As NBA fans, we’ve witnessed numerous players record crazy stat lines. This includes Wilt Chamberlain’s 100-point game, Michael Jordan’s 63 points in a playoff game, and Russell Westbrook’s 20 points, 20 rebounds, and 21 assists game, in which he dedicated his performance to the late rapper Nipsey Hussle.
These performances are incredible, but there is another performance by an NBA legend that stands out for its incredible stat line. I’m speaking of Hakeem Olajuwon and his 5×5 game against the Seattle SuperSonics in 1987.
Hakeem’s Dream Like Performance
Hakeem Olajuwon was an incredible player during his time in the NBA. He was possibly the best defensive big man in the league for most of his career, and his offensive game was spectacular as well. There’s a reason why Olajuwon won back-to-back titles in the 90s.
On top of being a champion, Olajuwon would often put up insane stat lines. This was apparent on March 10, 1987, in a home game against the Seattle SuperSonics.
Back in 1987, Hakeem Olajuwon dropped one of the craziest stat lines in NBA History, while accomplishing the ULTRA RARE 5×5! #NBADefenseWeek
🤯 The Dream finished with 38 PTS, 17 REB, 6 AST, 7 STL, 12 BLK pic.twitter.com/I9grkBhvWv
— NBA History (@NBAHistory) September 1, 2022
Olajuwon balled out as only he seemed to be able to do. In the game, The Dream scored 38 points on 14-29 shooting. On top of his scoring, Olajuwon added 17 rebounds, 6 assists, 7 steals, and an incredible 12 blocked shots.
Yes, you read that stat line correctly. Olajuwon recorded what’s known as a 5×5, which refers to having five stat totals reaching at least five.
What’s even more incredible about Olajuwon, as pointed out by StatMuse, is that Olajuwon has recorded six 5×5 games during his career, while the rest of the NBA has four total 5×5 games.
Most 5×5 games in NBA history:
6 — Hakeem Olajuwon
3 — Andrei Kirilenko
1 — Everyone else
Hakeem once had a 38/17/6/7/12 game. Not a typo. pic.twitter.com/FTTL2VfbmM
— StatMuse (@statmuse) July 21, 2022
That’s an insane stat, and it once again proves Olajuwon was on an entirely different level during his prime. What’s also insane is the fact the Rockets lost the game against the SuperSonics by a score of 136-127. So, if it wasn’t for Olajuwon, the Rockets may have been defeated by 30 points or more.
This is another prime reason why we NBA fans should appreciate the players, past and present. Because without the greats, like Hakeem Olajuwon, the game wouldn’t be where it is today.
