What Is the Biggest Lead in NBA History?
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The biggest lead in NBA history was achieved by the Golden State Warriors in Game 1 of the 2018 Finals. They beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 124-114, with a margin of 30 points.
Wilt Chamberlain’s 100-point game
Wilt Chamberlain’s 100-point game was a feat accomplished by Chamberlain of the National Basketball Association’s Philadelphia Warriors against the New York Knicks on March 2, 1962, at Hershey Sports Arena in Hershey, Pennsylvania. It is widely regarded as one of the greatest single-game performances in NBA history. Chamberlain scored 100 points in a 169–147 win over the Knicks, setting an NBA record that still stands today.
Kobe Bryant’s 81-point game
In 2006, Kobe Bryant set the NBA record for most points in a single game with an astounding 81-point performance against the Toronto Raptors. Trailing by 18 points at halftime, Bryant scored 55 second-half points to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a 122-104 victory. It was the second-highest scoring output in a game by any player in NBA history, trailing only Wilt Chamberlain’s 100-point game in 1962.
Michael Jordan’s 63-point game
In 1986, Michael Jordan had one of the most impressive games in NBA history, scoring 63 points against the Boston Celtics. This remains the record for the most points scored in a game by a single player. Jordan’s performance was so dominant that the Celtics, who were leading by 18 points at halftime, were never able to retake the lead.
Elgin Baylor’s 61-point game
Elgin Baylor’s 61-point game is the biggest lead in NBA history. Baylor’s Los Angeles Lakers defeated the New York Knicks by a score of 169-147 on November 16, 1960. Baylor finished the game with 61 points, 27 rebounds and eight assists.
Rick Barry’s 60-point game
Rick Barry’s 60-point game is the biggest lead in NBA history. Barry accomplished the feat on December 15, 1974, against the Portland Trail Blazers. The San Francisco Warriors won the game by a score of 124-116.
