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.
- Player
- Wilt Chamberlain
- Team Affiliation
- Philadelphia 76ers
- Opponent
- New York Knicks
- Location
- Hershey Sports Arena, Pennsylvania
- Date
- March 2, 1962
- Field Goals Made
- 36
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. He played every minute of the game, a testament to his conditioning, and his ability to draw fouls and convert at the rim created a statistical anomaly that has never been approached since. The victory secured the Sixers' place in the playoffs, but the night is remembered solely for the 100 points.
In Their Own Story
The arena hums with an electric tension as the clock ticks down toward halftime; Wilt Chamberlain stands at the free-throw line, sweat dripping from his brow, already having shattered records that seemed unbreakable. The crowd in Hershey is a sea of disbelief, watching a man who moves with impossible grace and power. As he sinks another basket late in the fourth quarter, pushing the total past 90, a hush falls over the room before erupting into a roar that shakes the rafters. He does not celebrate; he simply turns back to the bench, eyes locked on the game, knowing that history is being written with every dribble and shot.
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.