NBA Rookies With The Most Points In A Single Game Each Season Of This Century

Zaccharie Risacher showed exactly why there’s so much hype around him. In just his seventh NBA game, the French forward dropped a jaw-dropping 33 points for the Atlanta Hawks in their 121–116 win over the New York Knicks. But it wasn’t just the points that had fans buzzing. In 37 minutes on the court, Risacher added 7 rebounds, 3 steals, and shot an efficient 11-for-18 from the field.

Risacher’s explosive game got us thinking about other rookie scoring outbursts we’ve seen over the years. Every season, there’s at least one new face who goes off in a way that makes everyone sit up and take notice. So, inspired by Risacher’s big night, let’s dive into the highest-scoring rookie performances of each season since 2000 – the moments where young players took their first big step onto the league’s stage and made sure everyone was watching.

2000-01 NBA Season – Courtney Alexander – 33 Points

Courtney Alexander went off for 33 points as a rookie with the Wizards on April 18, 2001, against the Raptors. He was all over the place, shooting 12-for-23 from the field and adding a rebound and an assist in 47 minutes on the floor. It was the kind of scoring outburst that made people pay attention, even if his NBA career didn’t end up being super long. For one night, though, he showed he could really fill it up.

After that season, Alexander’s career was a bit of a rollercoaster. Drafted 13th overall in 2000 by the Orlando Magic and traded immediately to the Mavericks, he moved to the Wizards partway through his rookie year. He showed flashes of scoring potential but struggled with injuries and consistency. After two seasons with Washington and one with New Orleans, he was out of the league by 2003. Despite the early exit, he’ll always be remembered for moments like that 33-point game.

2001-02 NBA Season – Jason Richardson – 40 Points

Jason Richardson lit up the scoreboard with 40 points for the Golden State Warriors on April 16, 2002, against the Sacramento Kings. He was on fire that night, sinking 18 of his 28 shots in 41 minutes. It was the kind of game that showed off his insane athleticism and ability to score from anywhere.

This breakout performance helped cement Richardson as one of the league’s most exciting rookies. He finished the season averaging 14.4 points per game and even took home the Slam Dunk Contest title at All-Star Weekend, quickly becoming a fan favorite.

2002-03 NBA Season – Amar’e Stoudemire – 38 Points

Amar’e Stoudemire made a statement as a rookie for the Phoenix Suns, putting up 38 points against the Minnesota Timberwolves on December 30, 2002. In 45 minutes, Stoudemire went 16-for-24 from the field, adding 14 rebounds, a steal, and 2 blocks. His dominant performance in the paint and around the basket made it clear he was going to be a force in the league.

This breakout game was a preview of what was to come, as Stoudemire finished his rookie season averaging 13.5 points and 8.8 rebounds per game, eventually winning the NBA Rookie of the Year award. His mix of power and athleticism made him an instant impact player and a fan favorite in Phoenix.

2003-04 NBA Season – Carmelo Anthony & LeBron James – 41 Points

In the 2003-04 season, rookies Carmelo Anthony and LeBron James came into the league with massive expectations, and they did not disappoint. Both of them hit their season-high with 41-point games. Melo went off against the Seattle SuperSonics on March 30, 2004, shooting an impressive 19-for-29. Just days before, on March 27, LeBron lit up the New Jersey Nets, shooting 15-for-29 and filling up the stat sheet with 6 rebounds, 13 assists, and 3 steals, showing everyone that he was more than just a scorer.

The Rookie of the Year race was tight that season, with both putting up great numbers. LeBron ultimately took home the ROTY award, finishing the season with averages of 20.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.9 assists. Melo was right there, though, averaging 21.0 points and 6.1 rebounds, leading the Nuggets to their first playoff appearance in nearly a decade. These two set the stage for what would be legendary careers, making their rookie season one for the books.

2004-05 NBA Season – Ben Gordon – 35 Points

Ben Gordon made waves during his rookie season with the Chicago Bulls, scoring a season-high 35 points against the Charlotte Bobcats on March 30, 2005. He shot an impressive 11-for-17 from the field, including a handful of clutch shots that showed off his confidence as a young scorer. Known for his ability to heat up quickly, Gordon was often the Bulls’ go-to guy in the fourth quarter, even as a rookie.

Gordon’s scoring ability helped him secure the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award, making him the first rookie ever to win it. He averaged 15.1 points per game that season, cementing himself as one of the most exciting rookies to watch and a key player for Chicago’s resurgence.

