The Highest Points Scored Against the Memphis Grizzlies in NBA History

From their days in Vancouver to the Grit and Grind era in Memphis, the Grizzlies franchise has witnessed some of the most spectacular individual scoring efforts in NBA history. Whether at General Motors Place, the Pyramid, or FedExForum, opponents have taken their turns lighting up the Grizzlies for unforgettable performances. For Vancouver fans, they can take solace in the fact that their first appearance on the all-time list comes way down at 17, by Antonio McDyess’s 46-point night.    

1. Kobe Bryant - 60 Points 

Of the top ten single-game scoring performances, LA Lakers legend Kobe Bryant holds down three of the spots. The man didn't just beat the Grizzlies, he owned them. On March 22, 2007, at FedExForum, he delivered his most dominant performance against them, scoring nearly half of the Lakers' total points. 

In the middle of one of the most legendary scoring streaks in NBA history, Bryant erupted for 60 points on 20-of-37 shooting, 3-of-7 from three-point range, and a near-perfect 17-of-18 from the free throw line in 45 minutes. He added 5 rebounds and 4 assists as the Lakers narrowly escaped with a 121–119 victory. This was the third game in Bryant's historic four-game stretch of 50-point performances, as he had scored 65 against Portland and 50 against Minnesota in the previous two games and would add another 50 against New Orleans to complete the streak.

2. James Harden - 57 Points

In the span of just two months, Houston Rockets guard James Harden dropped 57 points against Memphis not once, but twice during the 2018-19 season. In the first performance on January 14, 2019, Harden put up 57 points in just 34 minutes, shooting 17-of-33 from the field, 6-of-15 from three, and 17-of-18 from the free throw line. He added 9 rebounds and 2 assists in a 112–94 Rockets home victory.

Just two months later, on March 20, 2019, Harden traveled to FedExForum and dropped another 57-point bomb on Memphis, this time in a heartbreaking 126-125 overtime loss. Harden shot 18-of-39 from the field, 9-of-17 from three-point range, and a perfect 12-of-12 from the free throw line in 46 minutes, adding 7 rebounds, 8 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks. He scored 28 points in the fourth quarter and overtime combined, single-handedly bringing Houston back from a 17-point deficit and forcing overtime with three free throws in the final seconds of regulation.

3. Stephen Curry - 52 Points

On April 1, 2025, Stephen Curry put on a shooting clinic at FedExForum that belonged in a basketball museum. The Golden State Warriors guard exploded for 52 points on 16-of-31 shooting, including 32 first-half points and an overall stunning 12-of-20 from three-point range and a perfect 8-of-8 from the free-throw line in 37 minutes. Chef Curry also filled the stat sheet with 10 rebounds, 8 assists, 5 steals, and a block in a 134–125 Warriors victory.

Curry's 12 three-pointers tied for the second-most he's ever made in a single game, falling just two short of the NBA record he shares with former teammate Klay Thompson. The performance was particularly sweet for Curry, who had scored just two points on 0-for-7 shooting in his previous game at FedExForum in December. 

4. LeBron James - 51 Points

LeBron James has a resume full of big moments, from clutch shots to amazing assists to highlight reel dunks, and on January 15, 2008, in Memphis, he put all of those traits on display, proving to be one of the league’s most unstoppable players. The Cleveland Cavaliers star poured in 51 points on an efficient 18-of-28 shooting, 6-of-12 from three-point range, and 9-of-16 from the free throw line in 47 minutes. He added 8 rebounds, 9 assists, and 3 steals in a thrilling 132–124 overtime victory.

What made the performance particularly special was James' dominance down the stretch as he scored 25 of his 51 points in the fourth quarter and overtime combined, taking complete control of the game. This would be the second of five times in his illustrious career that James finished a game with 51 points. 

5. Jamal Mashburn - 50 Points

In the midst of the best season of his career, New Orleans Hornets forward Jamal Mashburn delivered a 50-point performance against the Memphis Grizzlies on February 21, 2003. "Monster Mash" shot 17-of-33 from the field, 4-of-7 from three-point range, and a perfect 12-of-12 from the free throw line in 46 minutes, adding 5 rebounds and 5 assists in a dramatic 125–123 overtime victory at home.

With the clock winding down in overtime, Mashburn provided the heroics. After the Hornets tied the game on a Mashburn mid-range jumper, the Grizzlies had the opportunity to win the game but missed a pair of putbacks.  After missing his first game-winning attempt, Mashburn grabbed his own rebound and sank a short jumper with just 1 second remaining to send the crowd into a frenzy and lift the Hornets to victory.