Wilt Chamberlain

Wilt Chamberlain
Photo of Wilt Chamberlain in 1960 Chamberlain in 1960
Born	Wilton Norman Chamberlain (1936-08-21) 21 August 1936 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Died	12 October 1999(1999-10-12) (aged 63)
Occupation(s)	Professional basketball player, professional volleyball player, league president
Years active	1957–1973 (basketball)
Known for	NBA center, scoring records, 2 NBA titles, Hall of Fame inductee

Wilton Norman Chamberlain (August 21, 1936 – October 12, 1999) was a prominent American professional basketball athlete who occupied the center position in the National Basketball Association (NBA) over a span of 14 seasons. Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1978, he earned selections on the NBA's 35th, 50th, and 75th anniversary teams. Chamberlain is widely acknowledged as one of basketball's all-time legends.

Throughout his career, Chamberlain established 72 NBA records, including those for regular season scoring, rebounding, and endurance; it is important to note that blocks were not officially tracked during his era. He remains the sole player to have scored 100 points in a single game and once secured 55 rebounds without fouling out. Remarkably, he maintained averages of 30 points and 20 rebounds per game across seven seasons and once posted averages of 50 points and 48 minutes per game in one campaign. His achievements encompass two NBA titles, four MVP awards for the regular season, one Finals MVP, one All-Star Game MVP, thirteen All-Star appearances, and ten All-NBA team selections. He topped the league in scoring seven times, led in rebounding eleven times, dominated in durability nine times, and is uniquely the only center to lead in assists.

In his collegiate years, Chamberlain represented the Kansas Jayhawks, advancing to the national championship game in 1957. Prior to entering the NBA, he played with the Harlem Globetrotters. His professional NBA tenure included periods with the Philadelphia / San Francisco Warriors, Philadelphia 76ers, and Los Angeles Lakers. Chamberlain's well-known rivalry with Celtics center Bill Russell culminated in a championship victory with the 1967 Philadelphia 76ers. He claimed his second championship with the record-breaking 1972 Lakers squad that achieved a 33-game winning streak. Following his basketball career, he competed professionally in volleyball within the International Volleyball Association, where he also served as league president and was inducted into the IVA Hall of Fame.

Often referred to by various nicknames highlighting his height, Chamberlain favored "the Big Dipper," which inspired his signature "dipper dunk." He was among the pioneers of shots such as the fadeaway jump shot and finger roll. His overwhelming presence near the basket led to several NBA rule modifications including expanding the lane width, altering goaltending rules, and prohibiting inbound passes over the backboard. Despite struggling with free-throw accuracy, he was capable of dunking from the foul line—a feat that prompted rules requiring shooters to keep their feet behind the line.

Early years

Wilton Norman Chamberlain entered the world on August 21, 1936, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was the sixth child among nine siblings born to Olivia Ruth (née Johnson), who worked as a domestic servant, and William Chamberlain, employed as a welder and handyman. The family resided in a middle-class district within West Philadelphia’s Haddington neighborhood. Raised in the Baptist faith, Chamberlain’s upbringing reflected these roots.

His initial foray into competitive sports was track and field; as a fourth grader, he participated in the 300-yard shuttle at the 1946 Penn Relays alongside older teammates. Towering from an early age, he measured by age ten. After surviving a severe bout of pneumonia that caused him to miss an entire school year, Chamberlain showed little enthusiasm for basketball at first, dismissing it as "a game for sissies." Nonetheless, since "basketball was king in Philadelphia," he began playing during seventh grade at Shoemaker Junior High School.

Overbrook High School (1953–1955)

Chamberlain began his education at Philadelphia's Overbrook High School. Excelling in track and field, he demonstrated remarkable ability in events such as high jump, sprints, shot put, and long jump.

Wearing jersey number five, he emerged as the standout player for the Overbrook Hilltoppers basketball squad. The school had previously produced distinguished athletes like Jackie Moore and Hal Lear. Chamberlain's scoring prowess, physical dominance, and shot-blocking aptitude gave him a clear edge on the court. ESPN writer Hal Bock characterized him as "intimidating, downright terrifying," possessing extraordinary athleticism and endurance that revolutionized the sport.

It was during this era that his three enduring nicknames—"Wilt the Stilt," "Goliath," and "The Big Dipper"—were established.

Chamberlain steered Overbrook to two city championship titles across three seasons, compiling an impressive 56–3 win-loss record. He surpassed Hall of Famer Tom Gola's Philadelphia high school scoring record by amassing 2,252 points, with an average of 37.4 points per game.

1953: city runner-up

In 1953, Chamberlain averaged 31 points each game and led Overbrook to a 71–62 victory over Northeast High School, which featured Hall of Fame guard Guy Rodgers. He tallied 34 points to clinch the Philadelphia Public League championship and advanced to the city finals against West Catholic High School, champions of the rival Catholic league. Despite Chamberlain scoring 29 points while being heavily guarded by four defenders, Overbrook fell short with a 54–42 loss.

1954: city champions

During his sophomore year, Chamberlain guided Overbrook to an undefeated season with a 19–0 record. He set a new high school scoring mark by pouring in 71 points against Roxborough. The team repeated as Public League champions, with Chamberlain contributing 40 points in a victory over Northeast High. They then secured the city championship by defeating South Catholic 74–50, with Chamberlain adding 32 points.

In the summers, Chamberlain took a job as a bellhop at Kutsher's Hotel, where owners Milton and Helen Kutsher became lifelong mentors and friends. Boston Celtics coach Red Auerbach, who also served as summer league athletic director at Kutsher's, noticed Chamberlain’s talents and arranged a one-on-one match against University of Kansas star B. H. Born, the 1953 NCAA Most Outstanding Player. Chamberlain decisively won the contest, leading Born to forgo pursuing an NBA career. Auerbach attempted to recruit Chamberlain as an NBA territorial pick through a New England college, but Chamberlain did not respond.

1955: city champions

In his final year at Overbrook, Chamberlain continued his scoring dominance with three consecutive games tallying 74, 78, and 90 points. The Hilltoppers suffered only one defeat all season—a narrow 59–58 loss to Farrell High. Overbrook claimed its third Public League title by defeating West Philadelphia 78–60; in the city championship rematch against West Catholic, Chamberlain scored 35 points to lead Overbrook to an emphatic 83–42 triumph. He was posthumously awarded Mr. Basketball USA for 1955, marking the earliest recognized year for this distinction.

