Top 5 most points scored in an NBA game by a player in a loss featuring Wilt Chamberlain with 78 points

Steph Curry was on fire in Wednesday night's NBA action when he scored 50 points against the Phoenix Suns. Curry made seven three-pointers and 10 shots inside the arc. He shot an efficient 60.7% from the field overall.

Unfortunately, despite a scorching hot shooting performance, the Golden State Warriors fell to the Suns 130-119.

This wouldn't be the first time an NBA player has put up a stellar performance and ended up falling short. With that in mind, let's take a look at the five best-scoring performances from a player in a loss.

#1 Wilt Chamberlain - 78 Points (Lost to the LA Lakers)

Wilt Chamberlain currently holds the record for the most points scored in an NBA loss. Back on December 8, 1961, the Philadelphia Warriors took on the LA Lakers.

Chamberlain scored 78 points accompanied by 43 rebounds. He shot 50% from the field in 62 shot attempts. Honestly, these are stats that are difficult to replicate in today's league.

#2 David Thompson - 73 Points (Lost to the Detroit Pistons)

Sitting comfortably at the number two spot is David Thompson. He and his Denver Nuggets fell to the Detroit Pistons back on April 9, 1978. Thompson had a brilliant shooting performance, making 73.3% FG. He scored 73 points and made 28 of 38 from the field.

#3 Wilt Chamberlain - 72 Points (Lost to the LA Lakers)

Coming back to this list is Wilt Chamberlain. He put on another impeccable performance and lost again to the Lakers the following season. It's no wonder he ended up joining them in the late 60s.

Chamberlain put up 72 points and 18 rebounds while shooting 60.4%. 'Wilt the Stilt' at this point of his career was unquestionably the most dominant NBA player next to Bill Russell in the 1960s.

#4 Devin Booker - 70 Points (Lost to the Boston Celtics)

To be honest, nobody saw this coming when Devin Booker scored 70 points in the TD Garden. Booker just entered his sophomore season and it's rare for an NBA player to attain what he did in the modern era. Despite it being a road game, the Suns star heated up and continuously scored until the final seconds.

The game dated back to March 24, 2017, when the Phoenix Suns fell to the Boston Celtics. Devin Booker was in the zone with his high-scoring outburst. Even the Boston crowd couldn't do anything but appreciate the amazing performance displayed that night. Celtics fans gave Booker his flowers with a standing ovation after the game concluded.

#5 Wilt Chamberlain - 70 Points (Lost to the Syracuse Nationals)

Wilt Chamberlain scored his last 70-point game with a loss against the Syracuse Nationals. Chamberlain once again put up monster numbers with 70 points and 18 rebounds. The NBA may never get to see a player like him anytime soon given that was easier to pad stats back in the day.