The Highest Points Scored Against the Detroit Pistons in NBA History
Feb 3, 2026
Since entering the NBA in 1948, the Detroit Pistons have been on the wrong end of some of the most impressive individual scoring displays in basketball history. The following five players represent the most explosive offensive performances ever against the franchise, each pouring in at least 59 points in a single game.
1. David Thompson - 73 points
On April 9, 1978, David Thompson delivered the single greatest scoring performance against the Pistons in franchise history. The Denver Nuggets' guard was given the green light by coach Larry Brown on the final day of the regular season, hitting 28 of 38 from the field while going 17-for-20 from the charity stripe in just 43 minutes. Thompson added 7 rebounds, 2 assists, and a block to his stat line, shooting a remarkable 73.7% from the floor in a game where the scoring title was on the line against San Antonio Spurs forward George Gervin. Unfortunately, Thompson’s 73-point masterpiece was not enough to carry the Nuggets to victory, falling 139–137.
2. Michael Jordan - 61 points
On March 4, 1987, Michael Jordan lit up the Pistons for 61 points in a performance that foreshadowed future battles between Chicago and Detroit's "Bad Boys." The Bulls' guard was on fire, hitting 22 of 39 from the field and going 17-for-18 from the free-throw line in 43 minutes of action, scoring just three points less than the rest of the entire Bulls roster. Jordan added 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals, and 3 blocks in a complete two-way display, as the Bulls scratched out a 125–120 overtime victory. Nearly a year later, Jordan would drop 59 points on the Pistons, as the Eastern Conference rivalry between Chicago and Detroit continued to grow.
3. Giannis Antetokounmpo - 59 points
On November 13, 2024, Giannis Antetokounmpo exploded for 59 points in dominant fashion as the Milwaukee Bucks outlasted the Pistons 127–120 in an overtime affair. The Bucks' forward was nearly unstoppable, shooting 21-for-34 from the field, hitting just a single three-pointer while converting 16 of 17 free throws in 44 minutes. The Greek Freak added 14 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 steals, and 3 blocks in a performance that showcased his complete arsenal.
3. Anthony Davis - 59 points
There wasn’t much for New Orleans Pelicans fans to cheer about during the 2015–2016 season as the team struggled to a 30–52 record. However, one bright moment came on February 21, 2016, when Anthony Davis delivered the most dominant performance in franchise history, torching the Pistons for 59 points in just 43 minutes. The Pelicans' big man was sensational, hitting 24 of 34 from the field with 2 threes and going 9-for-10 from the charity stripe. Davis absolutely controlled the paint, grabbing 20 rebounds to go along with 4 assists and a block as the Pelicans captured a 111–106 victory.
3. Wilt Chamberlain - 59 points
On February 11, 1964, Wilt Chamberlain delivered a typical dominant performance against the Pistons, pouring in 59 points in a 53-minute overtime effort. Although the San Francisco Warriors' center had his usual struggles from the free-throw line, hitting just 9 of 21 attempts, he more than made up for it, dropping 25 of 50 shots from the field. Chamberlain controlled the glass with 18 rebounds and dished out 4 assists, completely overwhelming Detroit's frontcourt. Of the top ten highest-scoring games by a Pistons opponent, Chamberlain holds spots 6–10 with four 58-point games in addition to this 59-point explosion.