Christian Street YMCA

In 1953, while still a sophomore in high school, Chamberlain captained the Christian Street YMCA team to victory at the national YMCA tournament held in High Point, North Carolina, overcoming the reigning champions with a final score of 85–79. At that time, he was the youngest player on the roster during this significant accomplishment.

Pittsburgh Raiders and Quakertown Fays

On December 21, 1952, Chamberlain appeared for the Pittsburgh Raiders in a professional match against the Cumberland Old Germans, playing under the alias George Marcus. During the 1954–55 season, at ages 16 and 17, he also participated in several semi-professional games with the Quakertown Fays. These appearances were documented locally but deliberately concealed from the Amateur Athletic Union to maintain his amateur status.

College career

Following his final season at Overbrook, Chamberlain attracted recruitment interest from over 200 colleges. UCLA proposed a film career opportunity, while the University of Pennsylvania offered to purchase diamonds for him. His coach Cecil Mosenson was promised a coaching position contingent upon securing Chamberlain’s enrollment. Desiring to leave home and avoid schools on the East Coast or those in the segregated South, Chamberlain opted to play in the Midwest. After visiting the University of Kansas and meeting coach Phog Allen, he committed to KU.

University of Kansas (1956–1958)

Chamberlain enrolled at KU in 1955, joining the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity and serving as president of his pledge class. His athletic versatility extended beyond basketball; he excelled in track and field events such as sprints, shot put, triple jump, and high jump at the Big Eight Conference championships for three straight years. Anecdotes describe him dunking on an experimental 12-foot rim installed by coach Allen.

His freshman debut was remarkable: Chamberlain tallied 42 points, secured 29 rebounds, and blocked 4 shots against a varsity squad favored to win their conference. His overwhelming presence prompted several NCAA rule adjustments in 1956, including changes to free-throw shooting that required both feet remain behind the line. Renowned for a vertical leap measuring approximately 50 inches, he could dunk free throws from just behind the top of the key. Additionally, an inbound pass thrown over the backboard was banned due to his style of play, and offensive goaltending rules were introduced upon his arrival at college.

Chamberlain’s trajectory shifted when coach Allen retired soon after his enrollment; his relationship with Allen’s successor Dick Harp was reportedly tense. Some critics speculated that Chamberlain left KU due to this friction or dissatisfaction with not securing a championship. Nevertheless, he returned to Allen Fieldhouse in 1998 for his jersey retirement ceremony and dismissed any claims of animosity toward KU.

Sophomore season (1957): national runner-up to North Carolina

Chamberlain made his center debut for the Kansas Jayhawks on December 3, 1956, scoring a program-record 52 points along with 31 rebounds during an 87–69 victory over Northwestern, which featured future NBA teammate Joe Ruklick. Leading a strong starting five that included Maurice King and Gene Elstun, Kansas posted a 13–1 record before suffering a narrow 56–54 defeat to Oklahoma State, who utilized stalling tactics under then-existing shot clock rules. The Jayhawks concluded the regular season at 21–2 and captured the Big Seven conference title. Chamberlain earned first-team All-American recognition by showcasing skills such as his finger roll, fadeaway bank shot, passing ability, and shot-blocking prowess.

Kansas was one of 23 teams competing in the 1957 NCAA tournament. In segregated Dallas, hostile crowds greeted them during early rounds against SMU and Oklahoma City; nevertheless, Kansas advanced with overtime and decisive wins of 73–65 and 81–61 respectively. In the semifinals, they defeated two-time defending champion San Francisco by an 80–56 margin; Chamberlain contributed 32 points, collected 11 rebounds, and blocked at least seven shots en route to establishing a commanding advantage.

In the championship game, second-ranked Kansas faced undefeated top-ranked North Carolina led by National Player of the Year Lennie Rosenbluth. UNC coach Frank McGuire employed unconventional strategies—using his shortest player for tip-offs and applying triple-team defense on Chamberlain—to limit his effectiveness. Kansas shot only 27% from the field compared to UNC’s 64%, trailing 22–29 at halftime. After regulation ended tied at 46—largely due to UNC’s stalling tactics—the contest extended into triple overtime.

The intense triple-overtime battle featured multiple lead changes; Chamberlain’s three-point play briefly gave Kansas an edge in the third overtime period. However, a late foul call against him allowed UNC’s Joe Quigg to sink two crucial free throws for a 54–53 lead. A final tipped pass prevented Kansas from scoring again, securing UNC’s first of six NCAA championships.

Despite the defeat, Chamberlain recorded 23 points and 14 rebounds and was honored as Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four. This game remains one of college basketball’s most memorable matchups—the inaugural NCAA final to enter overtime and still uniquely extending into triple overtime.

Junior season (1958)

During Chamberlain's third year at Kansas (1957–58), opposing teams increasingly employed freeze-ball strategies and assigned multiple defenders to limit his effectiveness. His teammate Bob Billings remarked on the difficulties the team faced adapting to this defensive approach. Chamberlain posted an average of 30.1 points per game, guiding the Jayhawks to an 18–5 record, with three defeats occurring while he was sidelined by a urinary infection. Kansas finished second in the conference standings, missing out on the NCAA tournament since only the league champions qualified. Once again, Chamberlain earned All-American honors, joining future NBA Hall of Famers Elgin Baylor, Oscar Robertson, and Guy Rodgers in this distinction.

Feeling disillusioned with collegiate basketball and motivated by financial reasons, Chamberlain departed Kansas prematurely, selling an article titled "Why I Am Leaving College" to Look magazine for $10,000—a sum exceeding the typical NBA annual salary at that period. Over his two seasons with Kansas, he averaged 29.9 points and 18.3 rebounds per game, accumulating totals of 1,433 points and 877 rebounds. Although he had played only 48 games by 1958, his rebound count still ranks eighth in Kansas history. By the age of 21 and prior to turning professional, Chamberlain had been featured in prominent publications including Time, Life, Look, and Newsweek.

Harlem Globetrotters (1958–1959)

Following his junior year, Chamberlain intended to enter professional basketball but was restricted by NBA rules requiring players to complete their college class. Consequently, he signed with the Harlem Globetrotters in 1958 for a $50,000 contract—a substantial amount at that time. In 1959, the team toured the Soviet Union and received an official greeting from General Secretary Nikita Khrushchev before a game held at Moscow's Lenin Central Stadium. One notable moment featured Chamberlain effortlessly tossing teammate Meadowlark Lemon, who weighed 210 pounds, several feet into the air; Lemon later described Chamberlain as "the strongest athlete who ever lived."

Chamberlain frequently returned to play with the Globetrotters during off-seasons, appreciating the entertainment-focused atmosphere that lacked the pressure of breaking records. On March 9, 2000, the Globetrotters honored his contributions by retiring his No. 13 jersey.

