Michael Jordan And LeBron James Are The Only Players To Score 50 Points In Three Different Decades

Originally posted on Fadeaway World
By Aaditya Krishnamurthy | Last updated 3/7/22

The NBA world is still buzzing over LeBron James' incredible performance against the Golden State Warriors. Trying to break a 4-game losing streak, the Lakers superstar dropped 56 points against the Warriors and willed them to a victory. Fans were thrilled to see James turn back the clock and put on a performance for the ages.

But LeBron James managed to make quite a bit of history during his performance against the Golden State Warriors. James had his first 50-point game in the 2020s, making him only the second player in NBA history to score 50 points in a game in three different decades behind Michael Jordan.

Michael Jordan had 50-point games in the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s. Whereas LeBron James has 50-point games in the 2000s, 2010s, and now the 2020s. James and Jordan being the only player to have this feat in their long list of accomplishments only speaks to their greatness and longevity.

The story behind Michael Jordan's 50-point game with the Wizards, the one that gave him this record, is truly spectacular. Jordan had received a lot of criticism from fans and analysts after the prior game, took it personally, and decided to teach a lesson to the NBA as to why he should never be doubted.

James' performance also meant he joined Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and Jamal Crawford as the only players to have a 50-point game after turning 37 years old. James has been truly spectacular despite being near the end of his career. His run of form during this season has been great, but it hasn't been enough to salvage the Lakers' season so far.

LeBron James and the Lakers will be hoping their win over the Warriors can be the start of them turning things around. Time is ticking for the Lakers, and if they can go on a good run to close the season, it could give them the momentum to make some kind of playoff run.