25 Players With the Most 40-point Games in NBA

25. Luka Dončić (46)

Luka Dončić, a dynamic guard, has a remarkable ability to take over games with his scoring. He has accumulated 46 games with 40 or more points, showcasing his offensive prowess. His unique blend of shooting, playmaking, and size allows him to consistently put up high scoring totals, a feat made even more impressive by his relatively young career. He has already established himself as one of the league's most prolific scorers.

24. Bob Pettit (47)

A true pioneer of the game, Bob Pettit's scoring ability was legendary in his era. The two-time MVP and Hall of Fame forward has 47 games with at least 40 points. Pettit was a dominant force on both ends of the court, consistently putting up big numbers, as evidenced by his scoring titles and high-scoring playoff performances. His powerful game and remarkable consistency helped define the early years of the NBA.

23. Larry Bird (47)

Larry Bird, one of the greatest all-around players in history, shares the 23rd spot on this list. The three-time MVP and Hall of Fame forward recorded 47 games of 40-plus points. Bird’s scoring was a blend of relentless shooting, crafty post moves, and remarkable basketball IQ, often coming in clutch moments. His ability to take over games when it mattered most is a hallmark of his incredible career.

22. Joel Embiid (48)

Joel Embiid has quickly established himself as a dominant scoring big man in the modern NBA. The athletic center has racked up 48 games with 40 or more points. His unique combination of size, skill, and shooting range makes him a near-unstoppable offensive force. He can score from anywhere on the court, from the post to the three-point line, cementing his place among the game's top scorers.

21. Shaquille O'Neal (49)

Shaquille O'Neal, arguably the most dominant force in NBA history, was an absolute nightmare for defenses. The Hall of Fame center scored 40 or more points in 49 games. He used his immense size and power to overwhelm opponents, leading to numerous high-scoring performances, often on the back of his powerful dunks and layups. His scoring was a testament to his sheer physical dominance.

20. Russell Westbrook (50)

Russell Westbrook's explosive style of play made him a triple-double machine and a ferocious scorer. The point guard has 50 games with 40 points or more. His unparalleled athleticism and relentless attacking of the basket allowed him to put up huge scoring numbers on a regular basis. He was known for his ability to single-handedly carry an offense with his high-motor, aggressive style.

19. Adrian Dantley (52)

Adrian Dantley was one of the most prolific and efficient scorers of his era. A two-time scoring champion and Hall of Fame forward, he has 52 games with at least 40 points. Dantley was a master of scoring in the post and from the midrange, using a combination of strength and footwork to get his shot off. His career was a testament to his pure scoring ability.

18. Giannis Antetokounmpo (54)

Giannis Antetokounmpo, a modern-day force, has earned his spot on this list with his incredible physical dominance. The versatile forward has 54 games with 40-plus points. He consistently attacks the rim, using his length and power to get easy baskets. His ability to score in transition and finish at the basket makes him a scoring nightmare for any defense.

17. Dominique Wilkins (56)

"The Human Highlight Film," Dominique Wilkins, was a spectacular scorer and one of the league's most exciting players. The Hall of Fame forward has 56 games with 40 or more points. Wilkins was known for his powerful dunks, athletic finishes, and pure scoring ability. He was a dominant offensive player who could score in a variety of ways, from long jumpers to acrobatic layups.

16. Bob McAdoo (58)

Bob McAdoo was a scoring machine and a dominant offensive force in the 1970s. The Hall of Fame center has 58 games with at least 40 points. McAdoo had a smooth shooting touch and an unguardable midrange game. He was a versatile scorer who could play inside and outside, a skill set that was ahead of its time for a big man.

15. Damian Lillard (60)

Damian Lillard has established himself as one of the most clutch and explosive scorers of his generation. The dynamic guard has 60 games with 40-plus points, often coming in crucial moments. Lillard's ability to pull up from deep, coupled with his quickness and finishing at the rim, makes him a terrifying scoring threat. He is known for his signature "Dame Time" moments, where he takes over late in games.

14. Jerry West (66)

Known as "The Logo," Jerry West was a clutch performer and a relentless scorer. The Hall of Fame guard has 66 games with 40 or more points. West was a master of the jump shot and had a knack for scoring in the biggest moments, including his legendary performance in the 1969 Finals. His smooth and elegant scoring style was a thing of beauty.

