Can You Identify These NBA Players Who Scored 50+ Points in a Game?

By: Gavin Thagard
Estimated Completion Time
4 min
Can You Identify These NBA Players Who Scored 50+ Points in a Game?
Image: NickS / E+ / Getty Images

About This Quiz

The different eras in basketball have certainly influenced the amount of scoring that takes place on the court. However, no matter the era, players capable of putting up 50 or more points in a game enter into an exclusive club that not many players reach during their NBA career. They are taking themselves from being simply offensive weapons to the category of elite scorers.

After all, 50 points is nearly half of the points scored by a single team during a game, and it takes a gifted player to earn the confidence of a team to give them the ball enough times to reach the 50-point mark. It's easy when a player is a star in the league like Michael Jordan or LeBron James, but several lesser-known players have reached the mark also, as their hot hand was ridden on a given night.

How well do you know the players who had the confidence and skill to score over 50 points in a game? When we show you an image, are you going to be able to tell us who the 50-point scorer is? Here's a quiz for you to find out.

If you're ready for the challenge, get started and see if you can score big on this quiz! 

Wilt Chamberlain
Wiki Commons by Fred Palumbo
No player has scored more points in a game than this guy. Who is he?
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Michael Jordan
Wilt Chamberlain
Moses Malone
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Wilt Chamberlain set several NBA records during his time in the league, but few were as impressive as the 48.5 minutes per game he averaged during the 1961-62 season. That's more points per game than there are minutes in a game without counting overtime.

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Kobe Bryant
Wiki Commons by Sgt. Joseph A. Lee
Nicknamed the "Black Mamba," who is this 50+ point scorer?
Shaquille O'Neal
Kobe Bryant
Earvin "Magic" Johnson
LeBron James
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Kobe Bryant spent the early part of his career playing alongside Shaquille O'Neal. Wanting his own team instead of playing second fiddle, Bryant forced O'Neal out of Los Angeles and took over as the leader of the team.

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David Thompson
Wiki Commons by North Carolina State University
Can you identify this player who once put up 73 points?
Devin Booker
Larry Bird
Karl Malone
David Thompson
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

David Thompson was an incredible college player who led NC State to an undefeated season in 1973. However, the team was held out of the playoffs due to a recruiting violation surrounding Thompson.

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Elgin_Baylor
Wiki Commons by unknown author
What's the name of this former Lakers player who put up over 50 points?
Elgin Baylor
Russell Westbrook
Steve Nash
Tracy McGrady
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Despite reaching several NBA Finals, Elgin Baylor never won an NBA championship during his time in the league. In an odd turn of events, the Lakers won the NBA championship the same year that he retired a few games into the season.

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David Robinson
Wiki Commons by Ken Hackman
Do you know this two-time NBA champion with a 50-point game under his belt?
David Robinson
Tim Duncan
Joe Fulks
Rick Barry
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

David Robinson teamed up with Tim Duncan, who the Spurs drafted in 1997. Together, the two formed a dominant duo down low, particularly on defense, where they were known as "The Twin Towers."

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Devin Booker
Wiki Commons by Keith Allison
This player scored over 50 points in a loss. Who is he?
Pete Maravich
Devin Booker
James Harden
Larry Bird
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Drafted in 2015, Devin Booker has been a dominant scorer since entering the league, averaging nearly 25 points in the 2017-18 season. However, his individual success has not translated into wins for the Suns.

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Michael Jordan
Wiki Commons by Steve Lipofsky
Often considered the greatest player of all time, can you identify this prolific scorer?
Dominique Wilkins
LeBron James
Earvin "Magic" Johnson
Michael Jordan
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

From All-Star appearances to MVP awards, Michael Jordan accomplished it all during his time in the league. One of his greatest accomplishments, however, was going 6-0 in the NBA Finals.

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Pete Maravich
Wiki Commons by Robert Kingsbury
Who is this player who put up 68 points in 1977 on his way to an NBA scoring title?
Kyrie Irving
George Mikan
Pete Maravich
Reggie Miller
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Pete Maravich was a gifted scorer during his time in the NBA, but his career was eventually hampered by injuries. In his final year in the league, Maravich only played in 43 regular season games.