Philadelphia/San Francisco Warriors (1959–1965)

Chamberlain made his NBA debut on October 24, 1959, as a starter for the Philadelphia Warriors. Initially listed at and , he eventually increased his weight to over as he developed greater muscle mass. With a rookie contract worth $30,000, he became the highest-paid player in NBA history at that time, surpassing the previous top salary of $25,000.

1959–60 NBA season: MVP, All-Star Game MVP and Rookie of the Year

During the 1959–60 NBA season, Chamberlain joined a Philadelphia Warriors squad coached by Neil Johnston, featuring all starters native to Philadelphia. In his first appearance against the New York Knicks, he scored 43 points and secured 28 rebounds. Shortly thereafter, he achieved a career-high of 40 rebounds and outperformed defensive stalwart Bill Russell in their first encounter—igniting one of basketball’s most renowned rivalries. On November 10, 1959, Chamberlain tallied 39 points along with a new personal best of 43 rebounds during a victory over the Knicks.

In addition to basketball, Chamberlain explored entertainment by recording rock 'n' roll tracks in January 1960.

Selected for the Eastern Conference All-Star team, he earned All-Star Game MVP honors with a performance of 23 points and 25 rebounds. On January 25, 1960, Chamberlain scored 58 points and grabbed 42 rebounds against the Detroit Pistons. He matched this scoring output again on February 21 with another 58-point game.

In his rookie campaign, Chamberlain delivered unprecedented averages: 37.6 points per game, 27.0 rebounds per game, and an average of 46.4 minutes played per contest—records that remain unbroken for rebounds and minutes played. Only Elgin Baylor has surpassed his scoring average for a season. Breaking eight NBA records during this period, Chamberlain was awarded both Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player honors—a rare accomplishment.

The Warriors progressed to the 1960 NBA playoffs, overcoming the Syracuse Nationals before confronting the Eastern Division champions Boston Celtics. Celtics coach Red Auerbach implemented aggressive fouling tactics designed to diminish Chamberlain’s influence on games. The series was physically intense; Chamberlain sustained a hand injury after an altercation with Tom Heinsohn. Despite dominant performances—including a playoff record-setting game with 50 points and 35 rebounds in Game 5—Philadelphia lost in six games.

After this series, Chamberlain contemplated retirement due to relentless double- and triple-team defenses along with frequent hard fouls but was convinced to continue playing following a salary increase to $65,000.

1960–61 NBA season: leadership in scoring, rebounding, endurance, and field goal efficiency

Wilt Chamberlain kicked off the 1960–61 NBA season with a dominant performance, tallying 42 points and 31 rebounds in a 133–123 away victory against the Syracuse Nationals. On November 24, 1960, he set a new NBA benchmark by pulling down 55 rebounds, alongside 34 points and 4 assists, although the Warriors narrowly fell 132–129 to the Russell-led Boston Celtics. Just five days later, Chamberlain delivered another stellar effort with 44 points, 38 rebounds, and a career-best 7 assists, helping secure a tight 122–121 win over the Los Angeles Lakers.

Building on his rookie campaign, Chamberlain elevated his averages to 38.4 points and 27.2 rebounds per game. He became the inaugural player to surpass 3,000 points in a single season and remains unique in eclipsing 2,000 rebounds with a total of 2,149 boards. Additionally, he captured his first field-goal percentage crown while accounting for nearly one-third of his team's scoring and securing over 30% of their rebounds. Despite these outstanding individual statistics, the Warriors were swept in three games by the Nationals during the postseason.

Contemporary accounts described Chamberlain as "challenging" to manage, leading to friction with coach Johnston, who found it difficult to handle him effectively. Reflecting on that period, Gottlieb conceded that not appointing a more authoritative coach was an error, remarking that Johnston "wasn't prepared for the big leagues."

1961–62 NBA season: historic 100-point game and All-Star scoring record

During the 1961–62 NBA season, under the guidance of coach Frank McGuire, Wilt Chamberlain established several long-standing records while averaging an astonishing 50.4 points and 25.7 rebounds per contest. He amassed a remarkable total of 4,029 points in the regular season—the only player ever to exceed 4,000 points in one campaign. Chamberlain also secured 2,052 rebounds and averaged nearly every minute on the court with 48.53 minutes per game.

On March 2, 1962, Chamberlain achieved an unprecedented feat by scoring exactly 100 points against the New York Knicks at a neutral venue in Hershey, Pennsylvania. He converted 36 of 63 shots from the floor and sank 28 of 32 free throws. The final basket was assisted by Joe Ruklick. No video footage exists from this historic game; only a radio broadcast of the last quarter remains, which has contributed to its legendary aura. Former NBA Commissioner David Stern reportedly used announcer Bill Campbell's call of Chamberlain’s final basket as hold music in his office.

In addition to this milestone, Chamberlain set an All-Star Game record by scoring 42 points—a mark that stood until Anthony Davis surpassed it in 2017. During the playoffs, the Warriors met the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Division Finals. The series extended to seven games; despite Chamberlain tying Game 7 late in regulation, Sam Jones’ decisive shot clinched victory for Boston.

Although Chamberlain's scoring prowess was widely recognized, he faced criticism for failing to secure a championship. Coach McGuire observed that while Chamberlain was "super-human," the team lacked consistent secondary scoring options, playmaking ability, and an additional strong big man to share the burden on him.

1962–63 NBA season: individual achievements, relocation to San Francisco, and missing the playoffs

During the 1962–63 NBA season, owner Gottlieb sold the Warriors for $850,000 to a group based in San Francisco led by Franklin Mieuli, resulting in the franchise's move and rebranding as the San Francisco Warriors under new head coach Bob Feerick.

1967–68 NBA season: third consecutive MVP and assist leader

During the 1967–68 NBA season, relations between Chamberlain and Sixers owner Kosloff deteriorated further. Chamberlain asserted that a 1965 agreement entitled him to a 25% stake in the franchise post-retirement, a claim Kosloff refuted, nearly prompting Chamberlain to switch to the rival American Basketball Association (ABA). Ultimately, they agreed on a one-year contract worth $250,000.

On the hardwood, Chamberlain posted averages of 24.3 points and 23.8 rebounds per contest. On March 18, 1968, he achieved an extraordinary quintuple-double with 53 points, 32 rebounds, 14 assists, 24 blocks, and 11 steals in a victory over the Los Angeles Lakers. Additionally, he set a then-record for the highest points scored in a triple-double. The Sixers clinched the league’s best regular-season record for the third year running, with Chamberlain becoming the first center to lead the league in total assists (702), surpassing future Hall of Famer Lenny Wilkens by 23. This assist title further cemented his image as a collaborative player.

