On This Day in Sports: April 5, 1984
On April 5, 1984, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar used the shot most closely associated with his career to reach the top of the NBA scoring list. Playing Utah in Las Vegas, the Los Angeles center caught the ball on the right side and released a sweeping skyhook over Mark Eaton. The basket moved him past Wilt Chamberlain’s career total of 31,419 points.
Play stopped as teammates, opponents and spectators recognized the achievement. Abdul-Jabbar’s parents were present, and league officials marked the moment at midcourt. He finished with 22 points in a 129-115 Lakers victory. The setting was unusual—a neutral-site game in Nevada—but the familiar motion of the skyhook made the record feel like a perfect summary of his craft.
The scoring lead reflected much more than longevity. Abdul-Jabbar had arrived in the league as an immediate champion and Most Valuable Player, then adapted his game across changing teams, rules and generations. His touch, conditioning and ability to create a high-release shot few defenders could challenge allowed him to remain productive deep into his thirties.
He eventually retired with 38,387 regular-season points, a record that stood for nearly thirty-nine years. When the mark was finally surpassed, the 1984 image remained central to his legacy: a graceful, nearly indefensible skyhook floating toward the basket. It represented both the thousands of points that came before and the singular technique that made them possible.
The record basket came against the Utah Jazz.
Abdul-Jabbar passed Wilt Chamberlain’s 31,419 points.
He scored with his signature skyhook.
The game was played in Las Vegas.
Los Angeles won 129-115.
Kareem retired with 38,387 regular-season points.
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