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Rick Barry
Wiki Commons by Golden State Warriors
Do you know the name of this 50+ point scorer?
Kevin McHale
Rick Barry
Bill Walton
Ray Allen
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Rick Barry was named the NBA Finals MVP when he won the championship with the Golden State Warriors in 1975. The Warriors dominated the series, defeating the Bullets in only four games.

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Joe Fulks
Wiki Commons by unknown author
An old school player who put up 63 points in 1949, who is this?
Tracy McGrady
Gilbert Arenas
Steph Curry
Joe Fulks
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Joe Fulks was a scary scorer during the early years of the NBA. The legendary power forward helped innovate the modern jump shot, which has since become a staple across the league.

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Jerry West
Wiki Commons by unknown author
This former 50+ point scorer has become a legendary NBA executive. What's his name?
Tim Duncan
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Jerry West
Bill Russell
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Jerry West is the only NBA player to win the Finals MVP on the losing team, which he won in 1969 when the Lakers lost to the Celtics. West averaged 38 points in a series that went seven games.

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George Gervin
Wiki Commons by Kevin Fitzgerald
Can you identify this player who put up 63 points despite not playing in the fourth quarter?
George Gervin
James Harden
LeBron James
Kevin Garnett
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

George Gervin spent the first five seasons of his professional career playing in the American Basketball Association. Gervin finally joined the NBA when it merged with the ABA in 1976.

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Tracy McGrady
Wiki Commons by Keith Allison
What's the name of this player who scored over 50 points as he led the league in scoring?
Damian Lillard
Bernard King
Karl Malone
Tracy McGrady
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Tracy McGrady proved he was an offensive weapon when he won back to back scoring titles in 2003 and 2004. In his best season, which was 2002-03, McGrady averaged 32 points per game.

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Carmelo Anthony
Wiki Commons by Keith Allison
Do you recognize this player who racked up 62 points with the Knicks?
Ray Allen
Allen Iverson
Carmelo Anthony
Dwyane Wade
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

While his friends were joining forces in Miami, Carmelo Anthony elected to join the New York Knicks in 2010. The move paid off for his pocketbook, but he was never able to win a championship with the Knicks.

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George Mikan
Wiki Commons by unknown author
A revolutionary big man, who is this 50+ point single-game scorer?
George Mikan
Tim Duncan
LeBron James
Klay Thompson
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Standing at 6 feet, 10 inches, George Mikan dominated the early NBA due to his exceptional size. He was an excellent rebounder and shot blocker, which left his contemporaries in awe.

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Karl Malone
Wiki Commons by United States Forest Service
Can you remember the name of this player who scored 61 points against the Bucks?
Larry Bird
Karl Malone
Julius Erving
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Karl Malone was never the greatest pure shooter, but he sure knew how to get to the basket and put the ball in the hole. With an excellent assist man like John Stockton, Malone was able to average 25 points throughout his career.

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Lebron James
Wiki Commons by Keith Allison
This player put up over 50 points in the NBA Finals. Who is he?
Anthony Davis
Reggie Miller
LeBron James
Tom Chambers
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

From 2011 until 2018, LeBron James went to eight straight NBA Finals, winning three of them. His greatest accomplishment in the Finals was coming back from a 3-1 deficit to defeat the Golden State Warriors in 2016.

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James Harden
Wiki Commons by Keith Allison
The latest player to score over 60 points, do you recognize who this is?
Russell Westbrook
James Harden
Kevin Durant
Chris Paul
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Since joining the Houston Rockets in 2012, James Harden has been one of the greatest offensive threats in the NBA during the regular season. However, that success has yet to translate to the playoffs, where he is still looking for his first start in the NBA Finals.

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Bernard King
NBA
What's the name of this player who scored 40 points in the first half on his way to a 60-point game?
Bernard King
Larry Bird
Moses Malone
Antawn Jamison
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Despite leaving the NBA in 1993, Bernard King missed the cut for the Hall of Fame for several years of his eligibility. He was finally elected in 2013 alongside greats like Roger Brown, Gary Payton and Guy Lewis.

