Highest-Scoring Single Seasons By Tiers: Wilt Is The Only One With More Than 4,000 Points

In NBA history, certain achievements transcend mere statistics to become enduring symbols of greatness. From the unparalleled scoring exploits of Michael Jordan to the towering dominance of Wilt Chamberlain, the NBA's 4,000, 3,000, and even the 2,500-point clubs stand as a hallowed sanctuary reserved for the game's most elite scorers.

But as the basketball world evolves and new stars emerge, the question looms: who will be the next to etch their name in the annals of history alongside these legendary figures? After seeing the highest-scoring single-game tiers, we have collected the highest-scoring single-season scoring exploits by tiers and some names included could shock you.

4,000+ Points

Wilt Chamberlain - 4,029 Points (1961-62)

Wilt Chamberlain's 1961-62 NBA season stands as a monument to individual excellence and sheer dominance on the basketball court. His record-setting 4,029 points that season remain unmatched in the annals of basketball history, a testament to his unparalleled scoring prowess. Averaging an astonishing 50.4 points per game, Chamberlain routinely left defenders in awe with his ability to put the ball in the basket at will.

The pinnacle of his season came on March 2, 1962, when he achieved the seemingly impossible feat of scoring 100 points in a single game against the New York Knicks, an iconic performance that still resonates with basketball fans around the world. Beyond his scoring exploits, Chamberlain also controlled the boards with an average of 25 rebounds per game, showcasing his dominance in all facets of the game. His scoring efficiency, shooting over 50% from the field and 60% from the free-throw line, further underscored his status as a once-in-a-generation talent.

3,000+ Points

Wilt Chamberlain - 3,586 Points (1962-63)

Michael Jordan - 3,041 Points (1986-87)

Wilt Chamberlain - 3,033 Points (1960-61)

The 3,000+ points tier in NBA history showcases the scoring brilliance of two of the game's most iconic figures: Wilt Chamberlain and Michael Jordan. Wilt Chamberlain, known for his imposing stature and dominance on the court, makes multiple appearances in this exclusive club. In the 1962-63 season, Chamberlain tallied an impressive 3,586 points when he posted 44.8 points per game.

Additionally, Chamberlain's achievement of scoring 3,033 points during the 1960-61 season underscores his consistent excellence and longevity as a scoring machine as he averaged 38.4 points per game on 50.9% from the field.

Joining Chamberlain in this elite tier is none other than Michael Jordan, widely regarded as the greatest basketball player of all time. In the 1986-87 season, Jordan electrified audiences with his scoring prowess, amassing an impressive 3,041 points. Known for his extraordinary athleticism, scoring versatility, and unparalleled competitiveness, Jordan's presence in the 3,000+ points club comes as no surprise. The shooting guard had himself an iconic season in 1987, his third in his career, as he posted a career-high 37.1 points per game which ranks fifth all-time behind Wilt Chamberlain (four times).

2,800+ Points

Wilt Chamberlain - 2,948 Points (1963-64)

Michael Jordan - 2,868 Points (1987-88)

Kobe Bryant - 2,832 Points (2005-06)

Bob McAdoo - 2,831 Points (1975-75)

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar - 2,822 Points (1971-72)

James Harden - 2,818 Points (2018-19)

The tier of 2,800+ points in a single NBA season represents a select group of elite scorers who have left an indelible mark on the game. Leading this distinguished list is Wilt Chamberlain, whose 2,948 points during the 1963-64 season (36.9 PPG) further underscored his unparalleled dominance on the court. Chamberlain won an impressive seven scoring titles in his career, and he won six in a row between 1960 and 1965.

Joining Chamberlain in this exclusive tier are iconic figures such as Michael Jordan, whose 2,868 points during the 1987-88 (35.0 PPG) season gave him a scoring title and MVP award to go along with the Defensive Player of the Year trophy in arguably the greatest individual season ever.

Kobe Bryant, renowned for his scoring prowess and relentless work ethic, tallied 2,832 points during the 2005-06 season, further solidifying his legacy as one of the most prolific scorers of his generation as he had an 81-point game during the season and averaged a career-high 35.4 points per game.

Additionally, Bob McAdoo's 2,831 points in the 1974-75 season (career-high 34.5 PPG), Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's 2,822 points in the 1971-72 season (career-high 34.8 PPG), and James Harden's 2,818 points in the 2018-19 season (36.1 PPG) highlight the diverse skill sets and playing styles represented in this esteemed group.

Whether through sheer athleticism, unmatched skill, or sheer determination, each player in the 2,800+ points tier has left an indelible mark on the game of basketball, captivating fans with their extraordinary scoring exploits and etching their names into the annals of NBA history.

2,600+ Points

Rick Barry - 2,775 Points (1966-67)

Michael Jordan - 2,753 Points (1989-90)

Nate Archibald - 2,719 Points (1972-73)

Elgin Baylor - 2,719 Points (1962-63)

Wilt Chamberlain - 2,707 Points (1959-60)

Wilt Chamberlain - 2,649 Points (1965-66)

Michael Jordan - 2,633 Points (1988-89)

At the top of this tier, Rick Barry and his 2,775 points during the 1966-67 season not only highlighted his scoring prowess but also solidified his status as one of the most prolific scorers in the league, boasting an impressive points-per-game (35.6 PPG) average.

