On this day: Listing the top 5 NBA performances that took place on 20th December, featuring Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan

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 scored 50 or more points an NBA-record 118 times in his career.

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.