Unbelievable NBA Record Shattered: The Game Where Turnovers Reached Jaw-Dropping Heights

Ever wonder how some of basketball’s greatest minds manage to slip on the very ball they so often command like a maestro? It’s a bit ironic, isn’t it? The same stars who dazzle us with slick passes and clutch shots can also rack up turnovers that leave fans scratching their heads. High usage rates spell greatness, sure — but they also come bundled with the risk of making costly mistakes. This rollercoaster of brilliance and blunders is why even the legends aren’t immune to the infamous turnover. Here, we dive headfirst into the most jaw-dropping, record-setting turnover sprees in NBA history — moments that players and teams would probably pay top dollar to unsee. From Jason Kidd’s shocking 14 turnovers in a single game to team efforts that verged on chaotic, these slip-ups have shaped narratives, shifted games, and left an indelible mark on the hardwood. Ready to relive the mishaps that remind us all that perfection on the court is a myth? Take a glance at these unforgettable contests — and brace yourself for some unexpected names and jaw-dropping stats. LEARN MORE.

Even standouts are prone to turning the ball in basketball. We’re looking back to the NBA players and teams who have committed the most turnovers in a game.

Greatness in basketball often comes with high usage rates – often good, but sometimes bad.

The more time a player spends with the ball in his hands, the more opportunities he has to make a mistake.

The NBA players who have turned the ball over most in individual games are some of basketball’s most celebrated names.

Turnovers have a crucial role in shaping narratives around teams and deciding critical games. They reveal the double-edged sword of individual players with heavy workloads, while teams that turn the ball over often rarely manage to win.

Whether their turnovers were forced by some of the game’s best defenses the game or simply from poor individual decision making, the players and teams on this list all would love to erase these matchups from the all-time record books.

Here are the games with the most turnovers in NBA history:

Most Player Turnovers in a Regular Season Game

1. 14 – Jason Kidd, Phoenix Suns vs. New York Knicks (Nov. 17, 2000)

It’s not a joke that some of basketball’s most celebrated names appear on the all-time single game turnovers list. To most basketball fans, it’s quite a shock to see Kidd, one of the most celebrated passers in NBA history, appear here.

Fans of the guard can take some solace in the fact that he recorded a triple-double (18 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists) in this game while playing 45 minutes, but his Suns fell to the Knicks 90-85.

2. 13 – Chris Mullin, Golden State Warriors vs. Utah Jazz (March 31, 1998)

T-3. 12 – Twelve Players Tied, Including Kidd and Scottie Pippen Twice Each

Most Turnovers by a Team in a Regular Season Game

1. 34 – Denver Nuggets vs. Los Angeles Lakers (Nov. 22, 1992)

It was a true team effort for the Nuggets to reach 34 turnovers in a single game as six different players recorded at least four turnovers.

LaPhonso Ellis led the way with seven while recording just two assists. The Lakers more than tripled the Nuggets in steals (19-6) on their way to a 119-107 victory.

T-2. 33 – Charlotte Hornets vs. Washington Bullets (Nov. 23, 1993)

T-2. 33 – Denver Nuggets vs. Seattle SuperSonics (March 20, 1997)

T-2. 33 – New Orleans Hornets vs. Washington Wizards (Dec. 12, 2004)

T-2. 33 – Orlando Magic vs. Milwaukee Bucks (March 6, 1992)

Most Player Turnovers in a Playoff Game

1. 12 – James Harden, Houston Rockets vs. Golden State Warriors (May 27, 2015)

In what was a dominant season for Harden, Game 5 of the Western Conference finals was a game to forget. He recorded just five assists in this matchup to go along with his 12 turnovers and finished 2 of 11 from the field.

The 2014-15 Warriors, one of the better teams in league history, played stifling defense throughout the postseason, frustrating many other stars in addition to Harden on their way to an NBA championship.

2. 11 – Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks vs Los Angeles Clippers (Aug. 17, 2020)

3. 10 – Nine Players Tied, Including LeBron James Twice

Most Turnovers by a Team in a Playoff Game

1. 35 – Indiana Pacers vs. New York Knicks (May 9, 1995)

In one of the more memorable postseasons in league history, the Eastern Conference semifinals produced the game with the most turnovers of all time.

Nearly every Pacers player struggled in this one, with Hall of Famer Reggie Miller had just 10 points on 3-of-10 shooting with five turnovers. Charles Oakley recorded five of the Knicks’ 14 steals as they defeated the Pacers 96-77.

But less than two weeks later, the Pacers won by two points in a decisive Game 7.

2. 32 – Miami Heat vs. Chicago Bulls (May 24, 1997)

T-3. 28 – Chicago Bulls vs. Milwaukee Bucks (April 25, 2015)

T-3. 28 – Miami Heat vs. Chicago Bulls (April 26, 1996)

T-3. 28 – New Jersey Nets vs. Detroit Pistons (May 14, 2004)

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