Drafted territorially by the Warriors (of Philadelphia), Wilt Chamberlain quickly distinguished himself in the NBA. In fact, he did so when he first met on October 24, 1959. At the time, although he was only 23 years old, he was already considered a phenomenon by many. ‘observers.
61 years ago to the day, therefore, the one who was only a rookie faced the Knicks in the prestigious Madison Square Garden, for his debut in the League. And these will be memorable to say the least since “Wilt the Stilt” will compile 43 points and 28 rebounds, at 17/27 on shots, without resting for a single second! Dominating from start to finish, he offers himself a real show of force in front of New York spectators amazed by such a spectacle.
Carried by their young star, the Warriors obviously leave with the victory in this record night. Record because, to date, no player has scored and captured as many, if not more, points and rebounds than Wilt Chamberlain for his first game in the NBA!
As for the rookie season of the one who will become “the man with 100 points”, it will be just as historic since it will end with 37.6 points and 27.0 rebounds on average. The League’s top scorer and rebounder, he also won the Rookie of the Year trophy and, above all, that of MVP. Since then, only Wes Unseld (1969) has achieved such a feat in his first year!
If he will not succeed in being champion in the wake, Wilt Chamberlain will however have left his mark on the NBA from the 1959-60 financial year. A legend is born and its rise to the peaks has only just begun.
