NBA's Closest Scoring Races
George Gervin vs. David Thompson
1977-78
The closest scoring race came when Gervin (27.22) edged Thompson (27.15). Of course, it came down to the final day -- April 9, 1978. Gervin took a slim lead into their finales, with Thompson playing first.
Thompson scored 32 points in the first quarter against the Pistons, an NBA record. He had 53 at halftime and 73 at the buzzer. Only Wilt Chamberlain had scored more points in a game.
Gervin would need 58 points against the Jazz later that night. The Iceman, too, came out firing with 20 points in the first and 33 more in the second. Thompson's record was gone in a matter of hours. Gervin finished with 63 to win a wild scoring race. Both the Spurs and Nuggets lost their games, by the way.
Thompson scored 32 points in the first quarter against the Pistons, an NBA record. He had 53 at halftime and 73 at the buzzer. Only Wilt Chamberlain had scored more points in a game.
Gervin would need 58 points against the Jazz later that night. The Iceman, too, came out firing with 20 points in the first and 33 more in the second. Thompson's record was gone in a matter of hours. Gervin finished with 63 to win a wild scoring race. Both the Spurs and Nuggets lost their games, by the way.
