41 years ago, in December of 1983, the Detroit Pistons and the Denver Nuggets faced off in what would become one of the most extraordinary games in NBA history. This triple-overtime thriller not only captivated fans but also shattered numerous records.
The Pistons emerged victorious in an astonishing 186-184 win over the Nuggets. The game set NBA records for:
Most points scored by one team: 186 by Detroit
Most points scored in a game: 370 combined points
Most field goals by one team: 74 by Detroit
Most field goals in a game: 142 combined field goals
Most combined assists: 93
Several players delivered standout performances that night. Isiah Thomas led the Pistons with 47 points and 17 assists, while John Long added 41 points. For the Nuggets, Kiki Vandeweghe scored a game-high 51 points, and Alex English contributed 47 points and 12 rebounds.
The Nuggets managed to force overtime with a flurry of late-game heroics. Despite both teams being exhausted, they continued to battle through three overtimes, with neither side willing to concede defeat.
