Martin Luther King Jr. Day stands out as a significant event on the NBA calendar. Every year, the league organizes games nationwide to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King's enduring legacy of equality, courage, and unity. Over the years, these MLK Day games have evolved into a cherished tradition, frequently showcasing electrifying displays from basketball's top talents.
Legendary Moments on a Meaningful Day
From iconic former players to current stars, many athletes have seized this platform to deliver unforgettable games. Whether through scoring bursts or clutch plays, MLK Day has generated moments that fans still discuss with excitement. Here, we highlight five of the most remarkable individual and team performances ever witnessed on this special NBA holiday.
1. Damian Lillard's Record-Breaking Night
Damian Lillard produced the greatest individual performance in MLK Day history back in 2020. The Portland Trail Blazers star exploded for 61 points against the Golden State Warriors. Lillard proved unstoppable that evening, draining 11 three-pointers and leading Portland to a thrilling overtime victory. His scoring outburst remains the highest ever recorded on MLK Day.
2. Gilbert Arenas' Buzzer-Beater Drama
Gilbert Arenas delivered one of the most dramatic MLK Day performances ever seen. He poured in 51 points for the Washington Wizards, capping it off with a game-winning three-pointer at the buzzer. Arenas' fearless shooting made this performance unforgettable for viewers and set a new MLK Day scoring record at that time.
3. Michael Jordan's Dominant Display
Michael Jordan reminded everyone why he was the face of the NBA with his MLK Day performance in 1996. Playing for the Chicago Bulls, Jordan scored 46 points against the Washington Wizards, completely controlling the game. At that moment, it stood as the highest-scoring performance ever achieved on MLK Day.
4. Shaquille O'Neal's Rookie Showcase
Shaquille O'Neal delivered an outstanding performance on MLK Day during his rookie season with the Orlando Magic. Shaq tallied 38 points in a 124-118 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers. Despite the team's defeat, Shaq's exceptional play made this one of the most dominant performances in MLK Day history.
5. The Splash Brothers' Collective Brilliance
Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson demonstrated why they earned the nickname "Splash Brothers" during the Warriors' MLK Day game against the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2017. The Golden State Warriors secured a decisive victory over the Cavaliers from start to finish. While neither player scored excessively individually—Thompson had 26 points and Curry 20—the duo combined to control the game entirely, making it one of the most discussed MLK Days ever.
These performances illustrate how NBA stars have used Martin Luther King Jr. Day to create lasting memories, blending athletic excellence with the holiday's spirit of inspiration and unity.