2005-06 NBA Season – Charlie Villanueva – 48 Points

Charlie Villanueva went absolutely wild on March 26, 2006, putting up a ridiculous 48 points for the Toronto Raptors against the Milwaukee Bucks. He was hitting everything that night, going 20-for-32 from the field and adding 9 rebounds and 3 blocks. For a rookie, that’s just insane. People weren’t expecting him to go off like that, but he showed he could be a serious scoring threat.

That 48-point game ended up being one of the highlights of his rookie season, where he averaged 13.0 points and 6.4 rebounds. Villanueva may not have kept up those numbers every night, but he definitely left his mark with one of the most impressive rookie scoring games in recent memory.

2006-07 NBA Season – Rudy Gay – 31 Points

Rudy Gay hit his rookie season high with 31 points for the Memphis Grizzlies on February 14, 2007, against the Indiana Pacers. He shot 13-for-19 from the field and added 6 rebounds and 2 blocks. Gay was starting to show flashes of his smooth scoring style and athleticism, which would eventually make him one of the Grizzlies’ key players.

That season, Gay averaged 10.8 points and 4.5 rebounds, putting him in the conversation as one of the top rookies. Although he didn’t take home the Rookie of the Year (which went to Brandon Roy), this game was just the beginning of a solid NBA career for him.

2007-08 NBA Season – Kevin Durant – 42 Points

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rK6ikpBrsXc

Kevin Durant showed the world he was a future superstar during his rookie season, capping it off with a massive 42-point game for the Seattle SuperSonics against the Golden State Warriors on April 16, 2008. Durant went 18-for-25 from the field, adding 13 rebounds and a block, giving a preview of the scoring machine he would soon become.

That rookie year was just the beginning. Durant went on to become a 2-time NBA champion, 2-time Finals MVP, 4-time scoring champ, and league MVP in 2014. Known for his almost unguardable jump shot and smooth scoring, KD established himself as one of the greatest scorers in NBA history. His journey from that explosive rookie game to becoming a multiple-time All-Star and one of the faces of the league has been nothing short of legendary.

2008-09 NBA Season – Eric Gordon – 41 Points

Eric Gordon put up an impressive 41 points for the Los Angeles Clippers on January 23, 2009, against the Oklahoma City Thunder. He shot 12-for-19 from the field and was money from the free-throw line, going 10-for-10. Gordon was already making a name for himself as a dangerous scorer, and this game solidified his reputation as one of the most exciting rookies of the season.

That year, Gordon averaged 16.1 points per game and quickly became a core piece for the Clippers. Though he’s had an up-and-down career with injuries, he’s still known for his scoring ability and has carved out a solid role in the league as a reliable shooting guard and occasional sixth man.

2009-10 NBA Season – Brandon Jennings – 55 Points

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GNScx9GlZI4

Brandon Jennings had an unforgettable rookie moment on November 14, 2009, when he exploded for 55 points against the Golden State Warriors. Jennings was unstoppable, hitting 21 of his 34 shots, including seven three-pointers. This was just his seventh NBA game, and he already looked like a star in the making, setting the highest-scoring game for a rookie that season by a long shot.

Jennings finished the season averaging 15.5 points and 5.7 assists, making him one of the most exciting young guards to watch. Though his career didn’t maintain that same level of explosiveness, that 55-point game remains one of the most impressive scoring displays by a rookie in recent memory.

2010-11 NBA Season – Blake Griffin – 47 Points

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v3mhbpTFrbM

Blake Griffin’s rookie season was nothing short of spectacular, and he put on a show with a 47-point explosion against the Indiana Pacers on January 17, 2011. Griffin shot 19-for-24 from the field (79%) and added 14 rebounds and 3 assists. This wasn’t his only big game that season – he also had a 44-point performance against the New York Knicks on November 20, 2010, proving he was a force to be reckoned with in the paint and beyond.

Griffin took home Rookie of the Year honors that season, averaging 22.5 points, 12.1 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game. His athletic dunks and dominant style turned him into an instant fan favorite and one of the most exciting players to watch, setting the stage for a successful career.

2011-12 NBA Season – Kyrie Irving – 32 Points

Kyrie Irving, the top pick of the 2011 draft, showed everyone why he was worth the hype with a 32-point game for the Cleveland Cavaliers against the New Jersey Nets on January 27, 2012. He went 12-for-20 from the field, shooting an efficient 60%, and added 6 rebounds and 2 assists. Even as a rookie, Kyrie’s scoring ability and handles were on full display.

