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The NBA has days when multiple players have outstanding performances that will stay through time. December 20 has been one of those days, and as in traveling through time to highlight the day, revel in the moment. There are four Hall of Famers on this list, and another who has Hall of Fame talent.
Check out the day, Dec. 20, and what it brought to the NBA.
No. 5, Dec. 20, 2004: Allen Iverson of the Philadelphia 76ers scores 51 points in a 103-101 loss to the Utah Jazz
Hall of Famer Allen Iverson scored 50 or more points in his career 12 times, so scoring 50 wasn't a shock. The 51 points he scored against the Utah Jazz came on the heels of scoring 54 points against the Milwaukee Bucks in the previous game.
Iverson became just the seventh player to score 50 points in back-to-back games, and at that stage in his career, the opposition had to hope he had an off night. Even when he did have a bad shooting night, the relentlessness of Iverson was on full display every night.
No. 4, Dec. 20, 1966: Nate Thurmond scores 23 points, grabs 37 rebounds and blocks four shots in a 130-107 win over the LA Lakers
NBA legend Nate Thurmond had one of his typical days on Dec. 20, 1966. The LA Lakers were off to a rough 12-19 start despite having Jerry West, Elgin Baylor and Gail Goodrich. Nate Thurmond and the Golden State Warriors were able to continue the talented trio's struggles.
Thurmond shot 9 of 20, and pulling down 37 rebounds was a feat. Thurmond averaged a smooth 15 points, 15 rebounds and two blocks in 15 seasons.
The next time there's a Wilt Chamberlain conversation regarding the lack of true talent Chamberlain faced, don't forget about "Nate the Great." He, along with Bill Russell, were the fiercest competitors of their day. Chamberlain and Thurmond had some battles, and fortunately there is an NBA record of their accomplishments against each other.
Also Read: How many rings does Bill Russell have?
No. 3, Dec. 20, 1989: Michael Jordan scores 52 points in the Chicago Bulls' 110-109 loss to the Orlando Magic
Michael Jordan won an NBA record 10 scoring titles, so it's not unusual Jordan ravaged teams to the tune of scoring 50 points or more 31 times. This night against the fledgling Orlando Magic was no different.
Unfortunately for the Chicago Bulls, Otis Smith scored eight of the Magic's last 10 points to pull out the victory. Jordan put up a daunting 50. Arguably the greatest NBA player of all time did not disappoint. Jordan shot 20 of 37, had four steals, seven assists and five rebounds. He just didn't have much help besides Bill Cartwright's 19 points that night.
No. 2, Dec. 20, 2005: Kobe Bryant scores 62 points in three quarters in 112-90 win over the Dallas Mavericks
Kobe Bryant outscored the Dallas Mavericks by himself 62-61 in the first three quarters. This was a time when Bryant was on fire, and fans knew something special could happen in any game. The most special night came against the Toronto Raptors when Bryant put in the second-highest NBA point total, 81 points. That was another night.
On this night, the Hall of Famer shot 18 of 31, grabbed eight rebounds and had three steals. Bryant scored 50 or more points 25 times over his legendary career.
No. 1, Dec. 20, 1967: Wilt Chamberlain scores 53 points and grabs 38 rebounds in a 160-122 win over the Seattle SuperSonics
Wilt Chamberlain had help on this night in 1967. Chet Walker had 23 points and 11 rebounds, Hal Greer put in 30 points and the Philadelphia 76ers outrebounded the Seattle SuperSonics 86 to 57 in the rout.
Walt Hazzard had 20 points to lead six of his Seattle teammates in double figures, yet it was not enough.
Wilt scored 50 or more points an unimaginable 118 times – which is an NBA record. The most dominant big man to ever play basketball – who like Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Kobe Bryant will be mentioned as the game's greatest players – is the best scorer the game has ever seen.
In 1961, this was a normal night for Chamberlain, and by this night in 1967, the NBA record book was already filled with his name.
