The NBA's 15 Most Shocking 50-Point Scorers of All-Time

Performance-based statistics inevitably provoke endless bar-stool debates, inspire historical comparisons, and provide specific numerical benchmarks to contribute to the allure of professional sports and individual achievements. For the fervent fan, who examines sports' box scores with the thoroughness and dedication of a young Sherlock Holmes, an extremely intriguing stat-line surfaced as the 2009-2010 NBA season nears the halfway point.

Blazers guard Andre Miller delivered a shocking 52-point performance to emerge victorious in overtime against the Dallas Mavericks. Reaching the half-century mark in a single is typically reserved for NBA royalty such as the Club's leaders Wilt Chamberlain, Michael Jordan, and Kobe Bryant. The rarity of the achievement inspires further examination of the point guard's historical feat, and inspires definitively ranking Miller's unlikely induction into the NBA's 50-Point Club.

The NBA's 15 Most Shocking 50-Point Scorers of All-Time

15. G Jimmy Jackson, Dallas Mavericks (50), November 26, 1994 versus Denver
The Buckeye phenom played terrific upon entry into the league in Dallas, but performance leveled off considerably after averaging a remarkable 25.7 PPG in 1994-1995. Fans forget Jackson's early greatness due to a career average of 14.3 PPG.

14. F Jermaine O'Neal, Indiana Pacers (54), January 4, 2005 versus Milwaukee Bucks
The 6-time All-Star has established a respectable career, excelling primarily as a defender and rebounder. In spite of averaging 14.2 PPG, O'Neal erupted for 54 against the lowly Bucks in 2005.

13. F Cedric Ceballos, Los Angeles Lakers (50), December 20, 1994 versus Minnesota
The high-flying Ceballos entered the NBA's 50-Point Club with a dominant performance against the dismal Timberwolves in 1994. Ceballos amassed two 20+ PPG seasons, yet only a career average of 14.3 PPG.

12. G Michael Adams, Denver Nuggets (54), March 23, 1991 versus Milwaukee
A 26.5 PPG 1991 season was an aberration of excellence for the undersized Adams, aided by the Nugget's run-and-gun philosophy. Otherwise, the Boston College guard compiled a modest career average of 14.7 PPG.

11. G-F Mike Newlin, New Jersey Nets (52), December 16, 1979 versus Boston
Miller's not the first Ute to join the NBA's 50-Point Club. Newlin accomplished the feat in 1979 in an overtime showdown against the Celtics. Newlin's contributions were well-respected throughout an 11-season career in the league, but a 14.9 PPG career average renders inclusion surprising.

10. G Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf, Denver Nuggets (51), December 7, 1995 versus Utah
The artist formerly-known-as Chris Jackson, dropped 51 on the Jazz in 1995, an unlikely feat considering a career average of 14.6 PPG.

9. G Damon Stoudamire, Portland Trailblazers (52), January 14, 2005 versus New Orleans
Miller's 52-point performance mirrors the 54-point output from former Blazer, "Mighty Mouse," Stoudamire. The career 13.4 PPG scorer, Stoudamire, was promptly traded to Memphis shortly after joining the 50-Point Club.

8. G Fred Brown, Seattle Supersonics (58), March 23, 1974 versus Golden State
NBA circles revere "Downtown Freddy Brown's" long-range acumen. However, Brown compiled a modest career average of 14.6 PPG, while his 58-point performance occurred prior to the institution of the 3-point line.

7. G-F Freeman Williams, Jr., San Diego Clippers (51), January 19, 1980 versus Phoenix
The Portland State swingman played only 8 seasons in the NBA to the tune of 14.7 PPG. A surprise 51-point game against Phoenix is legendary in San Diego Clippers' franchise lore.

6. F Charles Smith, Los Angeles Clippers (52), December 1, 1990 versus Denver
Smith, a 14.4 PPG career scorer, benefited from playing the up-tempo Nuggets to join the 50-point club.

5. PG Andre Miller, Portland Trailblazers (52), January 30, 2010, 114-112 Win at Dallas
The journeyman point guard shocked the world with 52 in an overtime victory at Dallas. Fans have acknowledged Miller's prowess as facilitator and floor general, but 52 points at this stage in his career is simply stunning.

4. G Tony Delk, Phoenix Suns (53), January 1, 2001 versus Sacramento
Since his days at Kentucky, Delk was a notorious three-point specialist. Delk averaged a lowly 9.1 PPG during his lengthy career as gunner-for-hire, making 53 an incredible feat.

3. F Willie Burton, Philadelphia 76ers (53), December 13, 1993 versus Miami Heat
The Golden Gopher forward lit up his former professional squad for a head-scratching 53 points in 1993. Burton played only 8 seasons in the NBA and averaged 10 PPG.

2. F TracyMurray, Washington Bullets (50), February 10, 1998 versus Golden State
Bullet forward Tracy Murray did the unthinkable and joined the 50-Point Club in 1998. During a lengthy career as NBA role player, Murray was a dangerous three-point threat, while amassing a humble 9.0 PPG average

1. C Walt Wesley, Cleveland Cavaliers (50), February 19, 1971 versus Cincinnati
The former "Jayhawk-giant" delivered arguably the most unlikely 50-point performance in NBA history in 1971. Wesley averaged only 8.5 PPG as a 12-year journeyman center, compiling double-digit totals in two seasons.

All stats provided by Basketball-Reference.com.