Irving ended up winning Rookie of the Year honors, averaging 18.5 points, 5.4 assists, and 3.7 rebounds per game. This game was just a taste of what was to come, as he quickly established himself as one of the league’s elite point guards, later becoming a multiple-time All-Star and NBA champion with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

2012-13 NBA Season – Damian Lillard – 38 Points

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=–ARCAZ0MCk

Damian Lillard closed out his rookie season in style with a 38-point game for the Portland Trail Blazers against the Los Angeles Lakers on April 10, 2013. He went 12-for-25 from the field and hit 5 three-pointers, adding 9 assists and 3 rebounds. Lillard’s clutch scoring and fearless style made him an instant fan favorite in Portland.

That season, Lillard earned Rookie of the Year honors, averaging 19.0 points and 6.5 assists per game. Known for his deep range and poise in big moments, this game was just a preview of the “Dame Time” heroics we’d come to expect from him in the years to follow.

2013-14 NBA Season – Victor Oladipo – 35 Points

Victor Oladipo had his best scoring game as a rookie with 35 points for the Orlando Magic against the Chicago Bulls on January 15, 2014. He shot 15-for-24 from the field, adding 8 assists, 3 rebounds, and 3 steals in a well-rounded performance. Oladipo’s athleticism and energy were on full display, and he showed flashes of the all-around player he would become.

Though he didn’t win Rookie of the Year (that went to Michael Carter-Williams), Oladipo still averaged a solid 13.8 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 4.1 assists, cementing himself as a core piece for the Magic before eventually blossoming into an All-Star with the Indiana Pacers.

2014-15 NBA Season – Zach LaVine – 37 Points

Zach LaVine went off for a season-high 37 points as a rookie for the Minnesota Timberwolves against the Golden State Warriors on April 11, 2015. LaVine was electric, shooting 13-for-21 from the field and adding 9 rebounds and 4 assists. Known for his crazy athleticism and dunking ability, this game showed he could be a serious scoring threat as well.

LaVine finished his rookie season averaging 10.1 points and quickly became a fan favorite, later winning back-to-back Slam Dunk Contests. His offensive skills only improved over time, turning him into a reliable scorer and All-Star.

2015-16 NBA Season – D’Angelo Russell – 39 Points

D’Angelo Russell had his biggest scoring night as a rookie with 39 points for the Los Angeles Lakers against the Brooklyn Nets on March 1, 2016. Russell was in the zone, hitting 14 of his 21 shots, including 8 three-pointers, with a shooting percentage of 66% from the field. This performance showcased his scoring potential and his confidence as a young guard.

Russell finished his rookie season averaging 13.2 points and 3.3 assists per game, setting the foundation for what would become a solid NBA career. He later went on to become an All-Star with the Brooklyn Nets and establish himself as a clutch shooter and playmaker.

2016-17 NBA Season – Tyler Ulis – 34 Points

Tyler Ulis surprised everyone with a 34-point game for the Phoenix Suns against the Houston Rockets on April 2, 2017. Ulis, known more for his playmaking than his scoring, went 15-for-22 from the field and added 9 assists and 1 steal. Despite his smaller size for an NBA guard, he was fearless on the court, showing he could score big when needed.

Though Ulis didn’t maintain this level of scoring regularly, this game highlighted his potential. He finished his rookie season averaging 7.3 points and 3.7 assists per game, proving he could be an effective backup guard with a knack for clutch moments.

2017-18 NBA Season – Donovan Mitchell – 41 Points

Donovan Mitchell had a breakout rookie season, and his best performance came on December 1, 2017, when he scored 41 points for the Utah Jazz against the New Orleans Pelicans. Mitchell shot 13-for-25 from the field, including six three-pointers, and added 4 rebounds and 4 assists. This game solidified Mitchell as one of the top rookies of his class, displaying his explosive scoring and clutch shot-making.

Mitchell ended up averaging 20.5 points per game and was a major reason the Jazz made a surprising playoff push. Although he narrowly missed out on Rookie of the Year to Ben Simmons, Mitchell quickly became one of the most exciting young players in the league and a future All-Star.

2018-19 NBA Season – Trae Young – 49 Points

Trae Young had a monster game in his rookie season, dropping 49 points for the Atlanta Hawks against the Chicago Bulls on March 1, 2019. He was on fire, shooting 17-for-33 from the field and adding 16 assists and 8 rebounds, coming close to a triple-double. Young also knocked down 6 three-pointers, showcasing the deep range that would become his signature.

Young finished the season averaging 19.1 points and 8.1 assists, giving Luka Doncic a run for his money in the Rookie of the Year race. While Luka took home the award, Trae’s explosive scoring and playmaking solidified him as one of the brightest young stars in the league.