Chamberlain secured his fourth and final MVP honor and became the inaugural player to surpass 25,000 career points. The Sixers finished with 62 wins and entered the postseason as the top seed. In the Eastern Division Semifinals against the New York Knicks, despite key injuries including Chamberlain’s inflamed feet, Philadelphia advanced in six games, with Chamberlain leading all players in points (153), rebounds (145), and assists (38).

Facing the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Division Finals, both teams were deeply affected by the assassination of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. After dropping Game 1, the Sixers rallied to win Games 2 through 4. However, despite holding a 3–1 series advantage, Philadelphia lost three consecutive games, culminating in a Game 7 defeat on home court—the first instance of an NBA team losing a series after leading 3–1. Poor shooting contributed significantly; Chamberlain collected 34 rebounds but managed only 14 points and notably did not attempt any shots in the second half of Game 7. He later attributed this to coach Hannum restricting his offensive opportunities.

This loss left Chamberlain with a disappointing 1–6 playoff series record against Boston. Following the season’s conclusion, Hannum departed for an ABA coaching position. Chamberlain requested a trade and was subsequently dealt to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Darrall Imhoff, Archie Clark, and Jerry Chambers. Opinions vary on this trade’s impetus: some suggest it stemmed from Chamberlain’s frustration over Kosloff reneging on the ownership claim; others point to his threat to join the ABA or personal motivations such as seeking fresh challenges and lifestyle changes in Los Angeles.

1968–69 NBA season: second NBA Finals defeat by Celtics

The trade between the Los Angeles Lakers and Sixers was finalized on July 9, 1968, marking an unprecedented moment when a reigning NBA MVP was traded during the following season. Lakers owner Jack Kent Cooke offered Chamberlain an unmatched contract of $250,000 after taxes—equivalent to roughly $1 million today; by comparison, previous top earner Jerry West received $100,000 pre-tax.

For the 1968–69 NBA season, Chamberlain joined a roster featuring All-American forward Elgin Baylor, Hall-of-Fame guard Jerry West, backup center Mel Counts, along with guards Keith Erickson and Johnny Egan. However, Chamberlain’s leadership approach clashed with team captain Baylor and coach Butch van Breda Kolff, who criticized him for perceived arrogance, lack of respect toward teammates, and focusing excessively on personal statistics. Van Breda Kolff also expressed concerns about the team’s sluggishness and defensive shortcomings.

During this campaign, Chamberlain experienced benchings—an uncommon occurrence in his career—and averaged 20.5 points alongside 21.1 rebounds per game. Despite internal discord, ticket sales increased by 11% following his arrival.

In the 1969 NBA playoffs, the Lakers defeated Chamberlain’s former team—the San Francisco Warriors—then overcame the Atlanta Hawks before facing their rivals, the Boston Celtics, in the Finals. Favored at three-to-one odds, Los Angeles won Games 1 and 2 but dropped four straight thereafter. Russell effectively contained Chamberlain while critics faulted him for underwhelming performances during critical moments.

Most notably in Game 7, Chamberlain sustained a knee injury and was benched for the final six minutes despite outperforming his substitute. The Lakers lost narrowly by a score of 108–106 even though Jerry West posted a triple-double; West became the only Finals MVP from a losing squad. Russell questioned how serious Chamberlain’s injury truly was; Van Breda Kolff defended Chamberlain but resigned shortly after amid backlash over benching decisions. This series exposed fractures within team leadership and had lasting effects on both Chamberlain’s and Van Breda Kolff’s careers.

1969–70 NBA season: initial NBA Finals defeat to the Knicks

Wilt Chamberlain commenced the 1969–70 NBA season impressively under new head coach Joe Mullaney, posting averages of 32.2 points and 20.6 rebounds per game across the first nine contests. However, in the ninth game, he sustained a severe knee injury—a torn patellar tendon—which sidelined him for several months before he returned to participate in the last three games. Despite this setback, his season averages stood at 27.3 points, 18.4 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game.

The Lakers advanced to the postseason, overcoming the Phoenix Suns in a seven-game series and then sweeping the Atlanta Hawks to reach the NBA Finals. Their opponents were the New York Knicks, who featured future Hall of Famers such as Willis Reed, Dave DeBusschere, Bill Bradley, and Walt Frazier. Chamberlain’s compromised lateral mobility due to his injury diminished his ability to defend against Reed’s mid-range jump shots.

In Game 1, the Knicks secured a 124–112 victory with Reed scoring 37 points. Chamberlain responded in Game 2 with 19 points, 24 rebounds, and a pivotal block that contributed to a narrow 105–103 Lakers win. Game 3 featured a game-tying buzzer-beater by Jerry West, yet New York ultimately prevailed in overtime 111–108. Chamberlain’s effort of 18 points and 25 rebounds in Game 4 helped even the series at two games apiece.

During Game 5, despite Reed suffering a thigh muscle injury and appearing unable to continue, the Lakers squandered a 13-point lead at halftime amid intense Knicks defense and committing 19 turnovers in the second half. Chamberlain and West, the Lakers’ main offensive threats, combined for only five shots after halftime. The Lakers fell 107–100 in what remains one of the most remarkable comebacks in NBA Finals history.

Chamberlain delivered an outstanding performance in Game 6 with 45 points and 27 rebounds, leading to a commanding 135–113 victory. Although Reed was sidelined for this game, he made a courageous return in Game 7, scoring New York’s first four points despite his injury. Inspired by Reed’s determination, the Knicks built a substantial 27-point halftime advantage and went on to defeat the Lakers decisively. Even with Chamberlain contributing 21 points, Los Angeles suffered their third straight loss in a Game 7.

Critics reproached Chamberlain for not dominating his injured opponent; however, his extraordinary recovery from what could have ended his career was largely disregarded.

1970–71 NBA season: conference finals defeat and challenge to Muhammad Ali

During the 1970–71 NBA season, the Lakers acquired guard Gail Goodrich following his tenure with the Suns. Chamberlain averaged 20.7 points, 18.2 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per contest; once again he led the league in rebounding while helping Los Angeles secure the Pacific Division crown. Hall of Fame center Bob Lanier of the Detroit Pistons later recalled one of his most memorable moments involved Chamberlain lifting him to establish position.

