The National Basketball Association (NBA) has seen many high-scoring games throughout its history. However, some games stand out more than others due to the sheer number of points scored by both teams. In this article, we will take a look at the highest scoring NBA game without overtime.
Denver Nuggets vs. Detroit Pistons - December 13, 1983
On December 13, 1983, the Denver Nuggets faced off against the Detroit Pistons in what would become the highest scoring NBA game without overtime. The game took place at the McNichols Sports Arena in Denver, Colorado.
Both teams came out firing on all cylinders, scoring at will throughout the game. The Nuggets had a balanced attack, with seven players scoring in double figures. Kiki Vandeweghe led the way with 51 points, while Alex English added 47 points. The Pistons were led by Isiah Thomas, who scored a career-high 47 points, and Kelly Tripucka, who had 35 points.
The game was a back-and-forth affair, with neither team able to pull away. In the end, it was the Nuggets who came out on top, winning by a score of 186-184. The game set a record for the most points scored by two teams in a non-overtime game and still stands today.
Other High-Scoring NBA Games
While the Denver Nuggets vs. Detroit Pistons game holds the record for the highest scoring NBA game without overtime, there have been many other high-scoring games throughout the league's history. Here are a few notable ones:
- Phoenix Suns vs. Denver Nuggets - November 10, 1990: The Suns beat the Nuggets 173-143, with Tom Chambers scoring 60 points for Phoenix.
- Golden State Warriors vs. Denver Nuggets - November 2, 1990: The Warriors beat the Nuggets 162-158, with Tim Hardaway scoring 36 points and dishing out 18 assists for Golden State.
- San Antonio Spurs vs. Milwaukee Bucks - March 6, 1982: The Spurs beat the Bucks 171-166, with George Gervin scoring 50 points for San Antonio and Sidney Moncrief scoring 42 points for Milwaukee.
Conclusion
The Denver Nuggets vs. Detroit Pistons game on December 13, 1983, will forever be remembered as the highest scoring NBA game without overtime. Both teams put on an offensive showcase, with the Nuggets coming out on top in a thrilling 186-184 victory. While there have been other high-scoring NBA games, this one stands alone as the most points scored by two teams in a non-overtime game.