William Liang-Imagn Images

Who Has the Most 40-Point Games in NBA History?

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Angelo Guinhawa | Last updated Nov 15, 2025 1:19 AM ET

The NBA has seen plenty of great scorers throughout its 80-year history, and fans of the modern basketball game have been lucky enough to witness several of those elite hoopers over the past decade.

More recently, Golden State Warriors star Steph Curry has been making waves for his scoring exploits amid the 2025-26 NBA season.

At 37 years old, Curry continues to make scoring look easy. In fact, during Friday's showdown with the San Antonio Spurs, he dropped 49 points on 16-of-26 shooting. He made nine 3-pointers, and even recorded four rebounds, two assists and two steals.

It was Curry's third 40-point game of the season, previously dropping 42 points against the Denver Nuggets and 46 against the Spurs just last Wednesday.

Curry's performance has led plenty of people to ask about the player who has the most 40-point games in NBA history.

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) during an NBA game. © Eakin Howard-Imagn Images

Who Has the Most 40-Point Games in NBA History?

Curry's 49-point performance against the Spurs was his 74th game with at least 40 points. That puts him at No. 9 on the all-time list for most 40-point games.

According to StatMuse, Wilt Chamberlain still holds the record for the most games with 40 or more points scored with 271.

Michael Jordan is behind him with 173, followed by Kobe Bryant (122), James Harden (106), Elgin Baylor (88), LeBron James (79), Allen Iverson (79) and Oscar Robertson (77).

Steph Curry Ties Michael Jordan

However, it's worth noting that no other player aged 30 years or older has tallied more 40-point games than Curry.

Curry now has 44 games with at least 40 points since turning 30, tied with Jordan.

Steph Curry recorded his 73rd career 40+ point game on Wednesday, his 43rd time doing so since turning 30 years old.

The only player in NBA history with more 40-point games after turning 30 is Michael Jordan with 44 pic.twitter.com/rqoQWTAkas
— NBA History (@NBAHistory) November 14, 2025