After losing Elgin Baylor due to an Achilles tendon rupture and Jerry West because of a knee injury, the Lakers entered the postseason as underdogs facing the formidable Milwaukee Bucks in the Western Conference Finals. The Bucks were led by MVP Lew Alcindor (later Kareem Abdul-Jabbar) and Hall of Fame guard Oscar Robertson. Milwaukee had compiled an impressive 66-win regular-season record and were favored against Los Angeles’ depleted roster; much attention focused on the matchup between veteran Chamberlain at age 34 and rising star Alcindor at age 24. The Bucks captured Games 1 and 2; although Chamberlain played strongly in Game 3 with support from rookie Jim McMillian, Milwaukee took a commanding 3–1 series lead after Game 4 and finished off Los Angeles in Game 5. Chamberlain received praise for competing effectively against the younger MVP Alcindor.

Following that playoff run, Chamberlain publicly challenged heavyweight boxing icon Muhammad Ali to a match. Preparing under trainer Cus d'Amato for a proposed July 26, 1971 fight at the Houston Astrodome, Chamberlain sought to create a highly publicized crossover event. Ali dismissed these overtures with confident remarks. Earlier advice from Chamberlain’s father had cautioned against engaging Ali in boxing. Lakers owner Jack Cooke offered Wilt a record-breaking contract on condition he abandon boxing plans. Ultimately, after Joe Frazier defeated Ali, Chamberlain used this development to legally withdraw from the proposed fight. Retired NFL star Jim Brown—who had managed Chamberlain since 1967—negotiated with Ali’s representatives to mutually cancel their scheduled bout at Madison Square Garden.

1971–72 NBA season: Finals MVP and second championship

During the 1971–72 NBA season, the Lakers appointed former Celtics standout guard Bill Sharman as their head coach. Sharman implemented morning shoot-around sessions, which Chamberlain regularly attended, helping him evolve into a defensively focused, low-scoring post player reminiscent of Russell. Sharman encouraged Chamberlain to leverage his rebounding and passing abilities to spark fast breaks. Following captain Baylor’s retirement due to injury, Chamberlain assumed the role of team captain. He embraced a diminished scoring responsibility, posting a career-low average of 14.8 points per game but pulling down 19.2 rebounds, while leading the league with an impressive .649 field-goal percentage. Anchored by Chamberlain’s defense, the Lakers set an unprecedented 33-game winning streak and concluded the regular season with a then-record 69 victories.

In the postseason, the Lakers overcame the Chicago Bulls before confronting the Milwaukee Bucks, led by the young MVP center Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (formerly Lew Alcindor). Life described their series as one of the greatest in sports history. Chamberlain played a pivotal role in defeating Abdul-Jabbar and the Bucks in six games, notably delivering 24 points and 22 rebounds in Game 6 while playing every minute of regulation and overtime. West hailed it as "the greatest ball-busting performance I have ever seen," while Time commended Chamberlain’s dominant display over Abdul-Jabbar.

In the Finals, the Lakers faced an injury-depleted New York Knicks. Undersized defender Jerry Lucas was assigned to guard Chamberlain (). Lucas’s shooting contributed to New York’s Game 1 victory; however, in Game 2, Chamberlain’s defense forced Lucas into foul trouble, and the Knicks lost Dave DeBusschere to injury. Chamberlain posted 26 points and 20 rebounds in a Game 3 win.

Game 4 was tightly contested, with Chamberlain aggressively competing despite carrying five fouls late into overtime—a situation that risked his first career foul-out. He blocked two shots from Lucas and led all scorers with 27 points despite sustaining a broken right hand during play.

For Game 5, Chamberlain wore heavily padded gloves typically used by football defensive linemen and declined painkillers out of concern that numbness might impair his shooting accuracy. He recorded 24 points, 29 rebounds, 8 assists, and 8 blocks—blocks were tracked live by announcer Keith Jackson—guiding the Lakers to a commanding 114–100 victory and securing their first championship in Los Angeles. Chamberlain earned Finals MVP honors and received widespread acclaim for his resilience while playing through injury.

1972–73 NBA season: second Finals defeat to the Knicks

The 1972–73 NBA season marked Chamberlain's final year in the NBA; the Lakers faced setbacks as key contributors were lost—Happy Hairston suffered injuries, Robinson and LeRoy Ellis departed, and West struggled with health issues. Chamberlain averaged 13.2 points alongside 18.6 rebounds per game, capturing his eleventh rebounding title and setting a new league record with a .727 field-goal percentage for the season, surpassing his previous best. The team finished with 60 regular-season wins and advanced to the 1973 NBA Finals against a fully healthy New York Knicks. Despite winning Game 1, injuries to West and Hairston undermined the Lakers’ efforts, resulting in a series loss of 4–1. In Game 5, Chamberlain contributed 23 points and 21 rebounds; his final NBA action concluded with a dunk in the closing second.

San Diego Conquistadors (1973–1974)

In 1973, Chamberlain entered into a $600,000 agreement to serve as a player-coach for the ABA's San Diego Conquistadors. His departure from the Lakers was partially motivated by contract disagreements following the 1971–72 championship season; the Lakers postponed contract discussions while attempting to acquire UCLA standout Bill Walton. The Lakers initiated legal action against Chamberlain, preventing him from playing for the Conquistadors due to an option year clause in his prior contract. A court decision allowed him to coach but prohibited him from playing for any team other than the Lakers during the 1973–74 season.

Chamberlain assigned most coaching responsibilities to assistant coach Stan Albeck, who observed that while Chamberlain possessed excellent basketball instincts, he lacked the patience required for routine coaching duties. Players regarded him as capable yet frequently detached; Chamberlain concentrated more on promoting his autobiography Wilt: Just Like Any Other 7-Foot Black Millionaire Who Lives Next Door, even missing games to attend autograph sessions. The Conquistadors ended the season with a 37–47 record and were eliminated in the division semifinals by the Utah Stars. Due to poor attendance figures averaging only 1,843 spectators per game at Golden Hall, Chamberlain decided to retire from professional basketball.