Michael Jordan, a perennial scoring force, reached 2,753 points during the 1989-90 season (33.6 PPG), showcasing his relentless drive and remarkable consistency on the offensive end, along with securing a third-place finish in MVP voting. Nate Archibald's 2,719 points in the 1972-73 season (34.0 PPG), coupled with his exceptional playmaking ability (11.4 APG), earned him recognition as one of the league's premier guards, with accolades including the NBA scoring title and assist title.

Similarly, Elgin Baylor's 2,719 points in the 1962-63 (34.0 PPG) season solidified his reputation as one of the most dynamic scorers of his era, complemented by 11 All-Star selections and 10 All-NBA team honors over his career. Wilt Chamberlain, a player who appears in yet another tier, with notable seasons including 2,707 points in 1959-60 and 2,649 points in 1965-66, each accompanied by MVP awards, scoring titles, and rebound titles.

Michael Jordan's 2,633 points during the 1988-89 season further underscored his status as a transcendent figure in basketball, complemented by a scoring title and an All-NBA First Team selection with a 32.5 PPG scoring average.

2,500+ Points

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar - 2,596 Points (1970-71)

Kevin Durant - 2,593 Points (2013-14)

George Gervin - 2,585 Points (1979-80)

Michael Jordan - 2,580 Points (1990-91)

Russell Westbrook - 2,558 Points (2016-17)

George Gervin - 2,551 Points (1981-82)

Michael Jordan - 2,541 Points (1992-93)

Karl Malone - 2,540 Points (1989-90)

Elgin Baylor - 2,538 Points (1960-61)

Wilt Chamberlain - 2,534 Points (1964-65)

Moses Malone - 2,520 Points (1981-82)

Kicking off the 2,500 points club, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's 2,596 points during the 1970-71 season showcased his dominance in the paint and contributed to his legacy as one of the greatest centers in NBA history, coupled with notable accolades such as MVP honors and an NBA title with the Bucks.

Kevin Durant's 2,593 points in the 2013-14 season solidified his reputation as one of the most unstoppable scorers of his generation, earning him recognition as the league's MVP. George Gervin's 2,585 points in the 1979-80 season highlighted his smooth scoring touch and earned him a scoring title with a career-high 33.1 points per game.

Michael Jordan, a perennial scoring force, achieved 2,580 points during the 1990-91 season, a campaign that culminated in an NBA championship and Finals MVP honors. Russell Westbrook's 2,558 points in the 2016-17 season showcased his remarkable scoring ability as a guard, earning him the league's MVP award as the first player to average a triple-double in a season since Oscar Robertson.

George Gervin's 2,551 points in the 1981-82 season further solidified his reputation as one of the most prolific scorers of his era, complemented by a scoring title and 32.3 points per game average. Michael Jordan's 2,541 points in the 1992-93 season marked another chapter in his storied career, culminating in his third consecutive NBA championship and Finals MVP honors along with a scoring title. Karl Malone's 2,540 points in the 1989-90 season highlighted his scoring prowess and contributed to his legacy as one of the greatest power forwards in NBA history, as he averaged a career-high 31.0 points per game.

Elgin Baylor's 2,538 points in the 1960-61 (34.8 PPG) season underscored his dynamic scoring ability as he made the All-NBA First Team and finished third in MVP voting. Wilt Chamberlain's 2,534 points in the 1964-65 season (34.7 PPG) continue to prove the big man owns the record books and no player will do what he did at his peak. Finally, Moses Malone's 2,520 points in the 1981-82 season led him to have 31.1 points per game average along with an MVP trophy win.

Who Can Join 3K Club From Today's Players?

As we ponder the future of the NBA and the possibility of new members joining the illustrious 3,000-point club, the landscape of today's players presents a talent primed to make history. To convincingly make the 3K points club, a player has to average at least 36.6 points per game over 82 games so time will tell if a player could accomplish this.

Among these rising stars, Luka Doncic stands out as a player with the potential to transcend statistical milestones and etch his name alongside the legends of the game. The Slovenian’s combination of scoring ability, court vision, and basketball IQ positions him as a prime candidate to one day join the ranks of the NBA's most prolific scorers. He is posting 28.5 points per game over his six-year career so far and looks like the favorite to win the scoring title this year with a 34.4 points-per-game average.

Additionally, the emergence of young phenoms like Victor Wembanyama offers a glimpse into the future of basketball excellence, with his unique skill set and potential to revolutionize the game suggesting that he too could one day vie for a place among the league's elite scorers. At only 20 years old, the center is posting 20.6 points per game and looks like a player who can post well above 30 points per game over a season once he gains experience as a 7’4” behemoth with guard skills.

Furthermore, established talents such as Devin Booker continue to elevate their game year after year, showcasing the consistency and scoring prowess necessary to reach historic milestones. Booker already has a 70-point game to his name and is averaging 24.2 points per game over his career. Booker’s career-high came in 2022-23 when he averaged 27.8 points per game, so he could have a chance to go on a scoring run during a particular season.

As we look ahead to the future of the NBA, the possibility of new members joining the 3,000-point club serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of greatness within the sport, because even stars such as Joel Embiid (if he stays healthy), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jayson Tatum, and Donovan Mitchell could enter the 3k club but it won’t be easy considering each of these players contribute in other areas on the court.