The Highest Points Scored Against the Chicago Bulls in NBA History

Throughout the Chicago Bulls' storied 60-year history, a franchise that has claimed six championships and is home to arguably the greatest player of all time, it has still endured its fair share of beatings by opposing players. The following five players represent the most explosive scoring nights ever delivered against Chicago, with each putting up 57 or more points in a single game.

1. Donovan Mitchell - 71 points

On January 2, 2023, Donovan Mitchell delivered the single greatest scoring performance against the Bulls in franchise history. The Cavaliers' guard was locked in, hitting 22 of 34 from the field while draining 7 threes and going 20-for-25 from the free-throw line. Mitchell's historic night also included 11 assists and 8 rebounds in 50 minutes of action, as Cleveland rallied from 21 points down to win 145–134 in overtime. Mitchell scored 13 points in the extra session alone, forcing OT with a remarkable circus shot after grabbing his own intentionally missed free throw with just three seconds left. Mitchell’s 71-point performance put him in a select group of only ten players to record 70 or more points in NBA history. 

2. Wilt Chamberlain - 68 points

Long before the Bulls became a dynasty, Wilt Chamberlain carved them up (as he did most teams) for 68 points, leading the Philadelphia 76ers to a 143–123 victory on December 16, 1967. In what would be his fourth MVP season, the Philadelphia 76ers' center was his usual dominant self, connecting on 30 of 40 field goal attempts while adding an amazing 34 rebounds as he completed a 48-minute effort. Despite Wilt's 75% shooting from the floor, his free-throw struggles continued as he made just 8 of 22 from the line. Still, the Big Dipper's 68 points stand as the second-highest total ever scored against the Bulls. 

3. Jerry Stackhouse - 57 Points 

On April 3, 2001, Jerry Stackhouse torched the Bulls for 57 points in what marks the highest-scoring performance of his career. The Detroit Pistons' guard hit 21 of 36 shots with 4 threes and added 11 for 13 from the free-throw line in just 42 minutes. Stackhouse's efficiency was remarkable, shooting 58.3% from the field, as the Pistons walked away with a 27-point blowout. While he would likely never be included in the same conversation as the other scorers on this list, Stackhouse proved on this night that when he got hot, he could hang with anyone offensively.

3. Dominique Wilkins - 57 Points

Just over a month into the 1986–87 season, Dominique Wilkins put on an absolute clinic against the Bulls on December 10, 1986. The Human Highlight Film showcased every facet of his offensive arsenal, shooting 19-for-28 from the field and a near-perfect 19-for-21 from the charity stripe. Wilkins needed just 40 minutes to drop 57 points while also contributing 9 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, and a block. 'Nique's explosion came during an era when Michael Jordan was just beginning to establish himself as a superstar. While Jordan would go on to become the face of the league, this night belonged to the Human Highlight Reel as the Hawks routed the Bulls 123–95. 

3. Adrian Dantley - 57 Points

On December 4, 1982, Adrian Dantley put together a scoring masterclass against the Bulls, pouring in 57 points in just 38 minutes as Utah downed the Bulls 131–124. The Jazz forward was on fire from the field, hitting 20 of 27 shots while dropping 17 of 22 from the free-throw line. Dantley added 9 rebounds and 3 assists to his stat line, showcasing the complete offensive game that made him one of the most lethal scorers of the early 1980s. Known for his ability to get to the rim and draw fouls, Dantley's 22 free throw attempts were a testament to his relentless attacking style. His 57-point performance stands as one of two times he reached that mark against Chicago, cementing his place among the most prolific scorers to ever face the Bulls.