Chinese Players' NBA Single-Game Highest Scores: Zhou Qi with 6 Points, Yi Jianlian with 31 Points, Yao Ming's Record Ceiling

Chinese Players' NBA Single-Game Highest Scores: Zhou Qi with 6 Points, Yi Jianlian with 31 Points, Yao Ming's Record Ceiling

A total of seven Chinese players have competed in official NBA games: Yao Ming, Yi Jianlian, Wang Zhizhi, Mengke Bateer, Sun Yue, Yi Jianlian, and Cui Yongxi. Let's take a look at their brightest moments on the NBA court.

Cui Yongxi

Although Cui Yongxi's NBA career lasted only a few months, his efforts and dedication to his dreams are still commendable. On December 3, 2024, in a game between the Nets and the Bulls, Cui Yongxi scored 2 points and 2 rebounds with 1 out of 6 shots, which is currently his highest scoring record in an NBA game.

Zhou Qi

On November 23, 2017, in a game between the Rockets and the Nuggets, Zhou Qi came off the bench for 12 minutes, made 2 out of 6 shots including 2 three-pointers, and finished the game with 6 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block, and 1 steal, refreshing his personal career scoring record.

Sun Yue

During the 2009-10 season, Sun Yue performed outstandingly in his debut against the Bucks, coming off the bench for 5 minutes and efficiently scoring 4 points with 2 out of 3 shots. Although his playing time was limited, Sun Yue's performance was still recognized by his teammates and coaches.

Mengke Bateer

On April 17, 2002, while playing for the Nuggets, Mengke Bateer started in a game against the Timberwolves. Throughout the game, Bateer played for 27 minutes, made 3 out of 11 shots, made 2 out of 4 three-pointers, and made all 4 free throws, eventually scoring 12 points and making 3 steals.

Wang Zhizhi

During the 2002-03 season, while playing for the Clippers, Wang Zhizhi set a new career-high scoring record in a game against the Nuggets. In this game, he came off the bench for 25 minutes, made 9 out of 12 shots, made both of his three-point attempts, and made 1 free throw, scoring 21 points, 6 rebounds, and 1 assist.

Yi Jianlian

On March 26, 2010, Yi Jianlian, wearing the Nets jersey, delivered his best performance in a game against the Pistons. In this game, Yi Jianlian started and played for 37 minutes, made 12 out of 16 shots, made both of his three-point attempts, and made 5 out of 7 free throws, ultimately scoring 31 points, 5 rebounds, 1 steal, and 1 block, helping the team secure a victory.

Yao Ming

On February 22, 2004, in a game between the Rockets and the Hawks, Yao Ming delivered a dominant individual performance. In that game, Yao Ming made 15 out of 21 shots and 11 out of 13 free throws, scoring a total of 41 points, 16 rebounds, and 7 assists, helping the Rockets win a close overtime victory over the Hawks. The single-game score of 41 points is also the highest scoring record for a Chinese player in the NBA.