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Shaquille O'Neal
Wiki Commons by Keith Allison
Few players dominated under the rack like this guy. Who is he?
Kemba Walker
Dominique Wilkins
Gilbert Arenas
Shaquille O'Neal
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Shaquille O'Neal came into the NBA on fire, winning the NBA Rookie of the Year award in 1993. That season, the legendary center averaged over 23 points and nearly 14 rebounds per game.

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Larry Bird
Wiki Commons by Steve Lipofsky
Can you identify this player who holds the single-game scoring record for the Celtics?
Larry Bird
Allen Iverson
Kevin McHale
Bill Russell
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Larry Bird had a bitter but friendly rivalry with Earvin "Magic" Johnson that started when they played against one another in the NCAA championship. Johnson got the better of Bird in that matchup, but Bird would get his revenge years later in the NBA Finals.

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Tom Chambers
NBA
A 50+ point scorer who had his number retired by the Suns, do you know this player?
Ray Allen
Damian Lillard
Hakeem Olajuwon
Tom Chambers
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

An electric dunker, Tom Chambers was elected to four All-Star games during his NBA career. He won the All-Star game MVP award in his first appearance in 1987, while representing the Seattle SuperSonics.

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Gilbert Arenas
Wiki Commons by Keith Allison
Who is this player who put up 60 points in a close win over the Lakers?
Dominique Wilkins
Tim Duncan
Gilbert Arenas
Reggie Miller
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Gilbert Arenas' 60 points against the Lakers is a franchise record for the Washington Wizards. Arenas played for the Wizards from 2003 until 2010, when he was traded to the Orlando Magic.

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Klay Thompson
Wiki Commons by Keith Allison
Do you know which "Splash Brother" this is who racked up a 50+ point game?
Kemba Walker
Klay Thompson
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Kyrie Irving
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Klay Thompson had one of the most memorable 60-point games in NBA history in 2016. Playing against the Pacers, Thompson scored 60 points in 29 minutes while only dribbling the ball 11 times.

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Allen_Iverson
Wiki Commons by Keith Allison
This NBA legend put up over 50 points despite only being six feet tall. What's his name?
Steph Curry
Russell Westbrook
Bob Pettit
Allen Iverson
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Though the crossover dribble had been around for years, Allen Iverson perfected the move during his time in the league. Defenders trembled in fear anytime they were left one-on-one against the gifted guard.

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Kemba Walker
Wiki Commons by Keith Allison
Can you recall the name of this player who scored 60 points in a loss to the 76ers?
Kyrie Irving
Kemba Walker
Ray Allen
Julius Erving
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Kemba Walker played three seasons of college basketball at UConn, where he won the NCAA championship in 2011. Walker was named the NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player for his role in winning the championship.

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Steph Curry
Wiki Commons by Keith Allison
One of the greatest three-point shooters in NBA history, who is this 50+ point scorer?
Steph Curry
Kevin Durant
Dwight Howard
Reggie Miller
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Steph Curry almost single-handedly revolutionized the NBA with his three-point shooting ability. The gifted point guard was one of the first players to pull up from anywhere past half court, forcing defenders to crowd him earlier than they would like.

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Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Wiki Commons by Frank Bryan
Do you recognize this player who has 10 50+ point games?
Bob Pettit
Dominique Wilkins
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Tim Duncan
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar finished his NBA career as the all-time leading scorer, so it's no wonder that he had 10 50-point games in his career. Of course, part of the reason he was able to score so many points was because he played 20 season in the league.

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Dominique Wilkins
NBA
Nicknamed "The Human Highlight Film" because of his dunking ability, what's the name of this player with a 50-point game under his belt?
Anthony Davis
Kyrie Irving
Dominique Wilkins
LaMarcus Aldridge
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Dominique was such a skilled dunker that he won the NBA Slam Dunk Contest twice during his career, in 1985 and 1990. He won the 1985 contest by defeating Michael Jordan, who came in second place.

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Kevin Durant
Wiki Commons by. J.smith
This player with six 50+ point games left the Thunder to join a 73-win team. Who is he?
Julius Erving
Reggie Miller
Tim Duncan
Kevin Durant
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Kevin Durant departed from the Oklahoma City Thunder after failing to win a title during the first half of his career there. When Durant left OKC, he joined the Golden State Warriors, a championship team led by Steph Curry.

