Detroit Pistons, Denver Nuggets Set NBA Single-Game Scoring Records in 1983

The NBA's 20,000 points club is primarily composed of Hall of Fame players, but some members like Antawn Jamison, Tom Chambers, and Robert Parish stand out as surprising entries due to their less heralded scoring reputations or lack of Hall of Fame induction. High-scoring NBA games have often occurred during periods of free-flowing offense, exemplified by the highest scoring game ever on December 13, 1983, when the Detroit Pistons defeated the Denver Nuggets 186–184 in triple overtime, combining for a record 370 points. This game, featuring prolific scorers such as Kiki Vandeweghe, Alex English, Isiah Thomas, and John Long, illustrates different eras and styles of NBA play focused on up-tempo offense and fast breaks. Additionally, in recent playoff history, Tyrese Haliburton achieved a rare statistical feat by becoming the first player since the 1977-78 season to record at least 30 points, 10 rebounds, 15 assists, and no turnovers in a playoff game, joining only Oscar Robertson and Nikola Jokić in this distinction.