13. George Gervin (68)

George Gervin's graceful "Finger Roll" was a signature move for one of the most prolific scorers in NBA history. "The Iceman" has 68 games with 40-plus points. Gervin was a scoring champion with an unguardable offensive arsenal, relying on a silky-smooth style and an array of shots to get buckets. He was a pure scorer who could get points whenever he wanted.

12. Rick Barry (70)

Rick Barry was an offensive innovator and a scoring machine. The Hall of Fame forward has 70 games with 40 points or more. Known for his unique underhand free-throw style and an incredible all-around game, Barry was a versatile scorer. He could score from anywhere on the court, from the free-throw line to the perimeter, making him a difficult matchup for any defender.

11. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (70)

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the NBA's all-time leading scorer, was a scoring machine in his prime. The Hall of Fame center has 70 games with at least 40 points. His unstoppable "Skyhook" was the most effective offensive move in basketball history. Kareem's consistency and longevity allowed him to dominate the scoring charts for decades, cementing his place among the greats.

10. Stephen Curry (71)

Stephen Curry's revolutionary shooting has earned him a place among the greatest scorers of all time. The sharpshooting guard has 71 games with 40-plus points. Curry's ability to score from anywhere on the court, particularly from beyond the three-point line, has changed the game. His deep range and quick release make him an instant scoring threat and a nightmare for opposing defenses.

9. Kevin Durant (72)

Kevin Durant is one of the most gifted pure scorers the league has ever seen. The Hall of Fame forward has 72 games with 40 points or more. His effortless shooting form, coupled with his height and length, makes his shot nearly unblockable. Durant can score from anywhere on the floor, from isolation plays to fast breaks, a testament to his incredible offensive skill set.

8. Oscar Robertson (77)

Known as "The Big O," Oscar Robertson was a do-it-all point guard who was way ahead of his time. The Hall of Fame guard has 77 games with at least 40 points. Robertson was a powerful scorer who could post up smaller defenders and drive to the basket with ease. His versatility and offensive dominance made him one of the league's first true triple-double threats.

7. Allen Iverson (79)

Allen Iverson's relentless attacking style and fearless attitude made him a scoring sensation. The Hall of Fame guard has 79 games with 40-plus points. Despite his size, Iverson was able to score on anyone, using his elite quickness and crossover to get to the rim. He played with a heart and passion that was infectious and made him a beloved fan favorite.

6. LeBron James (79)

LeBron James, one of the greatest players ever, has proven to be a dominant scorer throughout his career. The versatile forward has 79 games with 40 points or more. His incredible combination of size, speed, and basketball IQ allows him to score at will. He can drive to the basket, shoot from the perimeter, and post up smaller defenders, making him a threat from all over the court.

5. Elgin Baylor (88)

Elgin Baylor was one of the most revolutionary and spectacular scorers in NBA history. The Hall of Fame forward has 88 games with at least 40 points. Known for his innovative acrobatic layups and hang time, Baylor was a highlight reel. He was an explosive scorer and a dominant force in the post, constantly putting up huge numbers with a style that was truly ahead of its time.

4. James Harden (105)

James Harden is a modern-day scoring machine who has redefined the art of offensive isolation. He has 105 games with 40 or more points. His signature step-back three-pointer and incredible ability to draw fouls have made him one of the most efficient and prolific scorers in the league. Harden's offensive arsenal is vast, allowing him to get a bucket whenever his team needs one.

3. Kobe Bryant (122)

Kobe Bryant's relentless work ethic and "Mamba Mentality" made him one of the most unstoppable scorers in history. The Hall of Fame guard has 122 games with 40-plus points. Kobe could score from anywhere on the court and was a master of isolation, using his incredible footwork and polished skillset to get a shot off on anyone. His scoring was a work of art.

2. Michael Jordan (173)

Michael Jordan, widely considered the greatest player of all time, was also the most dominant scorer. The Hall of Fame guard has 173 games with 40 points or more. Jordan’s scoring was a perfect blend of athleticism, skill, and competitiveness. He was unstoppable on offense, and his ability to score in the clutch made him the most feared player in the league.

1. Wilt Chamberlain (271)

Wilt Chamberlain holds the top spot on this list, with a staggering 271 games of 40 or more points. The Hall of Fame center’s numbers are a statistical anomaly, including his famous 100-point game. His combination of size, strength, and athleticism made him a force of nature. Wilt’s scoring records are so far ahead of anyone else that they are considered unbreakable.