Highest Scoring NBA Game Records by Teams
- NBA franchises have records for the most points scored in a single game.
- The highest-scoring NBA game was a triple-overtime thriller in 1983.
- These record-setting scores highlight just how explosive NBA basketball can become.
The allure of basketball often lies in its spectacular moments. Who does not love high-scoring games? We examine the franchise records for the most points scored by teams in a single NBA game, highlighting moments when offenses reached their zenith. From historic scoring affairs to modern offensive explosions, these records offer a glimpse into the peak scoring potential of each NBA team, with the highest-scoring NBA game serving as a benchmark for offensive output.
What are the Highest-Scoring NBA Games?
The record for the highest-scoring NBA game belongs to a memorable triple-overtime clash on December 13, 1983, between the Detroit Pistons and the Denver Nuggets. Detroit outlasted Denver 186-184 for an incredible total score of 370 points, marking the most points in NBA history for a single game.
A few other high-octane contests deserve mention when discussing the highest-scoring NBA games. A recent thriller on February 24, 2023, saw the Sacramento Kings edge the Los Angeles Clippers 176-175 in double overtime, totaling a remarkable 351 points.
Another historic offensive showcase occurred on March 6, 1982, when the San Antonio Spurs defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 171-166 in a triple overtime game, resulting in a combined 337 points.
These games highlight the excitement of high-scoring affairs in NBA history. Fans can engage with these team outcomes through what are known as NBA team props. These “props” are betting opportunities centered around a team’s performance.
For instance, you might find props related to a team’s total points in a game, their overall win total for the season, whether they will make the playoffs, or even specific in-game events, such as which team will score the first points. The highest-scoring NBA game would have cashed plenty of ‘overs’ for these props.
What are the Most Points Each NBA Team Scored?
Examining the records for the most team points in an NBA game highlights each franchise’s offensive peak. These high-scoring nights showcase incredible team efficiency. The highest-scoring NBA game, the Pistons’ 186 against the Nuggets (184), also marks their franchise high:
- Atlanta Hawks: 171 (vs. Boston Celtics, March 2, 1962) as St. Louis Hawks
- Boston Celtics: 173 (vs. Minneapolis Lakers, February 27, 1959)
- Brooklyn Nets: 150 (vs. Orlando Magic, March 15, 2022)
- Charlotte Hornets: 144 (vs. Atlanta Hawks, November 7, 1990)
- Chicago Bulls: 168 (vs. Atlanta Hawks, March 1, 2019)
- Cleveland Cavaliers: 154 (vs. Los Angeles Lakers, January 29, 1980)
- Dallas Mavericks: 156 (vs. Portland Trail Blazers, December 7, 2019)
- Denver Nuggets: 184 (vs. Detroit Pistons, December 13, 1983)
- Detroit Pistons: 186 (vs. Denver Nuggets, December 13, 1983)
- Golden State Warriors: 169 (vs. New York Knicks, March 2, 1962) as Philadelphia Warriors
- Houston Rockets: 159 (vs. Washington Wizards, October 30, 2019)
- Indiana Pacers: 162 (vs. Atlanta Hawks, April 14, 2024, and vs. Charlotte Hornets, November 22, 2023)
- Los Angeles Clippers: 176 (vs. Sacramento Kings, February 24, 2023)
- Los Angeles Lakers: 162 (vs. Golden State Warriors, November 2, 1990)
- Memphis Grizzlies: 152 (vs. Oklahoma City Thunder, December 2, 2021)
- Miami Heat: 153 (vs. New Orleans Pelicans, April 13, 2025)
- Milwaukee Bucks: 166 (vs. San Antonio Spurs, March 6, 1982)
- Minnesota Timberwolves: 143 (vs. Atlanta Hawks, December 13, 2023)
- New Orleans Pelicans: 149 (vs. Golden State Warriors, December 20, 2023)
- New York Knicks: 162 (vs. Philadelphia 76ers, December 25, 1960)
- Oklahoma City Thunder: 154 (vs. Indiana Pacers, February 3, 2013)
- Orlando Magic: 139 (vs. Philadelphia 76ers, March 27, 2021)
- Philadelphia 76ers: 169 (vs. New York Knicks, March 2, 1962) as Philadelphia Warriors
- Phoenix Suns: 173 (vs. Denver Nuggets, November 10, 1990)
- Portland Trail Blazers: 156 (vs. Chicago Bulls, March 16, 1984)
- Sacramento Kings: 176 (vs. Los Angeles Clippers, February 24, 2023)
- San Antonio Spurs: 171 (vs. Milwaukee Bucks, March 6, 1982)
- Toronto Raptors: 144 (vs. Washington Wizards, March 19, 2021)
- Utah Jazz: 154 (vs. Golden State Warriors, January 30, 1991)
- Washington Wizards: 168 (vs. Atlanta Hawks, March 1, 2019)
Defense was secondary in these contests. The best defensive team in NBA history would not have been a part of these franchise records. Still, scoring is what sells tickets, and many celebrities’ favorite NBA teams happen to be spectacular offensively, like the “Showtime” Lakers or Steph Curry’s Warriors.
Exploring these franchise highs for team scoring provides a glimpse into the league’s offensive history.
Highest Scoring NBA Game
What is the most points scored in an NBA game by one team?
The most points scored by a single NBA team in a regular-season game is 186, achieved by the Detroit Pistons against the Denver Nuggets on December 13, 1983, in a high-scoring triple-overtime affair that ended 186-184.
Was there ever a 200-point NBA game?
No NBA team has ever reached the 200-point mark in a regular-season game, but the 2024 All-Star Game saw the Eastern Conference All-Stars score 211 points against the West.
What is the biggest blowout in NBA history?
The largest blowout in NBA history occurred on December 3, 2021, when the Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder by a staggering 73 points with a final score of 152-79.
What was the worst NBA record ever?
The worst regular-season record in NBA history belongs to the 2011-12 Charlotte Bobcats, who finished with a dismal seven wins and 59 losses, resulting in a winning percentage of just .106 in the lockout-shortened season.
