Top 10 Most Memorable NBA Records in History [Updated]

The NBA stands tall as one of the premier basketball leagues across the globe, showcasing the utmost skill level within the sport. The league’s records serve as undeniable proof of the unparalleled basketball excellence demonstrated on its grand stage.

We’ve extensively researched and curated an impressive collection of records that epitomize the world’s highly competitive basketball league, showcasing extraordinary teams and players who have left an indelible mark.

Best NBA Records

Presenting the definitive compilation of the most remarkable NBA records in history: a curated collection of the top 12 achievements that have left an indelible mark on the sport.

The NBA season is an enduring marathon consisting of 82 games, each lasting 48 minutes, and often extending to a 5-minute overtime. Notably, during the 2022 season, NBA games garnered an average viewership of 1.4 million.

Ample time awaits to forge history, amplify stats, and establish groundbreaking records. Continue reading to explore extraordinary regular-season achievements.

1. During the NBA 2015-2016 season, the Warriors set the record for most wins in a single season, going 73-9.

The 2015–2016 season will forever be etched in history for the Golden State Warriors, ranking as the NBA team with the second highest value. They shattered the NBA’s best regular-season record by clinching an astonishing 73 wins.

The achieved record of 72-10 by the Chicago Bulls during the 1996 season was surpassed, marking a remarkable accomplishment.

2. The LA Lakers hold the NBA single-season record for most consecutive wins, with 33 straight wins in the ‘71-’72 season.

The illustrious ‘71-’72 Lakers embarked on a historic winning streak, guided by the legendary Jerry West and Wilt Chamberlain. It all began on November 5, 1971, when they faced off against the Baltimore Bullets (now the Washington Wizards).

The remarkable streak of 33 consecutive victories came to an end when the dominant Milwaukee Bucks, spearheaded by the legendary Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, emerged victorious. It’s worth noting that Kareem would later earn the well-deserved title of regular season MVP for the 1971-1972 season.

The team that came closest to achieving this feat was the 2016 Golden State Warriors, boasting an impressive 28 wins, closely followed by the 2013 Miami Heat with 27 victories.

3. The Golden State Warriors have the best NBA record through 50 games before the All-Star game.

The month of February marks a significant milestone in the NBA season with the highly anticipated All-Star break. This break serves as a benchmark for mid-season evaluations and trade deadlines. By this time, teams have typically played around 50 games, providing a substantial sample size to assess their performance.

Back in 2016, the Warriors amassed an exceptional 48-4 record, boasting an impressive 92.3% winning percentage. This remarkable achievement solidifies their place among the all-time best NBA records, making it a formidable feat that will prove difficult to surpass.

4. Wilt Chamberlain holds the most NBA records in the regular season, including a 100-point game.

Wilt Chamberlain was an awe-inspiring presence, eternally etched in history for his legendary achievement of scoring 100 points in a single NBA game. This remarkable record, now deemed unattainable due to the evolution of modern playing styles, stands as a testament to his unparalleled greatness.

Additionally, he boasts the record for the highest number of rebounds in a single game, an outstanding 55. Furthermore, he impressively has achieved the most games with over 50 points, an incredible total of 118. Notably, he also holds the record for the highest points per season average, an unmatched achievement of 50.4.

Throughout the history of the NBA, there has been only a solitary player who approached the momentous achievement of scoring 100 points, a feat previously accomplished solely by Wilt Chamberlain.

Kobe Bryant once scored 81 points in 2006, in a game against the Toronto Raptors, making 60.9% from the field, 53.8% from the three-point line, and 18 out of 20 free throws.

5. Michael Jordan holds one of the best NBA records in points per game average.

The name Michael Jordan Records is synonymous with the NBA, hailed by many as one of the most extraordinary athletes to grace our planet. His prowess knows no bounds, cementing his status as a legend in the world of sports.

Michael Jordan boasts an illustrious achievement: an extraordinary career average of 30.12 points per game. This remarkable feat, achieved over 1,072 games, places him in a league of his own according to NBA historical statistics.

He narrowly surpasses Wilt Chamberlain, whose career scoring average stands at an impressive 30.07 points per game.

6. The Milwaukee Bucks had the best record in the NBA in 2020 and became the fastest team to clinch playoffs. 

The 2020 regular season of the Bucks ignited hope among fans that the coveted title might ultimately find its way back to Milwaukee. Remarkably, the team secured a spot in the playoffs in just 56 games, surpassing the Warriors’ record set in 2017.

Regrettably, the team let down their fans and followers during the playoffs, suffering a 4-1 defeat to the Miami Heat.

7. Klay Thompson owns the NBA 3-point record in a single game, with 14 made.

The NBA has witnessed a remarkable shift in recent years, with three-pointers becoming commonplace. This transformation can largely be attributed to a duo of players affectionately known as the “Splash Brothers.”

Klay Thompson, representing the GSW, currently holds the NBA record for the highest number of successful 3-pointers made. This enigmatic shooter gave a phenomenal display of accuracy and skill, sinking an astounding 14 shots from beyond the arc against the Bulls on October 29, 2018.

An honorable mention goes to his Splash Brother, Steph Curry, who has consistently achieved 13, 12, and 11 (on six occasions), showcasing his remarkable talent and skill.

8. LeBron James holds the most games and total NBA points records in the playoffs.

During the Western Conference Semifinals Game 3 of the 2020 NBA Bubble Playoffs, King James achieved a significant milestone. His victory marked his 162nd playoff win, surpassing the record previously held by Laker legend Derek Fisher.

In the pivotal game between the Lakers and the Rockets, he set a remarkable record. The Akron Hammer dazzled the court, scoring an impressive 36 points, grabbing 7 rebounds, dishing out 5 assists, making 1 steal, and swatting away 4 blocks.

LeBron James holds the NBA record for the most playoff appearances. Following their Western Conference Finals run against the Nuggets, The King amassed a total of 282 playoff games, securing four championship rings.

9. Michael Jordan is the most prolific and efficient scorer in the postseason, with 33.4 points per game.

There was no NBA player more lethal in the postseason than Michael Jordan. MJ exhibited unparalleled dominance and efficiency as a scorer in the playoffs, achieving a perfect record of 6 out of 6 (100%) in the NBA Finals.

With a career average of 33.4 points per game, he surpasses his regular-season performance. Furthermore, he has set an outstanding NBA playoff record by scoring an incredible 63 points in a single game.

Beyond the court, his fierce drive for success has propelled him to excel as both a shrewd entrepreneur and a team owner. Regrettably, this unyielding spirit also placed him in the grips of significant gambling challenges.

Apart from his legendary status as the greatest basketball player of all time, Michael Jordan has also been associated with a reputation for indulging in gambling. One notable incident occurred during the 1993 NBA Finals, where he was entangled in a high-profile controversy related to game-fixing.

10. Kobe Bryant is the only NBA player to record +600 points, +100 rebounds, and +100 assists in three straight playoffs.

In his Black Mamba era, Bryant achieved an impressive feat by amassing over 600 points, 100 rebounds, and 100 assists in three consecutive playoffs. This remarkable achievement highlights his exceptional skills and contribution to the game.

Bryant guided the Lakers in a valiant battle against the Boston Celtics during the 2008 NBA finals, only to subsequently lead them to consecutive NBA Championships in 2009 and 2010. For his outstanding performances, he earned back-to-back Finals MVPs, solidifying his basketball legacy.