Franchise Single Game Scoring Record
Anthony Davis's 60-point night is still the highest score in Pelicans history.
Anthony Davis dropped 60 points in a single game, setting the New Orleans Pelicans' franchise record. That 2013-2014 season performance showed off his size, skill, and sheer dominance on the court. It’s the benchmark any future Pelicans star will aim for.
- record_holder
- Anthony Davis
- points_scored
- 60
- opponent
- Oklahoma City Thunder
- season
- 2013-2014
- arena
- New Orleans Arena
Lore & Background
On a night in December 2013, the New Orleans Arena witnessed a performance that would define an era. Anthony Davis, then a young superstar emerging as the face of the franchise, took control against the formidable Oklahoma City Thunder. The game was not merely a high-scoring affair; it was a masterclass in two-way dominance where Davis scored from every level of the court while anchoring the defense.
The atmosphere inside the arena shifted palpably as Davis reached double figures and then pushed toward the 50-point barrier, a rarity for any player. His ability to finish at the rim, hit mid-range jumpers, and even knock down perimeter shots against a top-tier defensive unit like the Thunder captivated fans. This performance solidified his status not just as a star, but as the undisputed leader of the Pelicans.
In Their Own Story
The silence in the New Orleans Arena was broken only by the squeak of sneakers on hardwood and the rhythmic thud of the ball against Davis's hands. With seconds ticking down in the fourth quarter, he caught an inbound pass at the top of the key. The crowd held its breath as he drove past a defender, soaring into the paint for a layup that sealed his 60-point night. As the buzzer sounded, the roar of the fans was deafening, celebrating a historic moment where one man carried the team to an unforgettable victory.
Reader's Guide
The franchise record of 60 points by Anthony Davis stands alone at the top of the Pelicans' scoring leaderboard.
This achievement occurred on December 18, 2013, against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Davis shot efficiently from the field and free-throw line, utilizing his versatility to score in transition and half-court sets.
In NBA history, a 60-point game is an elite accomplishment, placing Davis among a select group of players who have reached this milestone while playing for New Orleans. It remains the only time a Pelican has scored 60 or more points in a single game since the franchise's inception as the Hornets.
Did You Know?
- Anthony Davis is the only player in franchise history to score 60 points in a single game.
- The record was set during the team's tenure at the New Orleans Arena before moving to Smoothie King Center.
- Davis achieved this feat while playing against Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, two of the league's premier scorers.
- This performance helped solidify Davis as an All-NBA First Team selection for that season.