Top 5 Unbreakable NBA Records in History

In the world of sports, it’s often said that records exist to be surpassed. However, some feats seem virtually impossible to top. In the NBA, due to the game's continuous transformation, certain records have become nearly untouchable. With each season bringing more talented and skilled athletes, the competition is fiercer than ever, making these records even more impressive.

Technically, all NBA records are breakable since someone had to set them in the first place. However, many records require such longevity and consistency that, with how the league has changed, they seem out of reach. Modern players rarely complete all 82 games in a season, and few play beyond 15 seasons, let alone 20. This evolution, combined with how the game is played today, makes certain records nearly impossible to break.

Here’s a look at the five most unbreakable records in NBA history.

Single-Season Points Per Game Average

Record Holder: Wilt Chamberlain – 50.4 PPG in 1961-62

Wilt Chamberlain stands as one of the most dominant figures in NBA history, with numerous records to his name. A separate list could easily be created for his accomplishments alone, including his streak of 65 games scoring 30 or more points, 55 rebounds in one game, and the iconic 100-point game. However, his single-season scoring average of 50.4 points per game during the 1961-62 season takes center stage on this list.

Even early in his career, Chamberlain was recognized as an all-time great. In his third season, he averaged 50.4 points per game—a record no one has come close to breaking since. Despite his incredible season, where he also averaged 25.7 rebounds across 80 games, Chamberlain shockingly finished second in MVP voting behind Bill Russell.

Wilt dominates the top spots, with five of the six highest single-season PPG records. The only exception in the top five is Michael Jordan’s 37.1 PPG season in 1986-87. Among active players, James Harden came closest with 36.1 PPG in the 2018-19 season.

While the NBA now emphasizes offensive play, averaging over 30 PPG is challenging due to teams relying on multiple star players rather than just one. Moreover, players today don't clock as many minutes as those in Chamberlain's era.

Longest Consecutive Games Played