilt was famously regarded as a poor free-throw shooter throughout his career. The game itself was a high-scoring affair, with both teams combining for an astounding 316 points, setting another record for most combined points in a single game.

That very season, Chamberlain had already set a single-season record, averaging an unbelievable 50.4 points per game. He had even broken the existing NBA single-game scoring record (71 points) earlier in December of that season with a 78-point performance. By this point, in his third year, he was already accustomed to setting scoring records in his initial two seasons.

The tactics employed in the fourth quarter of that 100-point game offer a glimpse into the strategic battle. The Knicks, desperate to keep the ball out of Chamberlain's hands, resorted to fouling other Philadelphia players. They also deliberately slowed down their offense to reduce the total number of possessions for the Warriors. Philadelphia, in turn, countered by committing fouls themselves to regain possession quickly and ensure their superstar had more chances to score.

Adding to the mystique of this legendary performance is the fact that the game was not televised, and astonishingly, no complete video footage has ever been recovered; only audio recordings of the fourth quarter survive. This was an era when the NBA was still finding its footing, struggling to compete with the immense popularity of college basketball. Attendance at the game was only about half of capacity, and tellingly, not a single member of the New York press was present to witness history unfold live.

Beyond the Hardwood: Life After the NBA

Even after his professional NBA career concluded, Wilt Chamberlain remained an active and influential figure. He was known by several colorful nicknames during his playing days, though he reportedly disliked those that highlighted his imposing height, such as "Goliath" or "Wilt the Stilt," which were coined by a Philadelphia sportswriter during his high school years. His preferred moniker, "The Big Dipper," had a more charming origin, inspired by friends who observed him needing to dip his head to pass through doorways.

Chamberlain ventured into new athletic endeavors, playing volleyball in the short-lived International Volleyball Association (IVA) and even serving as its president. His significant contributions to the sport earned him a place in the IVA Hall of Fame. Beyond sports, he proved to be a successful businessman, authored several insightful books, and even graced the silver screen, appearing in the 1984 movie Conan the Destroyer alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger.

A lifelong bachelor, Chamberlain also became a figure of considerable public interest for a famous, and often debated, statement regarding his personal life, claiming to have had sexual relations with as many as 20,000 women. This revelation further cemented his larger-than-life persona, extending his impact far beyond the basketball court.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wilt Chamberlain

Who was Wilt Chamberlain?
Wilt Chamberlain was an American professional basketball player, widely considered one of the greatest in the sport's history. He played as a dominant center position for the Philadelphia/San Francisco Warriors, Philadelphia 76ers, and Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA.
When was Wilt Chamberlain born and when did he pass away?
He was born on August 21, 1936, and passed away on October 12, 1999.
What made Wilt Chamberlain famous?
Wilt Chamberlain is famous for his unparalleled dominance in basketball, holding numerous NBA records in scoring and rebounding. Most notably, he is the only player to score 100 points in a single NBA game and average over 50 points in a season. He was also known for his imposing physical stature and his charismatic personality.
What NBA teams did Wilt Chamberlain play for?
Wilt Chamberlain played for the Philadelphia Warriors/San Francisco Warriors, the Philadelphia 76ers, and the Los Angeles Lakers.
Did Wilt Chamberlain win any NBA championships?
Yes, he won two NBA championships during his career.
What was Wilt Chamberlain's most famous nickname?
His most famous and preferred nickname was "The Big Dipper."
Is Wilt Chamberlain in the Basketball Hall of Fame?
Yes, he was enshrined in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1978.
Did Wilt Chamberlain act in movies?
Yes, he appeared in the 1984 movie Conan the Destroyer.