The Quest for 100 Points: Will an NBA player achieve unthinkable again?

NBA: The basketball world eagerly awaits to see if any player will rise to the occasion to break the Wilt Chamberlain's unbelievable history.

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Satyam Singh
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NBA: In basketball history, Wilt Chamberlain is the only player who scored 100 points in a game. The question on everyone's mind now is whether any NBA player will ever replicate such a remarkable feat. Five experts on NBA.com offered their unique perspectives on the likelihood of witnessing another player reaching the century mark in points.

Veteran journalist Steve Aschburner contemplates the two potential scenarios that could prevent a recurrence of Chamberlain's historic performance. He dismisses that no player possesses the capability, citing modern training, athleticism, nutrition, and rule changes favoring offense. He said, "The first possibility seems unlikely, given modern training, athletic ability, nutrition, travel, 3-pointers vs. 2-pointers, and current defense-hobbling rules. The second suggests a reverence toward Chamberlain, one of the NBA’s greatest who played the so-called right way … none of which will deter anyone. Sports records fall."

Former NBA player is optimistic about the future stars

Meanwhile, former NBA player Brian Martin takes a cautious stance, acknowledging the talent of today's players. He emphasized the vast gap between Chamberlain's 100 points and the current scoring sprees. While Kobe Bryant's 81 points may be within reach, Martin believes surpassing Chamberlain requires a unique set of skills, pinpointing players like Luka Doncic who can achieve the unthinkable. 

Senior journalist, Shaun Powell asserts that the rarity of records lasting forever, coupled with the evolution of the game, leaves the door open for a new 100-point scorer. Powell credits the modern NBA style, featuring a spaced floor, touch fouls, and emphasis on isolation which will certainly help the players to achieve the feat.

Can Victor Wembanyama score 100 points?

On the other hand, John Schuhmann acknowledges the potential for huge scoring nights in today's game but highlights the challenge of defenses slowing down unstoppable players through double-teams. He said, "If it were to happen: It would have to be somebody who can score over or through double-teams and shoot from long distance. Victor Wembanyama, who is averaging 34.2 points per 36 minutes over his last 11 games, might be the best candidate among players in the league right now."

While Michael C. Wright expressed his belief that another 100-point game will happen. He points to the continual growth of players' collective skill sets and the NBA's inclination towards offensive-friendly rules.

"The collective skill set of the players continues to grow tremendously at a rapid pace. Besides, the NBA’s rules will always be structured in ways to keep the fans in their seats and in front of televisions, which means more offense and scoring, and fewer regulations tilted toward defenders, " Wright said.

As the debate rages on, the basketball world eagerly awaits to see if any player will rise to the occasion to break the Wilt Chamberlain's unbelievable history.