30 Mind-Blowing NBA Trivia Facts That Even Superfans Might Not Know

The NBA is full of incredible stories, records, and unique achievements that often surprise even the most dedicated fans. Whether you’re a seasoned basketball enthusiast or just starting to follow the league, these trivia facts will both entertain and challenge your knowledge. Here’s a list of surprising NBA facts, perfect for a trivia quiz.

All you ever wanted to know about NBA Trivia

Youngest Player to Score 30,000 Points: LeBron James became the youngest player in NBA history to score 30,000 points on January 23, 2018, at the age of 33 years and 24 days.
Shortest Player to Win an NBA Slam Dunk Contest: Spud Webb, standing at 5’7″, won the NBA Slam Dunk Contest in 1986.
Only Player to Record a Quadruple-Double Twice: Hakeem Olajuwon recorded two quadruple-doubles during the 1990 season.
Most Points Scored in a Single Game: Wilt Chamberlain scored 100 points in a game against the New York Knicks on March 2, 1962.
Player with the Most Championships: Bill Russell won 11 NBA championships with the Boston Celtics from 1957 to 1969.
Most Technical Fouls in a Single Season: Rasheed Wallace received 41 technical fouls during the 2000-2001 season.
Oldest Player to Play in an NBA Game: Nat Hickey played at the age of 45 years and 363 days for the Providence Steamrollers in 1948.
First Player Drafted in the NBA: Clifton McNeely was the first player ever drafted in the NBA, selected by the Pittsburgh Ironmen in 1947.
Only Player to Score 60+ Points in a Game for Three Different Teams: James Harden scored 60 or more points in a game for the Houston Rockets, Brooklyn Nets, and Philadelphia 76ers.
Most Three-Pointers Made in a Single Game: Klay Thompson made 14 three-pointers in a game against the Chicago Bulls on October 29, 2018.
First Unanimous MVP in NBA History: Stephen Curry was the first player in NBA history to be unanimously voted MVP during the 2015-2016 season.
Player with the Most Assists in a Single Game: Scott Skiles recorded 30 assists in a game on December 30, 1990, while playing for the Orlando Magic.
First Player to Record a Triple-Double Without Missing a Shot: Nikola Jokić recorded a triple-double with a perfect shooting night (11/11 from the field) on February 15, 2018.
Only Team to Go 16-0 in the Playoffs: The Golden State Warriors went 16-0 in the NBA Playoffs during the 2016-2017 season.
First Player to Record a Quintuple-Double (Unofficial): Wilt Chamberlain reportedly recorded a quintuple-double, though it was not officially documented.

Tallest and Shortest Players in the NBA on the Same Team: The Washington Bullets had 7’7″ Manute Bol and 5’3″ Muggsy Bogues on the same team during the 1987-1988 season.
Only Player to Score 50 Points in a Game in Four Different Decades: Vince Carter scored 50 points in a game in the 1990s, 2000s, 2010s, and 2020s.
Most Consecutive Free Throws Made: Micheal Williams made 97 consecutive free throws during the 1993 season.
Most Teams Played for by a Single Player: Ish Smith has played for 13 different NBA teams as of 2023.
First Father-Son Duo to Play in the NBA: Rick and Brent Barry were the first father-son duo to both play in the NBA.
Most Points Scored in a Game by a Rookie: Wilt Chamberlain scored 58 points in a game twice during his rookie season in 1960.
First Player to Score 70 Points in a Game Since Wilt Chamberlain: Devin Booker scored 70 points for the Phoenix Suns against the Boston Celtics on March 24, 2017.
Longest Winning Streak in NBA History: The Los Angeles Lakers won 33 consecutive games during the 1971-1972 season.
First Player to Record a Triple-Double in an All-Star Game: Michael Jordan recorded a triple-double in the 1997 All-Star Game.
Most Blocks in a Single Game: Elmore Smith recorded 17 blocks in a game on October 28, 1973.
Player with the Most Steals in a Single Game: Kendall Gill and Larry Kenon each recorded 11 steals in a game, with Kenon achieving it in 1976 and Gill in 1999.
Most Points Scored in a Quarter: Klay Thompson scored 37 points in the third quarter of a game on January 23, 2015.
Only Player to Win MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, and Finals MVP in the Same Season: Hakeem Olajuwon won MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, and Finals MVP during the 1993-1994 season.
First Player to Record a Triple-Double in His NBA Debut: Oscar Robertson recorded a triple-double on October 19, 1960, with 21 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists.
Only NBA Team to Never Have the First Overall Draft Pick: The Miami Heat have never had the first overall draft pick.