On This Day (March 24)

Notable events from NBA history that occurred on March 24.

70-Point Explosion

On this day in 2017, the Phoenix Suns’ Devin Booker exploded for a career-high and franchise-record 70 points in a loss to the Boston Celtics. Booker is one of only eight players in NBA history to record a 70-point game (a total of 13 instances):

• Wilt Chamberlain (6 times)

• Elgin Baylor

• David Thompson

• David Robinson

• Kobe Bryant

• Devin Booker

• Donovan Mitchell

• Damian Lillard

Booker is the youngest player to achieve the feat by more than three years (age in years-days):

• 20-145 — Devin Booker (March 24, 2017)

• 23-270 — David Thompson (April 9, 1978)

• 25-109 — Wilt Chamberlain (Dec. 8, 1961)

Booker made 21 of his franchise-record 40 attempts from the field. He also made a franchise-record 24 free throws in 26 attempts. Booker is one of only four players in NBA history to make at least 20 field goals and 20 free throws in a game:

• Wilt Chamberlain (March 2, 1962)

• Michael Jordan (March 28, 1990)

• Devin Booker (March 24, 2017)

• Donovan Mitchell (Jan. 2, 2023)

Booker also recorded eight rebounds and six assists, making him one of only four players in NBA history to record at least 70 points, five rebounds, and five assists in a game:

• David Robinson (April 24, 1994)

• Devin Booker (March 24, 2017)

• Donovan Mitchell (Jan. 2, 2023)

• Damian Lillard (Feb. 26, 2023)

Since the NBA began tracking steals in 1973-74, Booker and Kobe Bryant (Jan. 22, 2006) are the only players to score at least 70 points and record multiple steals in a game (three steals apiece).