Wilt Chamberlain: The Dominant Force Who Changed Basketball Forever
** **Setting the Scene**
Wilt Chamberlain is one of the most iconic figures in basketball history. Standing at 7’1” with unparalleled athleticism, Chamberlain redefined the game with his scoring, rebounding, and sheer dominance. Over his 14-year NBA career, he played for three teams—the **Philadelphia/San Francisco Warriors, Philadelphia 76ers, and Los Angeles Lakers**—each had **12-15 players** on its roster during his time.
Chamberlain’s records appear untouchable: the only player to score **100 points in a single game**, averaging **50.4 points per game in a season**, and collecting **55 rebounds in a game**. His effect extended beyond stats—he prompted rule changes and set a standard for big players that still impacts the NBA today.
In this blog article, we’ll discuss **Wilt Chamberlain’s career, his teams, and his five most famous moments** that solidified his status as one of the best basketball players of all time.
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## **Wilt Chamberlain’s Teams and Teammates**
Throughout his career, Chamberlain played for:
1. **Philadelphia/San Francisco Warriors (1959–1965)** – The squad had roughly **12-14 players** during his time, including stars like **Paul Arizin** and **Tom Gola**.
2. **Philadelphia 76ers (1965–1968)** – Teammates included **Hal Greer, Chet Walker, and Billy Cunningham** (roster size: **12-15 players**).
3. **Los Angeles Lakers (1968–1973)** – Played with luminaries like **Jerry West, Elgin Baylor, and Gail Goodrich** (roster size: **12-14 players**).
Chamberlain’s arrival converted each club into a championship contender, guiding the **76ers and Lakers to NBA championships (1967 and 1972, respectively)**.
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## **5 Most Iconic Wilt Chamberlain Moments**
### **1. The 100-Point Game (March 2, 1962) ** **"100! The audience is going wild!"** - The classic radio call from **Bill Campbell** as Wilt Chamberlain created history.
- **Game:** Philadelphia Warriors vs. New York Knicks - **Final Score:** 169–147 (Warriors win) - **Stats:** - **100 points** (36/63 FG, 28/32 FT) - **25 rebounds** - **No three-point line, no overtime**
This remains the **highest single-game scoring output in NBA history**. Chamberlain scored **23 points in the last quarter alone**, despite the Knicks fouling his teammates to deny him the ball. The game was played at **Hershey, Pennsylvania**, with just **4,124 fans** in attendance—making it one of the most legendary but under-witnessed accomplishments in sports.
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### **2. Averaging 50.4 PPG in the 1961–62 Season** Chamberlain didn’t simply score 100 once—he **averaged 50.4 points per game** the same season, a record that still stands.
- **Season Stats:** - **50.4 PPG** (NBA record) - **25.7 RPG** - **48.5 minutes per game** (he played every minute except **8** owing to an expulsion)
This was the zenith of Chamberlain’s scoring supremacy. He has **45 games with 50+ points**, including **15 straight 40-point games**. No player has come close since.
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### **3. 55 Rebounds in a Single Game (1960)** Before Russell vs. Wilt discussions, Chamberlain demonstrated he was the **greatest rebounder ever**.
- **Game:** Philadelphia Warriors against. Boston Celtics (November 24, 1960)
- **Final Score:** 132–129 (Warriors win) - **Stats:** - **55 rebounds** (NBA record for a non-overtime game) - **34 points**
This performance occurred against **Bill Russell**, his biggest competitor. Chamberlain’s **strength and timing** allowed him to dominate the boards in ways no center has since.
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### **4. Leading the 76ers to the 1967 NBA Title** After years of losing to the Celtics, Chamberlain **reinvented his game** to earn his first ring.
- **1967 Playoffs:** - **Defeated Bill Russell’s Celtics in 5 games** (breaking Boston’s **8-year title streak**)
- **NBA Finals:** Beat the Warriors **4-2** - **Finals Stats:** - **17.7 PPG, 28.5 RPG, 6.8 APG** (showing his playmaking progress)
This was Chamberlain’s **most complete season**—he concentrated on **defense, passing, and leadership**, demonstrating he could win without simply scoring.
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### **5. 20,000 Women: The Legend Off the Court** Chamberlain’s **off-court reputation** was as larger-than-life as his game.
- In his 1991 autobiography, *A View From Above*, he claimed to have slept with **20,000 women**.
- While undoubtedly overblown, it became a **cultural phenomenon**, contributing to his legend.
- Chamberlain was also a **volleyball aficionado, businessman, and actor**, proving his versatility beyond basketball.
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## **Conclusion: Wilt Chamberlain’s Lasting Legacy** Wilt Chamberlain wasn’t simply a player—he was a **force of nature** who transformed basketball forever. His **100-point game, 50.4 PPG season, 55-rebound performance, 1967 championship, and famous persona** made him one of the most interesting players in history.
Even now, his records remain **unbroken**, and his impact is apparent in powerful big men like **Shaquille O’Neal and Nikola Jokić**. Whether you quantify his effect by numbers, victories, or pure domination, **Wilt Chamberlain stands alone as the most unstoppable player the game has ever seen**.
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Would you like any further details or a deeper look into any specific moment? Let me know! 🏀🔥