Isiah Thomas stirred debate with a bold claim about Wilt Chamberlain and his iconic 100-point game.
Speaking on the “Run It Back TV” podcast, Thomas argued that Chamberlain’s record is not as untouchable as many believe.
“What I do know is if somebody gets hot, if any NBA player gets hot, and I’m saying any one of them, if that ball is pointed to that guy every single time down court, can he get 100? Absolutely,” Thomas said. “It’s a lot of guys who can get it in the NBA. If you’re giving that guy the ball every time down court and he gets hot, he can cook you. It’s not a select few.
“To me, out of the 450, it’s probably 420 of them that can do it.”
Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (13) reacts after becoming the NBA’s second-highest scorer of points in a game against the Washington Wizards at Kaseya Center. Adebayo scored 83 points.Rhona Wise-Imagn Images
(Rhona Wise-Imagn Images)
The timing of Thomas’ comments matters very much. Miami Heat’sBam Adebayo recently dropped 83 points on the Washington Wizards, surpassing Kobe Bryant’s 81-point record for the second-highest-scoring performance in NBA history.
That performance showed how extreme volume and opportunity shape scoring totals. Adebayo attempted 43 shots, took 43 free throws, and logged 42 minutes.
Usage rate is the key factor here. If any player is given that many shots and control, the scoring rises automatically. But in reality, NBA defenses don’t work like that.
When a player starts getting hot, they send double teams early and force the ball out of your hands. Pressure increases, and possessions start getting tougher as the game goes on.
Only a handful of players can make that level of on-the-fly adjustments. And there are even fewer who can continue to produce high numbers with those adjustments.
Players like Luka Doncic, Stephen Curry, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander,Anthony Edwards and Victor Wembanyama combine shot creation, efficiency, and endurance at that level.
Reaching 100 points is more than just getting hot; it’s about constant touches, elite shot making, effective strategy against double teams and a game environment that allows it to continue.
So while Thomas’ idea holds in theory, the practical gap remains massive—even Adebayo’s 83 needed near-perfect conditions. Breaking Wilt’s 100-point record would require a perfect storm, which may be impossible in today’s league.
Related: Poll: Who Did It Better … Bam Adebayo or Kobe Bryant?
Related: NBA Legend Isiah Thomas Announces First-Ever Move
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Mar 27, 2026, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.