Documented Facts & Historical Curiosities in Basketball
Verified historical landmarks and statistical trivia certified against official match archives.
01
Wilt Chamberlain's 100-Point Game in Hershey (1962)
On 2 March 1962, Wilt Chamberlain scored 100 points for the Philadelphia Warriors against the New York Knicks in Hershey, Pennsylvania, making 36 field goals and 28 free throws.
02
The First Game Used Peach Baskets and a Soccer Ball
Dr. James Naismith's inaugural game in December 1891 was played with a soccer ball and two half-bushel peach baskets, requiring the janitor to climb a ladder to retrieve each made basket.
03
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's 38,387 Points Stood for 39 Years
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's career scoring record stood from April 1984 until LeBron James surpassed it on 7 February 2023.
04
The 3-Point Line Was Originally Dismissed as a Gimmick
When the NBA introduced the 3-point line in 1979, teams averaged fewer than 3 attempts per game; today modern NBA teams average over 35 attempts per game.