In the annals of NBA history, there are records, and then there are records that seem destined to stand the test of time. One such record is Wilt Chamberlain’s remarkable streak of 65 consecutive games scoring 30 or more points, a feat that began on November 4, 1961, 62 years ago today. This extraordinary achievement remains a testament to Chamberlain’s unparalleled dominance and is a milestone that may never be equaled.
Wilt Chamberlain, often referred to as “The Big Dipper,” was already a basketball legend when he embarked on this remarkable streak. Standing at 7 feet 1 inch, Chamberlain possessed an unmatched combination of size, strength, and agility. His scoring abilities were second to none, and the 1961-62 season was when he would etch his name into the history books in an indelible way.
The streak commenced in a game against the Boston Celtics – the best team of the era. On November 4, 1961, in Hershey, Pennsylvania, Chamberlain scored 36 points, setting the stage for what would become an awe-inspiring run of performances.
For the next five months, Chamberlain put on a scoring clinic night after night. He was a force of nature, consistently pouring in 30 or more points against opponents who, quite simply, had no answer for him. Defenses were powerless to stop his scoring onslaught.
Chamberlain’s historic streak finally came to an end on February 22, 1962, when he scored 29 points against the Chicago Packers. It was a testament to the incredible consistency and scoring prowess that Chamberlain had displayed throughout those 65 games.
