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Who were the NBA’s 50-point scorers before Wilt Chamberlain?

By Rich Kraetsch

(Original Caption) Elgin Baylor, (right), of the Los Angeles Lakers, tries to maneuver the ball around Bob Cousy of the Boston Celtics during second half quarter action. Los Angeles won the fifth game of the NBA Championship 126-119.
(Original Caption) Elgin Baylor, (right), of the Los Angeles Lakers, tries to maneuver the ball around Bob Cousy of the Boston Celtics during second half quarter action. Los Angeles won the fifth game of the NBA Championship 126-119. /
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The Over and Back Classic NBA Podcast officially begins our series looking at 50-point games with a look back at the days when 50-point games were a rarity! Before Wilt Chamberlain made it common-place, they use to be rare, there used to be seasons where they didn’t happen at all. I know, hard to believe.

In this episode, we discuss the first 50+ point games in NBA history, the early dominance of George Mikan, “Jumpin” Joe Fulks, Bob Cousy’s 50+ in the playoffs, Neil Johnston and many more.

We also delve into the strange disappearance of 50-point games in the early shot clock era, the return with guys like Bob Pettit and George Yardley.

Lastly, we discuss the explosion of 50+ point games beginning in 1959 thanks to stars like Elgin Baylor, Jack Twyman, Richie Guerin and the man who will totally transform the league and 50-point games as we know them: Wilt Chamberlain.

Throughout the show we sprinkle in fun facts and stats about the history of 50-point games in the era, compare 50-point games in the pre-Wilt era to what we’re seeing today as well as interesting notes on team Win-Loss records in 50-point games, opponents teams liked scoring 50 on and much more.

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