5 players who scored most points in the first half of an NBA game
The NBA continues to evolve as a scorer's league. Players are getting crafty with their offensive game. Several factors have contributed to that, including the 3-ball explosion. Players continue to find more ways to get the better of the physical defenses and keep the box score ticking.
The 2023-24 season alone saw multiple players break into the top five of highest-scoring first halves in NBA history. It was an anomaly to score 30 and 40+ points in one half, but the current generation seems to have a penchant for achieving this milestone frequently. On that note, here are the top five players in NBA history to score the most points in the first half:
5 players who scored the most first-half points in an NBA game
#5. Luka Doncic: 41 points vs Atlanta Hawks in 2024
Luka Doncic had 41 points in the first half of a 2023-24 regular season game against the Atlanta Hawks on Jan. 26, 2024. Doncic shot 16-of-21 from the floor, including five 3-pointers. Doncic had been on a tear during that season, averaging a career-high 33.6 points per contest on 48/37/77 splits. It was the highest-scoring effort in any half for a Mavericks' franchise record. It was also Doncic's personal record.
#4. Damian Lillard: 41 points vs Houston Rockets in 2023
"Dame Time" was one full display since tip-off between the Portland Trail Blazers and Houston Rockets this past season. Damian Lillard exploded for 41 points, tying with Kyrie Irving in just the first half at the Moda Center. He had nailed eight threes as the Blazers nosed ahead in front with a 73-58 lead. He finished with 71 points and led Portland to a 131-114 win.
#3. Kyrie Irving: 41 points vs Orlando Magic in 2022
Kyrie Irving has carved a name for himself as one of the most mercurial guards in the league and in 2022, proved why he was worthy of the high praise by propping up 41 points at halftime against the Orlando Magic — the most by an NBA player since Kobe Bryant in 2003. He was 14-of-19 from the field, and 6-of-7 from downtown, and made all seven of his free throws to help the Nets command an 85-56 lead. He finished with a career-high 61 points as Brooklyn demolished Orlando, 150-108.
#2. Kobe Bryant: 42 points vs Washington Wizards in 2003
Kobe Bryant went toe-to-toe against Michael Jordan who spent his final seasons in the NBA with the Washington Wizards, and in what was a "passing the baton" moment, proved why he was worthy of the comparisons as he dished out 42 points in the first quarter to become the player with most points in an NBA game's first two quarters.
While it also had to do with Jordan's dig, the "Black Mamba" torched the Wizards for 55 points. He shot 51.9%, including 9-of-13 from 3-point range and 16-of-18 from the free-throw line. He had 42 in the first half alone as the Lakers won that contest 108-94.
#1. Karl-Anthony Towns: 44 points vs Charlotte Hornets in 2024
While Joel Embiid was busy setting up a franchise-record 70 points in a win over the San Antonio Spurs, Karl-Anthony Towns was in a zone of his own as he poured 44 points in just the first half against the Charlotte Hornets – a record for the play-by-play era that goes back to the NBA 1996-97 campaign.
He ended with 62 points on 21-of-35 from the field and 10-of-15 from 3-point land. But sadly, his effort was in vain as the Hornets edged them, 128-125.