The NBA is a league built on legendary performances, individual brilliance, and a constant push for greatness. Records aren’t just numbers; they’re milestones that mark the pinnacle of human athletic achievement. While some records seem unbreakable, the history of the game is filled with incredible athletes who defied expectations and etched their names into the record books.

Let’s dive into 10 iconic NBA records and celebrate the players who shattered them:

 

1. Most Career Points

Old Record Holder (for nearly 40 years): Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (38,387 points)

Record Breaker: LeBron James

For decades, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s skyhook-aided scoring total stood as the ultimate testament to offensive longevity and skill. But in February 2023, LeBron James officially surpassed him, becoming the NBA’s all-time leading scorer. This monumental achievement solidified James’s place in the GOAT conversation, showcasing his unprecedented sustained excellence across two decades.

2. Most Points in a Single Game

Old Record Holder (for decades): Wilt Chamberlain (100 points)

Record Breaker: Wilt Chamberlain

Yes, you read that right! Wilt Chamberlain set the seemingly impossible record of 100 points in a single game on March 2, 1962. While many players have come close (Kobe Bryant with 81, Luka Dončić with 73, and others), Wilt’s century mark remains untouched, a testament to a truly dominant and unique performance in NBA history. He broke his own records multiple times throughout his career as he piled up other absurd scoring nights.

3. Most Career Assists

Old Record Holder (for a time): Oscar Robertson

Record Breaker: John Stockton

Oscar Robertson was synonymous with playmaking for a long time, but John Stockton redefined the point guard position with his incredible longevity and uncanny ability to dish out assists. Stockton retired with a staggering 15,806 career assists, a record that seems insurmountable in today’s game. His chemistry with Karl Malone made the Utah Jazz a perennial threat.

4. Most Career Rebounds

Old Record Holder (for a time): Bill Russell

Record Breaker: Wilt Chamberlain

The battle of the titans! While Bill Russell’s rebounding prowess was legendary, Wilt Chamberlain ultimately holds the all-time record for career rebounds with 23,924. His sheer size and athleticism allowed him to dominate the glass like no other player before or since.

5. Most Career Steals

Old Record Holder (for a time): Maurice Cheeks

Record Breaker: John Stockton

Not content with just the assists record, John Stockton also holds the all-time mark for career steals with 3,265. His quiet but incredibly effective defensive presence made him a two-way force, constantly disrupting opposing offenses and turning defense into offense.

6. Most Career Blocks

Old Record Holder (since blocks were officially recorded): Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (briefly after the stat was introduced)

Record Breaker: Hakeem Olajuwon

“The Dream” was a defensive marvel. Hakeem Olajuwon’s footwork, agility, and incredible shot-blocking timing led him to become the NBA’s all-time leader in blocks with 3,830. He was a nightmare for opposing offensive players in the paint, often single-handedly anchoring his team’s defense.

7. Most Career Three-Pointers Made

Old Record Holder (for a time): Ray Allen

Record Breaker: Stephen Curry

Ray Allen held the mantle of the greatest shooter for years, but the rise of Stephen Curry completely revolutionized the game. Curry has not only shattered Allen’s record but continues to push the boundaries of three-point shooting. He became the first player in NBA history to make 4,000 career 3-pointers in March 2025, redefining offensive spacing and impact.

8. Most Career Triple-Doubles

Old Record Holder (for a long time): Oscar Robertson (181)

Record Breaker: Russell Westbrook

For decades, Oscar Robertson’s “Big O” status was highlighted by his record for career triple-doubles. However, Russell Westbrook embarked on an unprecedented run of statistical dominance, surpassing Robertson on May 10, 2021, and continuing to add to his total. Westbrook’s relentless energy and all-around game made him a triple-double machine, now holding the record with over 200.

9. Youngest Player to Score 10,000 Points

Old Record Holder: Kobe Bryant

Record Breaker: LeBron James

Another testament to his early entry and immediate impact, LeBron James broke Kobe Bryant’s record to become the youngest player to reach 10,000 career points at just 23 years and 59 days old. This was just one of many “youngest ever” milestones for King James throughout his illustrious career.

10. Most Consecutive NBA Championships (Team/Players)

Old Record Holder (for players): George Mikan (5 with Minneapolis Lakers)

Record Breaker: Bill Russell and Celtics Dynasty

While not a single player breaking an individual record, the Boston Celtics dynasty of the 1960s, led by Bill Russell, broke the record for most consecutive championships by a team and for many individual players. Russell, along with teammates like K.C. Jones and Sam Jones, won an astounding eight consecutive NBA championships from 1959 to 1966, a feat of sustained team dominance that is unmatched in professional sports.

The NBA’s story is continuously being written, and with each passing season, new talents emerge, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. These record breakers are a reminder that greatness is always evolving, and the pursuit of athletic perfection never truly ends.