The Highest Points Scored Against the Denver Nuggets in NBA History

Throughout the Denver Nuggets' history, dating back to their ABA days in 1967 and NBA arrival in 1976, only nineteen players have lit up their defense for 50 or more points. Here are the five highest-scoring single-game performances against the Nuggets franchise.

1. Adrian Dantley - 55 Points

Adrian Dantley put on an absolute clinic at the Salt Palace on February 6, 1981, dropping 55 points on 24-of-36 shooting along with 7-of-8 from the charity stripe in a 120-116 Jazz loss. The 6-foot-5 forward played 47 minutes and added seven rebounds and three assists as his mid-range mastery was on full display, repeatedly punishing Denver's defense with his signature moves in the paint. The Jazz forward actually torched the Nuggets multiple times during this era, as he also had a 53-point performance against Denver on April 10, 1982 (19-of-28 shooting), and dropped 51 points on January 7, 1981. 

2. Stephen Curry - 53 Points 

On April 12, 2021, Dallas and Golden State found themselves in a thriller as Stephen Curry reminded everyone why he's the greatest shooter of all time by exploding for 53 points on 14-of-24 shooting, including a scorching 10-of-18 from three-point range. Curry also added 15-of-16 from the free-throw line in just 36 minutes. The Warriors' sharpshooter added six rebounds and four assists in Golden State's 116-107 victory, putting Denver's perimeter defense in a blender all night long. This performance came during Curry's remarkable 2020-21 campaign, where he carried the Warriors' offense. 

3. George Gervin - 53 Points

The Iceman lived up to his nickname on January 8, 1980, dropping a 53-point masterpiece against Denver, going 23-of-40 from the field and 7-of-8 from the free-throw line. Gervin played 43 minutes for San Antonio, adding three rebounds, two assists, and three steals as the Spurs held on for a 137-134 victory. What made this performance so special was Gervin's signature finger roll and his effortless scoring ability, making 50+ points look effortless. The Hall of Famer's smooth offensive game was nearly impossible to defend when he found his rhythm, as the Nuggets and the rest of the league found out as Gervin collected his third of four scoring titles. 

4. Bernard King - 52 Points

While he may have been in the twilight of his Hall-of-Fame career, Bernard King proved he still had plenty left in the tank with a vintage 52-point explosion on December 29, 1990. Hitting 20-of-35 shots for the Washington Bullets. King added eight rebounds and six assists in 39 minutes while connecting on 12-of-14 free throws in a 161-133 Bullets blowout. This performance was even more impressive as  King was 34 years old and had suffered the devastating ACL injury that nearly ended his career in 1985. His ability to still score at an elite level five years later was a testament to his greatness, as he repeatedly got to his spots and punished Denver's defense with his patented pull-up jumpers and drives to the basket.

5. Charles Smith - 52 Points 

Just weeks before Bernard King's explosion, Charles Smith went off for 52 against the Nuggets. Early in his third season with the Los Angeles Clippers, Smith lit up Denver's defense for 52 points on 17-of-27 shooting while going 18-of-21 from the free-throw line. Smith added six rebounds, two assists, three steals, and two blocks in 37 minutes, as the Clippers routed the Nuggets 137-121. The 6-foot-10 forward was basically unstoppable on December 1, 1990, using his size and athleticism to dominate the Nuggets' front line.