3rd: George Mikan – 37 points

Lakers (vs. Chicago Stags) – March 23, 1949

Let’s face it, basketball is a game controlled by tall players. No wonder that the NBA’s first considered superstar was a big man by the name of George Mikan.

Recognized for his outstanding career in the BAA and NBL, Mikan became the NBA’s rising star once both leagues merged in 1949 to become the NBA. And sure enough, the big man helped develop the league to what it is today.

He posted 27.4 points in the regular season and bagged another scoring title to his name. He was the first living definition of walking buckets during that time.

As expected he continued his prolific scoring performance in the postseason, scoring 37 points in his playoff debut against the Chicago Stags. Mikan and the Minneapolis Lakers were able to win the championship in the inaugural season of the league.

Mikan was an early epitome for the likes of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Bill Russell, and Wilt Chamberlain.