Regular season

Year	Team(s)	GP	MPG	FG%	FT%	RPG	APG	PPG
1959–60	Philadelphia	72	46.4*	.461	.582	27.0*	2.3	37.6*
1960–61	Philadelphia	79*	47.8*	.509*	.504	27.2Template:Double-dagger	1.9	38.4*
1961–62	Philadelphia	80*	48.5Template:Double-dagger	.506	.613	25.7*	2.4	50.4Template:Double-dagger
1962–63	San Francisco	80*	47.6*	.528*	.593	24.3*	3.4	44.8*
1963–64	San Francisco	80	46.1*	.524	.531	22.3	5.0	36.9*
1964–65	San Francisco	38	45.9	.499*	.416	23.5	3.1	38.9*
	Philadelphia	35	44.5	.528*	.526	22.3	3.8	30.1*
1965–66	Philadelphia	79	47.3*	.540*	.513	24.6*	5.2	33.5*
1966–67†	Philadelphia	81*	45.5*	.683*	.441	24.2*	7.8	24.1
1967–68	Philadelphia	'82'	46.8*	.595*	.380	23.8*	8.6*	24.3
1968-69 NBA season |style=text-align:left; |1968-69 Los Angeles Lakers season |81 |45.3* | .583* | .446 |21.1* |4.5 |20.5
1969-70 NBA season |style=text-align:left; |1969-70 Los Angeles Lakers season |12 |42.1 | .568 | .446 |18.4 |4.1 |27.3
1970-71 NBA season |style=text-align:left; |1970-71 Los Angeles Lakers season |82	44.3	.545	.538	18.2*	4.3	20.7
1971-72 NBA season†	1971-72 Los Angeles Lakers season	82	42.3	.649*	.422	19.2*	4.0	14.8
1972-73 NBA season	1972-73 Los Angeles Lakers season	82*	43.2	.727*	.510	18.6*	4.5	13.2
Career		1,045 !45.8Template:Double-dagger ! .540 ! .511 !22.9Template:Double-dagger !4.4 !30.1
All-Star		13 !29.8 ! .590 ! .500 !15.1 !2.7 !14.6

Blocked shots were first officially recorded by the NBA in the season following his retirement from play.

Playoffs

Year	Team(s)	GP	MPG	FG%	FT%	RPG	APG	PPG
1960	Philadelphia	9	46.1	.496	.445	25.8	2.1	33.2
1961	Philadelphia	3	48.0	.489	.553	23.0	2.0	37.0
1962	Philadelphia	12	48.0	.467	.636	26.6	3.1	35.0
1964	San Francisco	12	46.5	.543	.475	25.2	3.3	34.7
1965	Philadelphia	11	48.7	.530	.559	27.2	4.4	29.3
1966	Philadelphia	5	48.0	.509	.412	30.2	3.0	28.0
1967†	Philadelphia	15	47.9	.579	.388	29.1	9.0	21.7
1968	Philadelphia	13	48.5	.534	.380	24.7	6.5	23.7
1969	L.A. Lakers	'18'	46.2	.545	.392	24.7	2.6	13.9
1970	L.A. Lakers	'18'	47.3	.549	.406	22.2	4.5	22.1
1971	L.A. Lakers 12 || 46.2 || .455 || .515 || 20.2 || 4.4 || 18.3
1972†	L.A. Lakers 15 || 46.9 || .563 || .492 || 21.0 || 3.3 || 14.7
1973	L.A. Lakers	17	47.1	.552	.500	22.5	3.5	10.4
Career totals		47.2Template:Double-dagger ! .522 ! .465 !24.5 !4.2 !22.5

ABA

|-

| style="text-align:left;" |  San Diego 
| style="text-align:left;" |  
|84||37||47|||| style="text-align:center" |4th in Western Division||6||2||4|| 
| style="text-align:center" |Eliminated in  division semifinals 

Post-NBA career

Following his stint with the Conquistadors, Chamberlain shifted his focus toward business and entertainment ventures, generating income through investments in stocks and real estate, as well as managing a well-known Harlem nightclub that he rebranded as Big Wilt's Smalls Paradise. He also placed capital into broodmares and appeared in promotional campaigns for prominent companies such as TWA, American Express, Volkswagen, Drexel Burnham, Le Tigre Clothing, Foot Locker, and Miller Lite.

Athletics

Chamberlain provided sponsorship for various professional teams across volleyball and track disciplines, including women's basketball, softball, volleyball, and track squads. Volleyball became a primary interest; he joined the International Volleyball Association (IVA) board in 1974 and assumed the presidency in 1975. His involvement was instrumental in securing television coverage for the IVA All-Star game, where he earned MVP honors. Chamberlain competed with the IVA’s Seattle Smashers until the league ceased operations in 1979 and was later inducted into the IVA Hall of Fame.

During the 1970s, Chamberlain established Wilt's Athletic Club in Southern California, initially coached by UCLA assistant Bob Kersee. The club nurtured elite athletes such as Florence Griffith, Greg Foster, and future Olympic gold medalists Andre Phillips, Alice Brown, and Jeanette Bolden. He contracted 60 athletes with ambitions to increase that number to 100. In 1982, Chamberlain contemplated a return to masters athletics competition, referencing his superiority in shot put compared to Olympic champion Al Oerter.

Remaining in exceptional physical condition after retiring from basketball, Chamberlain notably outperformed rookie Magic Johnson during practice sessions when he was in his mid-forties. He received proposals for an NBA comeback from the Cleveland Cavaliers during the 1980–81 season and later from the New Jersey Nets at age 50 but declined both offers. He maintained an active lifestyle by participating in marathons over several years. With the advent of million-dollar NBA contracts, Chamberlain expressed dissatisfaction over his comparatively modest earnings during his playing days, culminating in his 1997 book Who's Running the Asylum? Inside the Insane World of Sports Today, where he criticized how former players were treated by the NBA.

Film

In 1976, Chamberlain launched a film production and distribution company to create his debut film, Go For It. He portrayed a villainous warrior opposite Arnold Schwarzenegger in the 1984 movie Conan the Destroyer, engaging in fight sequences alongside Schwarzenegger and Grace Jones. This role marked his sole credited appearance on film.

In November 1998, Chamberlain collaborated with Ian Ng Cheng Hin, CEO of Northern Cinema House Entertainment, to develop a biographical movie about his life. He had been working on screenplay drafts for more than a year prior to his passing.

Death

Chamberlain had a documented history of cardiovascular disease and experienced a brief hospitalization due to an irregular heartbeat in 1992. He began treatment for heart-related issues; however, his health deteriorated significantly by 1999, accompanied by notable weight loss. Following dental surgery shortly before his death, he faced difficulties recovering from the associated stress. On October 12, 1999, Chamberlain passed away at age 63 at his residence in Bel Air. His attorney confirmed that congestive heart failure was the cause.

Goldberg commented on Chamberlain’s sharp intellect and diverse interests beyond basketball, emphasizing his work on a screenplay about his own life as well as his engagement with global affairs and philosophy.

Memorial services took place in Los Angeles on October 16 and Philadelphia on October 21, 1999. The basketball community—including players and officials—widely acknowledged him as one of the sport’s all-time greats. Bill Russell, both a rival on court and a friend off it, reflected on their intense competition forging an unbreakable bond between them.

