Wilt Chamberlain, much like Babe Ruth, is a mythical figure in the sports world. This is due to his astronomical numbers and unreal domination over the sport when he played. He was a man amongst boys with his 7’1” 275 lb. frame back in the 50s and 60s. Wilt was so dominant that some of his records still stand today, including his iconic 100 point game. That was one of many eye popping stats that made his 1961-62 NBA season a legendary one.
Wilt Chamberlain, Warriors Reach Eastern Division Finals
The 1961-62 NBA season was Wilt’s 3rd in the league. The big man from Kansas already established himself as one of the greats to play the game. From scoring, rebounding to blocking shots, he could do it all. It seemed unfair based on the numbers he put up. He had some stellar seasons but this one was his best. Wilt averaged 50.4 points (yes 50!) and 25.7 (yes 25!) rebounds a game. Talk about video game numbers! The Philadelphia Warriors finished 2nd in the Eastern Division with a 49-31 record. The Warriors, however, would lose to the eventual NBA champion Boston Celtics in the Eastern Division Finals. This season would also be the Warriors last as a franchise based in Philly.
Wilt Chamberlain’s Amazing Season Stats
There aren’t a lot of things in life that are for certain, but for sure one of them is NO ONE will match the numbers Wilt put up in the 1961–62 NBA season. To put it in perspective, Wilt’s LOWEST point total in any game during that season was 26. He had 63 games of 40 or more points which includes 45 games of 50 or more games and an insane 16 games of 60 or more. Don’t forge the 100-pt game against the Knicks on March 2, 1962.
Not only did he average a double double, he had one every game; no single digit point or rebound totals. In 69 games that season, Wilt had 20 or more rebounds. He had a season high 43 rebounds to go with 78 points in a loss against the Los Angeles Lakers. He also had a 73 point, 36 rebound performance in a win over the Chicago Packers. In his NBA record 100 point game, he hauled in 25 boards.
NBA players will always put up numbers with spectacular performances on occasions. They will never have a season so dominant as Wilt’s 1961-62 season from start to finish. This was truly a sensational season.