25 Most Dominant Individual Games in NBA History

Dec 14, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) celebrates after surpassing Michael Jordan on the NBA All-Time Scoring List during the second quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /

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17. David Thompson – 1978 Regular Season

David Thompson did all he could do in a 139-137 loss to the Pistons. All he could contribute was a mere 73 points, seven rebounds, and two assists.

At the time of this game, only Wilt Chamberlain had scored more points in a single game (and he had actually done so on four separate occasions). Kobe Bryant would go on to outscore him as well, but we’ll discuss that more in a little bit.

Thompson shot 42 percent on 66 shots from the field, as well as making 17 of 20 free throws.

Next: No. 16 David Robinson - 1994