Awards and honors

Widely recognized as one of the most formidable players in NBA history, Chamberlain has frequently been hailed as the greatest ever by numerous figures, including Hall of Famers Walt Frazier and Earl Monroe. In 2007, ESPN placed him as the second-best center behind Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, while Slam ranked him second in their 2009 list of the Top 50 NBA Players. ESPN’s 2020 evaluation positioned him sixth among the top 74 NBA players and third-best center after Abdul-Jabbar and Bill Russell. By 2022, he was ranked fifth on ESPN's NBA 75th Anniversary Team and sixth by The Athletic. Fellow players from his era often expressed apprehension about facing Chamberlain; Bill Russell admitted to fearing humiliation, and Walt Frazier described his dominance as almost "comical."

Chamberlain’s name is synonymous with numerous NBA records. His teammate Billy Cunningham once remarked, "The NBA Guide reads like Wilt's personal diary." He topped the league in scoring on seven occasions, led in field-goal percentage nine times, minutes played eight times, rebounding eleven times, and assists once. His unparalleled 100-point game remains one of basketball’s most iconic feats, with many modern teams still unable to average that many points per game decades later. Kobe Bryant’s 81-point performance in 2006 stands as the closest challenge to Chamberlain’s record, which Bryant himself deemed "unthinkable."

During his high school and collegiate years, Chamberlain earned honors such as Mr. Basketball USA and NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player (1957). His number 13 jersey has been retired by the Kansas Jayhawks, Harlem Globetrotters, Golden State Warriors, Philadelphia 76ers, and Los Angeles Lakers. Over his professional career, he secured two NBA championships, four regular-season MVP titles, a Rookie of the Year award, one Finals MVP, one All-Star Game MVP, appeared in 13 All-Star Games, and was named to 10 All-NBA Teams (seven First Team selections). Additionally, he earned two All-Defensive First Team honors. Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1978, he was also included among the NBA’s 50 Greatest Players in 1996. ESPN ranked him 13th among North American athletes of the century in 1999.

Despite his aggressive style of play throughout his NBA tenure, Chamberlain committed remarkably few fouls—never fouling out during his 14 seasons—with an average of just two fouls per game while playing nearly 46 minutes per contest. He recorded five seasons where his fouls averaged under two per game and posted a career low of 1.5 fouls during the high-scoring 1962 season.

Chamberlain’s playing style underwent notable transformation over time. According to Lakers coach Bill Sharman, he shifted focus from scoring to rebounding and facilitating before emphasizing defense during his championship years. During this period, his scoring averages declined while rebounds and assists rose; he even achieved back-to-back seasons averaging eight assists per game and secured an assist title. By age 35 in the championship-winning 1971–72 season, he had reduced his shot attempts drastically—from approximately 40 per game in his record-setting season to just nine.

While defensive metrics like blocks were not officially tracked for much of Chamberlain’s career, anecdotal evidence points to extraordinary defensive impact—Sixers general manager Jack Ramsay recalled unofficial tallies reaching as high as 25 blocks in a single game. Official statistics from Chamberlain’s later Lakers years indicate an average of 8.8 blocks per game across 112 contests—a figure that would shatter current NBA records by a significant margin.

Rule modifications

Wilt Chamberlain played a pivotal role in prompting multiple adjustments to NBA rules. These included expanding the width of the lane to prevent dominant big men from crowding the basket, introducing offensive goaltending regulations, banning dunking during free throw attempts, and altering inbounding procedures—such as forbidding inbound passes over the backboard. His influence on rule evolution is often likened to that of George Mikan, the 6-foot-10 Minneapolis Lakers center from a decade earlier, whose dominance also led to similar regulatory changes targeting powerful centers.

Chamberlain–Russell rivalry

Widely regarded as one of the most iconic rivalries in basketball history, the competition between Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell is marked by contrasting achievements. Russell secured 11 NBA championships compared to Chamberlain’s two. While Chamberlain was named to seven All-NBA First Teams, Russell earned three such honors but claimed five MVP awards—voted on by players at the time—outpacing Chamberlain’s four. In playoff encounters, Russell’s Celtics prevailed in seven out of eight series against Chamberlain’s Warriors, 76ers, and Lakers, including winning all four decisive Game 7s by a combined margin of nine points.

This rivalry is frequently portrayed as a clash between an individual-focused player (Chamberlain) and a team-oriented leader (Russell). Chamberlain acknowledged that Boston’s strategy did not depend heavily on Russell’s scoring, enabling him to concentrate on defense and rebounding, whereas Chamberlain was tasked with carrying a significant scoring load. Statistically, Chamberlain outperformed Russell in both scoring and rebounding during regular season and postseason play.

Off the court, they maintained a friendship; Russell preferred the term “competitors” over “rivals” and seldom discussed basketball in private. Upon Chamberlain’s passing in 1999, Russell was among the first to be notified. Their relationship was strained after Russell publicly criticized Chamberlain’s performance in Game 7 of the 1969 NBA Finals—a notable low point in Chamberlain’s career—and they did not communicate for nearly 20 years until reconciling publicly in 1997. Advocates contend that Russell’s superior championship count was partly due to having stronger supporting teammates; notably, Chamberlain’s favored squad lost the 1969 Finals.

Perception as a loser

Despite Wilt Chamberlain’s extraordinary statistical accomplishments, some critics branded him selfish and labeled him a loser because he won only two NBA titles and lost seven of eight playoff series against Bill Russell’s Celtics. ESPN writer Frank Deford remarked that Chamberlain was trapped in a no-win scenario: if victorious, success was attributed solely to his size; if defeated, it was deemed unacceptable. Chamberlain echoed coach Alex Hannum’s observation that “Nobody roots for Goliath.”

Rick Barry criticized Chamberlain for his lack of competitiveness under pressure, asserting that he shied away from clutch situations unlike players such as Bill Russell or Jerry West.

A significant weakness for Chamberlain was his poor free-throw accuracy, with a career average of .511—the third-lowest in NBA history—and a nadir of .380 during the 1967–68 season. Like Shaquille O’Neal decades later, he was often targeted by intentional fouling. Chamberlain experimented with various free-throw techniques including underhand and bank shots but avoided methods that might draw attention to his deficiency.

Nonetheless, he set an NBA record—later equaled by Adrian Dantley—for most free throws made (28) using the underhand style during his legendary 100-point game in 1962. Despite its effectiveness, Chamberlain abandoned this approach due to embarrassment. He also admitted deliberately missing free throws at times to allow teammates opportunities for offensive rebounds and higher-percentage scoring chances.

