For eighteen years, Wilt Chamberlain was the highest scoring player in NBA history. Next was a player by the name of Lew Alcindor, who would go on to become Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Using his unique skyhook, Abdul-Jabbar broke Chamberlain’s record of 31,419 career points on April 5, 1984.
Although the two legendary centers respected each other, Chamberlain made some subtle jabs at Abdul-Jabbar both before and after his record was surpassed.
More points were scored by Chamberlain than by any other player in his 14 years in the NBA. Given the numbers he generated, he was frequently called a self-centered player who put himself first.
For his first six seasons, Chamberlain led the league in points scored. He scored 100 points in the Philadelphia Warriors’ 169-147 victory over the New York Knicks during his third season with the team. He averaged 25.7 rebounds and 50.4 points that season. Such a season has never been experienced by anyone. Despite the impressive stats, Chamberlain was not named the MVP for that season.
Abdul-Jabbar undoubtedly respected Chamberlain, even though the voters didn’t treat him with the deference he deserved. Following his incredible performance in a 129-115 victory over the Utah Jazz, Abdul-Jabbar focused on the player he had just overtaken.
According to The Associated Press, Abdul-Jabbar declared following the game, “I have enormous respect for him.” “I have no doubt that Wilt is unaware of how much of his career was spent being taken for granted.
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