Most Missed Shots in a Single NBA Game (player)

(last updated on October 18, 2025)

In the high-stakes world of the NBA, every shot counts, but what happens when they don’t? Let’s delve into the fascinating records of the most missed shots in a single game, uncovering the relentless drive of athletes who dared to keep shooting despite the odds. This is the list of players with the most missed shots in a game since 1983-84.

Kobe Bryant (30 misses and 28 misses)

Known for his relentless pursuit of greatness, Kobe Bryant left an indelible mark on the NBA. His scoring prowess is legendary, but his persistence in the face of missed shots is equally compelling. On two notable occasions, Bryant missed an astounding number of field goals: 30 against the Boston Celtics on November 7, 2002 and 28 against the Utah Jazz on April 13, 2016.

These games highlight his unwavering confidence and determination. Despite the misses, Bryant’s scoring totals in those games were still impressive—41 points against Boston and 60 against Utah. Such performances underscore the high-volume shooting style that defined his career and contributed to his scoring legacy.

Over his 20-season career with the Los Angeles Lakers, Bryant amassed 33,643 points, making him one of the highest scorers in NBA history. His willingness to take risks, as seen in these high-miss games, exemplifies his fearless approach to basketball. Kobe’s legacy is not only about the points he scored but also about his relentless drive and undying competitive spirit.

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Russell Westbrook (27 misses and 26 misses)

In a display of sheer determination, Russell Westbrook, the dynamic point guard of the Oklahoma City Thunder for years, showcased his relentless scoring mentality in two unforgettable NBA games. On October 28, 2016, Westbrook missed an astonishing 27 field goals against the Phoenix Suns yet still managed to score 51 points. Similarly, on February 26, 2015, he missed 26 shots against the same opponent, finishing with 39 points.

Throughout his career, the nine-time All-Star has been lauded for his explosive athleticism and ability to fill up the stat sheet. In the 2020-2021 season, he averaged a triple-double for the fourth time in his career, solidifying his status as one of the most dominant players in the league.

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Jerry Stackhouse (27 misses)

Known for his scoring bursts, Stackhouse etched his name into the record books on February 3, 2001, when he missed 27 field goals in a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Despite this shooting slump, Stackhouse still managed to put up 21 points.

Throughout the 2000-2001 season, Stackhouse showcased his shooting proficiency, leading the league in total points with 2,380 and averaging 29.8 points per game, the second-highest total that year. His ability to keep shooting despite misses reflects the confidence and resolve that defined his career.

 Stackhouse’s performance in that game against Cavaliers highlighted his role as the primary offensive weapon for the Detroit Pistons, demonstrating his readiness to take on the scoring burden night after night.

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Michael Jordan (27 misses and 26 misses)

Michael Jordan’s legacy in the NBA is unrivaled, celebrated for his clutch performances and scoring proficiency. However, his career also includes instances of high-volume shooting that resulted in numerous missed shots. On November 3, 1997 Jordan missed 27 field goals in a game against the San Antonio Spurs, yet he still managed to score 29 points. Another notable game occurred on January 15, 1987, when he missed 26 field goals against the Houston Rockets, ending with 43 points.

These games highlight Jordan’s unwavering confidence and his willingness to take risks to secure victories for his team. During the 1986-1987 season, he led the league in scoring with an average of 37.1 points per game, a testament to his relentless shooting-focused drive.

His performance in these high-miss games illustrates his fortitude and determination to continue shooting despite setbacks. It’s this unyielding approach that helped him amass six NBA championships, five MVP awards, and solidify his status as arguably the greatest player in basketball history.

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Dejounte Murray (26 misses)

On March 28, 2024, Dejounte Murray of the Atlanta Hawks etched his name into NBA history, showcasing his scoring tenacity against the Boston Celtics. Despite missing 26 field goals, Murray’s offensive resoluteness shone through as he tallied an impressive 44 points.

Throughout his career, Murray has exemplified versatility, contributing across multiple statistical categories. In the 2022-2023 season, he boasted averages of 20.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game, establishing himself firmly as a key player for the Hawks.

Murray’s performance in the game against the Celtics highlights his unwavering determination to make an impact on the court, even amidst shooting struggles. His ability to recover from adversity signals his resilience and commitment to success.

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James Harden (26 and 25 misses)

In a display of attacking firepower, James Harden made headlines with his dominance in two memorable NBA games. On December 3, 2019, Harden missed 26 field goals against the San Antonio Spurs yet still managed to amass an impressive 50 points. Similarly, on January 8, 2020, he missed 25 shots against the Atlanta Hawks but rallied to score 41 points.

In the 2018-2019 season, Harden led the NBA in scoring with an average of 36.1 points per game, earning him the MVP award. His knack for scoring in various ways, coupled with his hardiness in the face of missed shots, cements his status as one of the most prolific scorers in NBA history.

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Rudy Gay (26 misses)

Rudy Gay, a long-time small/power forward in the league, etched his name into the annals of NBA history with a standout performance on November 11, 2013. In spite of missing out on 26 field goals attempts in a single game against the Houston Rockets, Gay still finished with 29 points.

Throughout his career, Gay was recognized for his scoring versatility and ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor. During the 2014-2015 season, Gay averaged 21.1 points per game, bolstering his stature as a dynamic offensive threat. His performance in the game against the Rockets underscored his willingness to shoulder the scoring load and continue attacking the basket in the face of challenges reaffirming his status as a formidable force on the court.

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Damon Stoudamire (26 misses)

In a memorable NBA game on December 11, 1996, Damon Stoudamire showcased both his scoring precision and his perseverance in the face of adversity. Even with 26 missed field goals in one game against the Boston Celtics, Stoudamire still managed to tally an impressive 31 points.

Throughout his career, Stoudamire was known for his offense-heavy explosiveness and ability to create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. In the 2004-2005 season, he averaged 15.8 points per game, cementing his position as a key contributor for the Portland Trail Blazers.

As Stoudamire’s career progressed, his ability to bounce back from setbacks and continue performing at a high level endeared him to fans and earned him respect throughout the league.

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John Starks (26 misses)

In a memorable NBA game on February 14, 1993, John Starks showcased both his scoring flair and his vigor in the face of adversity. Even after failing to put the ball through the hoop on 26 occasions in a game against the Orlando Magic, Starks still managed to contribute 26 points, demonstrating his determination and shooting-focused approach.

Throughout his career, Starks was known for his fearless approach to the game and his ability to rise to the occasion in pressure-filled moments. In the 1993-1994 season, he averaged 19 points per game, fortifying his prestige as a key player for the New York Knicks. Starks’ performance in this game against Orlando reinforces his unwavering commitment to making an impact on the court, even amidst shooting struggles.

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Bradley Beal (25 misses)

In a memorable NBA performance, Bradley Beal, then with the Washington Wizards, demonstrated his scoring brilliance and resilience in a single game on December 23, 2019. Notwithstanding 25 failed field goal attempts against the New York Knicks, Beal managed to deliver a solid performance, finishing with 30 points.

Throughout his career, Beal has been celebrated for his versatility and ability to generate points in various ways. In the 2019-2020 season, he averaged 30.5 points per game, affirming his role as one of the league’s premier scorers.

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This entry was posted on Friday, July 12th, 2024 at 7:15 pm and is filed under Top 10 Lists. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.