Star status

Wilt Chamberlain was the first basketball player to achieve superstar earnings, becoming the highest-paid athlete upon his NBA debut. He was the pioneer in surpassing an annual salary of $100,000 and earned a record $1.5 million during his time with the Lakers. While playing for the Philadelphia 76ers, he could afford to lease an apartment in New York City and commute to Philadelphia. Known for his nocturnal habits, Chamberlain managed a demanding professional career alongside a unique lifestyle characterized by late nights and late mornings.

Jazz musician Thad Jones honored Chamberlain by naming a composition "Big Dipper." Upon joining the Lakers, Chamberlain constructed a lavish mansion in Bel-Air worth one million dollars, inspired by Ursa Major to reflect his nickname "The Big Dipper." This residence boasted extravagant features such as a 2,200-pound pivoting front door and a private adult-themed room outfitted with mirrored walls and a fur-covered waterbed. Designed without any right angles, the home accommodated Chamberlain’s near-insomnia and vibrant social life. Living alone with automated systems, two cats, and several Great Danes, he also amassed an impressive car collection including a Ferrari, Bentley, and the $750,000 Le Mans-style Searcher One built in 1996.

At the time of his passing in 1999, Chamberlain’s estate was appraised at $25 million.

Love life

Although shy during his teenage years, Chamberlain later gained notoriety for his extensive womanizing. His attorney Seymour Goldberg remarked, "Some collect stamps; Wilt collected women." Swedish Olympic high jumper Annette Tånnander, who met him at age 40, described him as a confident yet courteous seducer. Conversely, Los Angeles Times columnist David Shaw recalled an incident where Chamberlain behaved rudely and sexist toward his own date, even leaving to obtain another woman’s phone number nearby.

In his second book, A View from Above, Chamberlain asserted he had been intimate with 20,000 women. Contemporary observer Rod Roddewig noted Chamberlain meticulously recorded encounters in a planner, averaging about 2.3 women daily during sampled periods; Chamberlain halved this figure for caution before extrapolating to the lifetime total of 20,000.

Responding to criticism over his promiscuity, Chamberlain explained that this figure symbolized how sex was as vital to him as basketball and clarified why he remained unmarried. In a 1999 interview shortly before his death, he expressed regret at not explaining the sexual norms of his time and advised men admiring his lifestyle that "having one woman a thousand different times is much more satisfying." He also stated he had no intention of marrying or fathering children.

In 2015, Aaron Levi claimed to be Chamberlain’s son based on adoption documentation and maternal details. However, since Chamberlain’s sister declined DNA testing, this claim remains unverified.

Relationships

Despite displaying egotistical traits, Chamberlain maintained cordial relations with many peers and earned considerable respect. He was known for positively engaging with fans through ticket giveaways and autograph signings. Jack Ramsay observed that Chamberlain enjoyed public attention, while Jerry West described him as “complex... very nice.” NBA competitor Jack McMahon commended Chamberlain’s character, and Bob Cousy suggested that had Chamberlain prioritized less on popularity, he might have secured more championships.

Chamberlain shared a close friendship with Bill Russell for much of their careers, often spending Thanksgiving together and bonding over Russell’s electric train hobby. However, their relationship deteriorated as Russell’s championship count increased; tensions peaked after the 1969 NBA Finals when Russell accused Chamberlain of “copping out.” Though they reconciled decades later, Chamberlain remained privately resentful and critical of Russell’s cerebral basketball style.

Chamberlain’s rapport with younger center Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was antagonistic. Although Abdul-Jabbar once admired Chamberlain and was part of his inner circle, their relationship soured after retirement into mutual hostility. Chamberlain criticized Abdul-Jabbar’s scoring ability, rebounding skills, and defense; meanwhile, Abdul-Jabbar accused him of betraying the black community due to his Republican affiliations and associations. When Abdul-Jabbar surpassed Chamberlain’s scoring record in 1984, Chamberlain urged him to retire. Abdul-Jabbar’s 1990 autobiography featured a critical piece titled "To Wilt Chumperlame," solidifying their strained dynamic until Chamberlain’s death.

Politics

During the late 1960s, Chamberlain was critical of the Black Panthers and black nationalist groups. He consistently supported Republican candidate Richard Nixon in both the 1968 and 1972 presidential races. Chamberlain was present alongside Nixon at Martin Luther King Jr.'s funeral and maintained his Republican affiliation throughout his lifetime.

Sexual assault allegation

In 2021, Cassandra Peterson, the actress famed for her character Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, revealed in her memoir, Yours Cruelly, Elvira: Memoirs of the Mistress of the Dark, that Chamberlain sexually assaulted her at a gathering during the 1970s. According to Peterson, Chamberlain coerced her into performing oral sex after inviting her to see a closet containing his NBA jerseys. She initially held herself responsible but reexamined the incident following the rise of the Me Too movement. Peterson characterized the assault as particularly disturbing because Chamberlain had been considered a friend.

See also

• List of basketball players who have scored 100 points in a single game
• List of NBA annual field goal percentage leaders
• List of NBA annual minutes leaders
• List of NBA annual rebounding leaders
• List of NBA career field goal percentage leaders
• List of NBA career free throw scoring leaders
• List of NBA career minutes played leaders
• List of NBA career triple-double leaders
• List of NBA career playoff free throw scoring leaders
• List of NBA career playoff rebounding leaders
• List of NBA career playoff scoring leaders
• List of NBA career playoff triple-double leaders
• List of NBA career rebounding leaders
• List of NBA career scoring leaders
• List of NBA franchise career scoring leaders
• List of NBA longest winning streaks
• List of NBA rookie single-season scoring leaders
• List of NBA single-game assists leaders
• List of NBA single-game playoff scoring leaders
• List of NBA single-game rebounding leaders
• List of NBA single-game scoring leaders
• List of NBA single-season rebounding leaders
• List of NBA single-season scoring leaders
• List of NCAA Division I men's basketball players with 30 or more rebounds in a game

External links

• Career statistics and coaching details at Basketball-Reference.com
• Wilt Chamberlain profile with the Kansas Jayhawks men's basketball team
• Summary of Chamberlain’s career on NBA.com
• Profile at Kansas Jayhawks men's basketball
• Audio broadcast from the fourth quarter of Chamberlain’s 100-point game at Random House
• Coverage on how Chamberlain’s 100-point game nearly went unrecorded from Weekend America, June 4, 2005
• Photograph showing Chamberlain dunking during a 1971 Lakers versus Bucks matchup in UCLA Library Special Collections