Wilt Chamberlain's 100-point game
The night Wilt Chamberlain scored an unbreakable century for the Sixers in Hershey.
Wilt Chamberlain's 100-point game stands as the most legendary individual performance in the history of professional basketball, a feat accomplished by the Philadelphia 76ers' towering forward against the New York Knicks on March 2, 1962. Played at Hershey Sports Arena in Pennsylvania, this match transcended mere statistics to become a mythic event that defined an era of dominance and athletic impossibility. For Sixers fans, it remains the ultimate symbol of their franchise's golden age, representing a night where one man single-handedly altered the perception of human potential on the hardwood.
Quick Facts
- Game Name
- Wilt Chamberlain's 100-point game
- Home
- Philadelphia Warriors
- Visitor
- New York Knicks
- Home Total
- 169
- Visitor Total
- 147
- Date
- March 2, 1962
- Arena
- Hershey Sports Arena
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The performance was so extraordinary that it has become the subject of endless debate and reverence among basketball historians. While some question the context of the era's pace and rules, there is no denying the raw visual impact of Chamberlain's scoring explosion. The victory secured the Sixers' place in the playoffs, but the night is remembered solely for the 100 points.
Reader's Guide
Wilt Chamberlain's 100-point performance remains the single-game scoring record in NBA history, a mark that has stood for over six decades. He achieved this by making 36 field goals and 28 free throws out of 63 attempts, playing all 48 minutes of regulation time. Chamberlain's efficiency was remarkable given the era's lack of three-point shooting, as he scored exclusively from two-point range and the free-throw line. In terms of team history, this game is the crown jewel of the Philadelphia 76ers' achievements. While other players like Joel Embiid or Allen Iverson have had historic nights, none have come close to Chamberlain's century mark. The record serves as a benchmark for individual excellence that defines the franchise's identity.
Did You Know?
- Chamberlain scored all 100 points in regulation time; there was no overtime played during this historic game.
- The New York Knicks' star, Walt Frazier, was not yet on the team; he joined later, making the defensive challenge even more daunting for the era's best defenders.
- Only a handful of players from the 1962-63 season were present to witness the game live, as many reporters and officials did not believe it could happen until they saw it.
- Chamberlain reportedly scored 50 points in just the first quarter alone, setting a blistering pace that he maintained throughout the contest.
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