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“Wilt Chamberlain scored 173 points in two games on the Knicks”: How ‘The Big Dipper’ lit up New York for 73 points in one game and 100 the next

Samir Mehdi
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“Wilt Chamberlain scored 173 points in two games on the Knicks”: How ‘The Big Dipper’ lit up New York for 73 points in one game and 100 the next

Wilt Chamberlain would beat up on the measly ‘62 Knicks in two games, scoring a total of 173 points across those two games. 

The number of games that Wilt Chamberlain did the unthinkable are too many to count. He’s done everything from grab 55 rebounds in one game to score 100 points in another. He holds the most points scored per game for a season at 50.6 during his iconic 1962 NBA campaign while also scoring the most in a season with 4,029 (‘62 season). 

Many believe Wilt to be a lumbering giant who would simply dunk his way to 50 points a game. However, ‘The Big Dipper’ didn’t get that nickname for nothing. Given his height and touch around the rim, he could simply ‘dip’ the ball into the basket.

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Aside from his attacks from close to the rim, Wilt Chamberlain had also become a pioneer of sorts when it comes to the fadeaway. Stepping outside of the block and turning around to shoot the ball from almost 9 feet in the air made this shot darn near unlockable. 

Not to mention the fact that Wilt had also began using the board to his advantage from distance, something that was rarely explored by stars in the league prior. 

Wilt Chamberlain went off on the New York Knicks in 1962. 

The New York Knicks were a measly 3-13 when Wilt Chamberlain decided to crush their spirits even more. He would go off for 73 points while showing off his full offensive arsenal. Poor Phil Jordan and Darrall Imhoff.

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Unfortunately for them, Wilt the Stilt would once again go off against them, as if he had done enough damage the previous time, and score a whopping 100 points on March 2nd, 1962. Combined with the other game he had against them, it doesn’t take a genius to sum up the grand total of 173 points scored against the same team across mere two games.

The cherry on top after scoring those 100 points? Wilt got the Knicks, or as he liked to call them ‘nice sons of b*tches’, to drive him back home the night of the game. 

About the author

Samir Mehdi

Samir Mehdi

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Samir Mehdi is a senior strategist for the NBA division at The Sportsrush. Ever since he was 13 years old, he’s been obsessed with the game of basketball. From watching Kobe Bryant’s highlights on YouTube to now, analyzing and breaking down every single game on League Pass, Samir’s passion for the game is unwavering. He's a complete basketball junkie who not only breaks down current games but also keenly watches ones from the 60s’ and 70s’ while also reading comprehensive books on the history of the league. Samir’s life revolves around basketball and he hopes that shows in his work. Aside from work, he loves to spend time in the gym and with his friends at social gatherings.

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