NBA on MLK Day: The top 5 individual performances on Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Zachary Knox-Doyle, Sports Editor

Jan 21, 2025

NBA on MLK Day serves as a platform for social outreach, blending the league’s commitment to equality and community empowerment with the celebration of basketball. Beyond the on-court action, the initiative honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy by promoting messages of justice, unity and service. Through partnerships with local organizations, educational programs and community events, the league uses its reach to highlight the ongoing fight for racial and social equity. Graphic Courtesy of: National Basketball Association press materials

Two can’t miss dates for NBA fanatics–Dec. 25 and the third Monday in January.

Since 1986, Martin Luther King Jr. Day has been a cornerstone of the NBA calendar, showcasing must-see matchups while honoring the civil rights leader’s legacy.

Launched the same year the holiday was first observed, NBA on MLK Day offers a full day of hoops, remembrance and celebration of Dr. King. The annual tradition pairs basketball with a powerful message, serving as both a celebration of Dr. King’s legacy and a reminder of the work still to be done as the NBA highlights the power of community and action.

While the significance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day extends far beyond the court, the day’s full slate of games often carry an extra sense of gravity and inspiration. On the hardwood over the years, players have risen to the occasion, delivering some remarkable individual performances.

From Mark Jackson’s 22-assist showcase in 1997 to Damian Lillard’s 60-point display in 2020, MLK Day has delivered unforgettable NBA highlights. On a day that has seen 27 40-point performances and four 50-point outings, there is no shortage of historic feats to dissect as the Inkspot counts down the five greatest moments from MLK Day matchups.

5. Lebron James – Jan. 16, 2023 – Lakers 140-Rockets 132

Statline: 36 minutes, 48 points (season high), 8 rebounds, 9 assists, 16-26 FG, 5-10 3FG, 11-12 FT

LeBron James wouldn’t have claimed the NBA’s all-time scorer title in February 2023 without his share of standout games, including a jaw-dropping 48-point performance on MLK Day in 2023.

In peak form, The King dominated the Rockets, driving to the rim, finishing through contact, sinking pull-up threes and even dishing behind-the-back assists. James capped off his night with nine assists, showcasing his versatility.

With just seconds left in the second quarter James let Los Angeles fans know this would be a game to remember, as he drove down the middle of the lane, cocked the ball back and slammed it home with authority.

He followed the slam with an even more impressive second half, scorching the Rockets with 30 second half points, 20 of which coming in the contest’s final quarter.

James finished in fashion, drilling a 17-footer off the glass with 50 seconds to play, securing the victory for the Lakers and a spot in NBA on MLK Day lore.

4. Damian Lillard – Jan. 21, 2020 – Trailblazers 129-Warriors 124

Statline: 45 minutes, 61 points (T-season high), 10 rebounds, 7 assists, 17-37 FG, 11-20 3FG, 16-16 FT

2020 belonged to Damian Lillard, who recorded three 60-point games, including a thrilling overtime victory against the Warriors on MLK Day.

With Steph Curry sidelined, Lillard took center stage and delivered a masterclass, finishing with 61 points and 11 threes. He created his own shots, sank off-balance floaters and confidently drained a 36-foot pull-up triple.

The game’s defining moments came in crunch time. With Portland down three and 15 seconds left in regulation, Lillard shook Alec Burks and nailed a step-back three to force overtime.

In the extra period, he buried another clutch deep ball with under a minute to play, lifting the Blazers to victory.

While Lillard’s performance dazzled, his inefficiency from the floor, shooting 17 for 37, is what keeps it out of our top three.

3. Klay Thompson – Jan. 21, 2019 – Warriors 130-Lakers 111

Statline: 27 minutes, 44 points, 17-20 FG, 10-11 3FG

Few players can light up the scoreboard like Klay Thompson, and on MLK Day 2019, he delivered one of the most efficient scoring displays in NBA history.

Thompson erupted for 44 points in just 27 minutes, sinking 17 of 20 shots and breaking an NBA record by hitting his first 10 three-point attempts. Seven of those triples came in the third quarter, with the seventh bringing Oracle Arena to its feet as Thompson held his arm aloft in celebration.

With the Warriors up big, Thompson sat the final 16 minutes, leaving fans to marvel at his near-perfect night.

2. Blake Griffin – Jan. 17, 2011 – Clippers 114-Pacers 107

Statline: 37 minutes, 47 points (career high as a Clipper), 19-24 FG, 9-11 FT, 14 rebounds, 3 assists

In his prime, Blake Griffin was a force of nature, and on MLK Day 2011, he unleashed his full repertoire against the Indiana Pacers.

Griffin dominated from start to finish, hitting five of six mid-range shots, racking up 14 rebounds and scoring 47 points on nearly 80% shooting. His relentless attacks on the rim not only piled up points but also left Roy Hibbert in foul trouble, limiting the Pacers center to just 12 minutes.

Griffin’s career-high performance as a Clipper was also the third-highest scoring game of the 2010-11 season, a testament to his dominance.

1. Gilbert Arenas – Jan. 15, 2007 – Wizards 114-Jazz 111

Statline: 41 minutes, 51 points, 14-29 FG, 7-12 3FG, 16-17 FT, 3 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 turnover

The top spot on the NBA on MLK Day performance list belongs to Gilbert Arenas, who delivered an all-time great showing in 2007 with 51 points and a game-winning buzzer-beater.

Arenas balanced his attack with speedy drives and deep threes, entering the final three minutes with 36 points. But it was his clutch shooting in the game’s closing moments that elevated this performance. Arenas hit four three-pointers in the final 3:11, including a heavily contested game-winner as time expired.

The combination of scoring fireworks and last-second heroics made this a truly iconic MLK Day moment.

MLK Day has become a showcase for greatness on and off the court, and these performances exemplify the powerful connection between basketball and the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Each of these games serves as a reminder not only of the players’ remarkable talents but also of the day’s greater purpose—a celebration of unity, equalityand perseverance.

As the NBA continues this annual tradition, these iconic moments remain etched in history, honoring Dr. King’s dream through the electrifying stage of sport.

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