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Russell Westbrook
Wiki Commons by Keith Allison
One of the most intense competitors in the NBA, do you know the name of this player who put up over 50 points in a playoff game?
Russell Westbrook
Oscar Robertson
Dwyane Wade
Chris Bosh
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In 2017, Russell Westbrook became only the second person in the history of the NBA to average a triple double for the season. The accomplishment was part of why he was named the NBA MVP that year.

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Damian Lillard
Wiki Commons by Frenchieinportland
Can you identify this point guard with multiple 50-point games?
Derrick Rose
Damian Lillard
Kyrie Irving
DeMarcus Cousins
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Damian Lillard started all 82 games his rookie season, averaging over 38 minutes per game. Lillard was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team after averaging 19 points and 6.5 assists throughout the season.

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Reggie Miller
Philadelphia 76ers
Who is this legendary three-point shooter with a 50-point game?
Chris Webber
Paul Pierce
Reggie Miller
Ray Allen
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Retiring in 2005, Reggie Miller ended his NBA career as the all-time leader in three pointers, finishing with 2,560. He was later passed by Ray Allen, who retired with 2,973 three pointers made.

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LaMarcus Aldridge
Wiki Commons by Keith Allison
What's the name of this player who put up 50 points after two overtimes?
Tim Duncan
LaMarcus Aldridge
Dennis Rodman
Pau Gasol
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

LaMarcus Aldridge was elected to his third All-Star game as a San Antonio Spur in 2019. The talented big man has been to seven All-Star games in total, his first four with the Portland Trail Blazers.

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Anthony Davis
Wiki Commons by Keith Allison
A big man who has scored over 50 points three times with the Pelicans, do you know who this is?
Anthony Davis
Hakeem Olajuwon
Bill Russell
Kawhi Leonard
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Realizing his team wouldn't make the playoffs, Anthony Davis requested a trade prior to the 2019 trade deadline. The Lakers made a strong pitch to acquire Davis, but the Pelicans decided to hold on to their star player until the offseason.

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Kyrie Irving
Wiki Commons by Erik Drost
This player humiliated defenders with his handles on his way to a 50-point game. Who is he?
Ray Allen
Paul Pierce
Isaiah Thomas
Kyrie Irving
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Still a rising talent, Kyrie Irving won an NBA championship with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016 while playing alongside LeBron James. Hoping to establish his own legacy, Irving forced the team to trade him a year later.

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Hakeem Olajuwon
NBA
Do you recognize this player whose deadly offensive skills under the basket helped him score 50 points in a game?
Charles Barkley
Dirk Nowitzki
Bill Russell
Hakeem Olajuwon
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Hakeem "The Dream" Olajuwon is often overlooked when talking about the greatest centers of all time. With 12 All-Star appearances and two NBA championships, he definitely deserves to be in that conversation.

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Antawn Jamison
Wiki Commons by Keith Allison
Can you identify this player who had back-to-back 51 point games in 2000?
Tim Duncan
Antawn Jamison
Earvin "Magic" Johnson
Derrick Rose
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Antawn Jamison spent his college career at the University of North Carolina, where he won the Naismith College Player of the Year award in 1998. He went on to be the number four pick in the 1998 NBA draft.

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Moses Malone
Wiki Commons by Cpl. Lameen Witter
What's the name of this former NBA champion who has four 50-point games under his belt?
Moses Malone
Charles Barkley
Chris Webber
Ray Allen
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Moses Malone was part of a Philadelphia 76ers team that lost only a single game in the 1983 NBA Playoffs. They went 4-0 against the Los Angeles Lakers in the Finals, as Malone won his only championship.

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Bob Pettit
Wiki Commons by unknown author
This former Hawks' player scored 50 points in the 1958 NBA Finals. Who is he?
Charles Barkley
Kevin Garnett
Bob Pettit
Paul Pierce
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Playing for the St. Louis Hawks, Bob Pettit won the very first NBA MVP award in 1956. That season, Pettit averaged over 25 points and 16 rebounds per game, leading the league in both categories.

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