2019-20 NBA Season – Michael Porter Jr. – 37 Points

Michael Porter Jr. missed his entire first season due to a back injury, but when he finally hit the court for the Denver Nuggets in 2019-20, he made sure everyone knew he was back. On August 3, 2020, Porter Jr. put up 37 points against the Oklahoma City Thunder, going 12-for-16 from the field and grabbing 12 rebounds. His efficient scoring and impressive athleticism reminded fans why he was such a highly touted prospect coming out of high school.

Porter averaged 9.3 points and 4.7 rebounds in his “rookie” season, and this game was a sign of things to come as he worked his way into a bigger role with Denver. His journey from injury to impact player made this performance even more meaningful.

2020-21 NBA Season – Anthony Edwards – 42 Points

Anthony Edwards had not one, but two explosive 42-point games in his rookie season with the Minnesota Timberwolves. The first came on March 18, 2021, against the Phoenix Suns, and he matched it on May 5 against the Memphis Grizzlies. In the Memphis game, Edwards was red-hot, shooting 17-for-22 from the field (77%) and adding 7 rebounds, 3 assists, and a steal.

Edwards’ athleticism and fearless approach quickly turned heads, and he finished his rookie season averaging 19.3 points per game. Though he narrowly missed out on Rookie of the Year to LaMelo Ball, Edwards’ scoring outbursts and high-flying dunks made him one of the most exciting rookies in recent memory.

2021-22 NBA Season – Jalen Green – 41 Points

Jalen Green capped off his rookie season with a big-time 41-point game for the Houston Rockets against the Atlanta Hawks on April 10, 2022. He shot 14-for-26 from the field, including 4 three-pointers, and added 3 rebounds and an assist. Green’s explosive scoring ability was on full display, giving Rockets fans a lot to be excited about for the future.

Green averaged 17.3 points per game in his rookie year, showing flashes of star potential with his athleticism and scoring instincts. This game marked the highest point total by a rookie that season, signaling that Green could be a cornerstone for the Rockets moving forward.

2022-23 NBA Season – Kenneth Lofton Jr. – 42 Points

Kenneth Lofton Jr. made a big splash in his rookie season with the Memphis Grizzlies, dropping 42 points and grabbing 14 rebounds against the Oklahoma City Thunder on April 9, 2023. This was his first game as a starter, and he took full advantage, hitting 17 of his 25 shots. Lofton showed he’s got serious potential as a scorer and rebounder.

After his rookie season, Lofton had a brief stint with the Chicago Bulls in the 2024 preseason but didn’t make the final roster. Now, he’s taking his talents to China with the Shanghai Sharks, where he’s already making an impact. In his debut, he put up 18 points and 10 rebounds in just 19 minutes, getting fans excited about what he can bring overseas.

2023-24 NBA Season – GG Jackson – 44 Points

In a rough season for the Memphis Grizzlies, rookie GG Jackson delivered a highlight by scoring 44 points against the Denver Nuggets on April 14. He shot 17-for-36 from the field, grabbed 12 rebounds, and showed just how promising his potential is. Jackson’s big game came in a season where the Grizzlies were hit hard by injuries, with key players like Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, and Jaren Jackson Jr. missing significant time. As a result, Memphis struggled to find their rhythm, falling to a disappointing 13th seed and missing the playoffs.

Jackson’s breakout game offered a silver lining, showing fans there’s hope for the future behind their main core of stars. With all the injuries and setbacks, young players like Jackson had a chance to step up and showcase their skills, giving Grizzlies fans something to look forward to in the coming seasons.

2024-25 NBA Season – Zaccharie Risacher – 33 Points

As the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, Zaccharie Risacher had a breakout game on the New York Knicks with 33 points. The 19-year-old rookie also grabbed 7 rebounds, dished out 3 assists, and recorded 2 steals, shooting an efficient 58% from the field (11-for-18). This performance put him on the map as a key player for the Atlanta Hawks, who are in rebuild mode. Despite his high draft selection, Risacher started the season as an underdog in the Rookie of the Year race, initially ranking behind other rookies like Dalton Knecht and Zach Edey. However, games like this are starting to shift that narrative.

The Hawks, currently sitting at 4-5, have had a mixed start to the season, but Risacher’s emergence is a bright spot. If he keeps this up, not only could he push his way into serious Rookie of the Year contention, but he might also become the cornerstone Atlanta’s been looking for as they build a young and dynamic core for the future.