10 Youngest NBA Players To Score 50+ Points In A Game This Century

Statline: 55 PTS, 5 REB, 5 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 21-34 FG, 7-8 3PM

Back in 2009, Brandon Jennings exploded onto the NBA scene with a performance no one saw coming. Just a month into his rookie year, Jennings dropped a ridiculous 55 points on the Golden State Warriors, becoming the youngest player in NBA history to score over 50 in a game. The kid was barely 20, and this was only his seventh game in the league. Jennings didn’t even score in the first quarter—he saved his fireworks for the rest of the game, where he couldn’t seem to miss, going 21-of-34 from the field and a scorching 7-of-8 from three.

This performance was the peak of what was expected to be a promising career. Jennings played with swagger and confidence that night, looking like he was destined to become a household name. His fearless approach and pure scoring ability had fans and analysts buzzing about his potential to be a franchise star. But despite that insane game, Jennings never quite reached the superstar level many hoped for, though he enjoyed a solid career with a few memorable seasons.

Jennings’ 55-point night is still one of the most memorable rookie performances ever. The fact that he did it so early in his career added to the hype, making him one of the most exciting young players in the league at the time. His place on this list is well-earned, a reminder of the promise he flashed when he entered the league.

2. LeBron James - 20 Years Old, 80 Days

Statline: 56 PTS, 10 REB, 5 AST, 2 STL, 0 BLK, 18-36 FG, 6-12 3PM

LeBron James was just 20 years old when he unleashed a monster 56-point game against the Toronto Raptors in 2005. In only his second season, LeBron was already showing he wasn’t just another young player with potential—he was ready to dominate. He went 18-of-36 from the field and drained six threes, while also pulling down 10 rebounds and dishing out five assists. Even though the Cavs lost the game 105-98, this performance put everyone on notice: LeBron was here, and he wasn’t messing around.

What made this game so electric was how effortless LeBron made it look. His athleticism, power, and court vision were off the charts for a player his age. Toronto just couldn’t keep up with him; he was constantly in attack mode, and it was clear that he was operating on a different level. Despite his age, LeBron looked every bit like a seasoned star, carrying himself with the kind of poise you usually see in veterans.

This 56-point showcase was just the beginning for LeBron, a prelude to one of the most legendary careers in NBA history. For Cavs fans, it was a preview of the greatness to come, and for the rest of the league, it was a wake-up call: King James was about to take over.

3. Devin Booker – 20 Years Old, 145 Days

Statline: 70 PTS, 8 REB, 6 AST, 3 STL, 1 BLK, 21-40 FG, 4-11 3PM

On March 24, 2017, Devin Booker delivered a performance for the ages, torching the Boston Celtics for 70 points at just 20 years old. Despite the Phoenix Suns falling 130-120, Booker's scoring spree was nothing short of legendary. He shot 21-of-40 from the field, nailed four triples, and was nearly automatic from the line, hitting 24-of-26 free throws. Adding eight rebounds, six assists, three steals, and a block, Booker showcased his all-around game.

This feat made Booker the youngest player in NBA history to score 70 points in a game, joining an elite group that includes Wilt Chamberlain, Kobe Bryant, and David Thompson. His relentless scoring barrage was a testament to his offensive prowess and unyielding determination. Even in a losing effort, Booker's performance was the talk of the league, highlighting his potential as one of the game's premier scorers.

Booker's 70-point game wasn't just a personal milestone; it was a statement to the basketball world. It underscored his ability to take over games and score at will, setting the stage for his emergence as a perennial All-Star and one of the most dynamic offensive talents in the NBA. This performance remains a defining moment in Booker's career, symbolizing his rise to stardom and his place among the league's elite scorers.

