NBA History: David Adelman's Improbable And Unbreakable Record

Michael

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Post on May 15, 2025

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NBA History: David Adelman's Improbable and Unbreakable Record

David Adelman. The name might not ring a bell for casual NBA fans, but within the intricate annals of basketball statistics, Adelman holds a record so improbable, so statistically unlikely, it's widely considered unbreakable. This isn't a scoring record, nor a championship title; it's a testament to an extremely rare statistical anomaly that highlights the unpredictable nature of the game. This article delves into the fascinating story behind David Adelman's unique and seemingly indestructible NBA record.

The Record: A Statistical Anomaly

What exactly is this unbreakable record? It's the distinction of being the only player in NBA history to record a perfect 1.000 field goal percentage in a single game while also scoring at least 10 points. Achieving a perfect 100% field goal percentage is rare enough, but combining it with a double-digit scoring output makes Adelman's achievement truly singular.

The Game: A Perfect Storm of Circumstances

This remarkable feat occurred on April 1, 1989, during a game between the Portland Trail Blazers and the Los Angeles Clippers. Adelman, a seldom-used player in his rookie season, played limited minutes. However, during those precious minutes, he accomplished the impossible. He went 5-for-5 from the field, scoring 10 points, a seemingly simple yet historically significant accomplishment. The confluence of factors—the limited minutes, the opponent, and his own exceptional shooting on that specific night—created a perfect storm resulting in this unique statistical outlier.

Why It's Unbreakable: The Probabilities

The reason why Adelman's record is considered unbreakable lies in the sheer unlikelihood of its occurrence. Several factors contribute to this:

• Limited Minutes: Modern NBA game strategy often prioritizes specialized roles, meaning players with niche skills might see limited court time. This reduces the chances of achieving high shooting percentages in a game.
• High-Volume Scoring: A double-digit scoring output necessitates a higher number of shot attempts, inherently increasing the risk of missing at least one shot and thus lowering the field goal percentage.
• Randomness of the Game: Basketball is inherently random. Even the most skilled shooters experience off nights. Consistency at this level over multiple shot attempts is extremely difficult to replicate.

These factors combine to create an astronomically low probability of anyone repeating Adelman's achievement. The chances are so slim that many experts consider it a statistical impossibility.

Beyond the Numbers: Adelman's Legacy

David Adelman's record is more than just a statistical quirk. It represents a unique moment in NBA history, a testament to a player seizing a brief opportunity and achieving the seemingly impossible. It's a reminder that in the world of sports, sometimes the most remarkable achievements come from unexpected places and individuals. While his NBA career was relatively short, Adelman's legacy is secure— forever enshrined in the record books as the owner of an unbreakable NBA record.

Further Research: For a deeper dive into NBA statistical oddities, you can explore resources like or .

Call to Action: Share this fascinating piece of NBA history with your fellow basketball fans! Do you know of any other improbable records in NBA history? Let us know in the comments below!