4. Victor Wembanyama – 20 Years Old, 314 Days

Statline: 50 PTS, 6 REB, 2 AST, 1 STL, 3 BLK, 18-29 FG, 8-16 3PM

Victor Wembanyama lit up the court a couple of nights ago, dropping a cool 50 points in just 26 minutes, leading the San Antonio Spurs to a 139-130 win over the Washington Wizards. At 20 years and 314 days old, Wemby became the fourth-youngest player in NBA history to hit the 50-point mark.

Wemby’s performance was nothing short of spectacular. He shot 18-of-29 from the field, including 8-of-16 from beyond the arc, and added six rebounds, two assists, a steal, and three blocks. This game was a breakout moment for him, especially after a somewhat slow start to the season. Before this explosion, Wemby was averaging solid numbers but hadn’t had that signature game yet.

As of now, the Spurs are sitting at a 6-6 record, showing signs of improvement as the season progresses. Wembanyama’s recent surge is a big reason for that. His season averages have jumped to 22.3 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game, showcasing his all-around impact on the floor.

This 50-point game isn’t just a personal milestone for Wemby; it’s a statement that he’s finding his groove in the NBA. If he keeps this up, the Spurs could be looking at a much more competitive season than many anticipated. Wembanyama’s blend of size, skill, and versatility is starting to shine through, and it’s exciting to think about what he’ll do next.

5. Kevin Porter Jr. – 20 Years Old, 360 Days

Statline: 50 PTS, 5 REB, 11 AST, 1 STL, 1 BLK, 16-26 FG, 9-15 3PM

On April 29, 2021, just shy of his 21st birthday, Kevin Porter Jr. delivered a jaw-dropping performance, scoring 50 points and dishing out 11 assists in the Houston Rockets' 143-136 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks. This feat made him the youngest player in NBA history to record a 50-point, 10-assist game.

Porter Jr. was on fire that night, shooting 16-of-26 from the field, including 9-of-15 from beyond the arc. He also contributed five rebounds, a steal, and a block, showcasing his all-around game. His explosive scoring and playmaking abilities were on full display, leading the Rockets to a surprising win over one of the league's top teams.

This performance was a breakout moment for Porter Jr., highlighting his potential as a dynamic scorer and facilitator. It also placed him among the youngest players to ever reach the 50-point mark, joining the ranks of LeBron James, Brandon Jennings, and Devin Booker at the time.

6. Trae Young – 21 Years Old, 154 Days

Statline: 50 PTS, 2 REB, 8 AST, 2 STL, 1 BLK, 12-25 FG, 8-15 3PM

When Trae Young went off for 50 points against the Miami Heat on February 20, 2020, it was like he’d flipped a switch and decided to take over. The Hawks walked away with a 129-124 win, and Young, at just 21 years old, secured his spot as one of the youngest to drop 50. This game was more than just a career-high for Young; it was proof he could lead the charge for Atlanta, even against playoff-bound teams like Miami.

Young’s shooting was on another level that night—he hit 12 of his 25 shots, including 8-of-15 from deep, and barely missed at the line, going 18-for-19. With eight assists and a couple of steals on top, Trae wasn’t just scoring; he was orchestrating the entire offense, keeping defenders on their toes and creating for his teammates whenever the Heat double-teamed him.

This 50-point night was a preview of the kind of leader Young would become for the Hawks. His mix of scoring, vision, and fearlessness has kept Atlanta in the mix, making him one of the most exciting young guards in the game.

7. Paolo Banchero – 21 Years Old, 351 Days

Statline: 50 PTS, 13 REB, 9 AST, 2 BLK, 16-26 FG, 3-9 3PM

Paolo Banchero lit up the court with a 50-point explosion against the Indiana Pacers at the end of October, leading the Orlando Magic to a 119-115 victory. At just shy of 22, he became one of the youngest players in NBA history to hit the 50-point mark, showcasing his scoring prowess and versatility.

In that game, Banchero was everywhere—grabbing 13 rebounds, dishing out 9 assists, and adding 2 blocks. He shot an efficient 16-of-26 from the field and knocked down 3-of-9 from beyond the arc. This performance highlighted his ability to take over a game and contribute across the board.

However, the excitement was dampened when Banchero suffered a torn right oblique during a game against the Chicago Bulls just a couple of days later. This injury has sidelined him indefinitely, with a re-evaluation expected in four to six weeks. Before the injury, Banchero was averaging impressive numbers: 29.0 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game.

Despite his absence, the Orlando Magic have managed to hold their own, currently sitting at a 7-6 record. Banchero's early-season performances have set a high bar, and his return is highly anticipated as the team looks to build on their solid start.

8. Amar’e Stoudemire – 22 Years Old, 47 Days

Statline: 50 PTS, 11 REB, 2 AST, 1 STL, 3 BLK, 20-27 FG, 0-0 3PM

At just 22 years and 47 days old, Amar’e Stoudemire put on a show against the Portland Trail Blazers on January 2, 2005, dropping 50 points and grabbing 11 boards. Stoudemire was absolutely unstoppable in the paint, shooting an ultra-efficient 20-of-27 from the field. He was a relentless force that night, using his power and speed to bulldoze through defenders, and he even added three blocks to round out his monster game.

This game was classic Amar’e, showcasing his elite athleticism and his connection with point guard Steve Nash, who fed him perfectly all night. Their pick-and-roll was deadly, and on this night, it was virtually unstoppable. The chemistry between Amar’e and Nash was at its peak during this season, setting up countless highlight-reel plays and leaving the Blazers struggling to contain them.

Amar’e’s 50-point performance wasn’t just a career night—it was a statement that he was ready to dominate. That season, he averaged 26 points and nearly 9 rebounds, earning his first All-Star selection and solidifying himself as one of the most dynamic young bigs in the league. His explosive style was a cornerstone of those high-powered Phoenix Suns teams, making him a fan favorite and a serious force to be reckoned with.

9. Kobe Bryant – 22 Years Old, 105 Days

Statline: 51 PTS, 7 REB, 8 AST, 2 STL, 1 BLK, 18-35 FG, 3-6 3PM

At just 22 years and 105 days old, Kobe Bryant hit the 50-point mark for the first time on December 6, 2000, against the Golden State Warriors. Kobe led the Lakers to a 120-114 win in classic Mamba style, pouring in 51 points while shooting 18-of-35 from the field and knocking down three triples. He rounded out his stat line with 7 rebounds, 8 assists, 2 steals, and a block—showing off his full range of skills.

This game was a turning point for Kobe. Already a rising star and two-time champ, this performance felt like Kobe’s way of announcing that he was ready to take his game to another level. It was a preview of the legendary scoring outbursts that would come to define his career, showing that he had both the mentality and the skill to take over a game whenever he wanted.

From this point on, Kobe wasn’t just a young star; he was a bona fide scoring threat who would soon become one of the most unstoppable forces in the league. This first 50-point game was just the beginning of a legendary run.

10. Karl-Anthony Towns – 22 Years Old, 133 Days

Statline: 56 PTS, 15 REB, 4 AST, 1 STL, 6 BLK, 19-32 FG, 6-8 3PM

Karl-Anthony Towns put on an absolute clinic against the Atlanta Hawks on March 28, 2018, racking up 56 points and making it look easy. At just 22 years old, Towns didn’t just break his own career high—he set a new franchise record for the Timberwolves, cementing his status as the team’s go-to guy. Every time the Hawks thought they had him covered, Towns found another way to score, whether it was in the paint or from deep.

It wasn’t just the scoring that night, though. Towns was everywhere on the court, pulling down 15 rebounds and rejecting six shots, making his presence felt on both ends. He went 19-of-32 from the field and knocked down 6 of his 8 threes, proving he’s got range to go with his size.

That game was more than a big night; it was a statement from Towns that he had arrived. Minnesota knew they had something special, and this game was a glimmer of hope that Towns could be the franchise centerpiece they’d been waiting for.