Record-breaking game: Most steals by a player in a single NBA game

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The NBA has been keeping track of steals since the 1973-74 season. One notable record was set in the fourth season of steals being an official statistic when San Antonio's Larry Kenon recorded an impressive 11 steals in a game against the Kansas City Kings on Dec. 26, 1976. This record still stands as of the 2024-25 season.

Kenon’s record was tied 23 years later by New Jersey’s Kendall Gill, who swiped 11 steals in an 88-77 Nets win over the Miami Heat.

Larry Kenon:

11 steals (Spurs at Kings, Dec. 26, 1976)

Kendall Gill:

11 steals (Nets vs. Heat, April 3, 1999)

In the first five decades of steals being compiled (1973-74 – 2023-24), only 20 players have recorded double-digit steals in an NBA game. Alvin Robertson (four) and Clyde Drexler (two) are the only players in NBA history with multiple double-digit steals games.

Alvin Robertson

: 10 steals (Spurs vs. Suns, Feb. 18, 1986)

Alvin Robertson:

10 steals (Spurs at Clippers, Nov. 22, 1986)

Alvin Robertson:

10 steals (Spurs vs. Rockets, Jan. 11, 1989, OT)

Alvin Robertson:

10 steals (Bucks vs. Jazz, Nov. 19, 1990)

Clyde Drexler:

10 steals (Trail Blazers at Bucks, Jan. 10, 1986)

Clyde Drexler:

10 steals (Rockets vs. Kings, Nov. 1, 1996)

16 Other Players:

10 steals – Jerry West, Larry Steele, Fred Brown, Gus Williams, Eddie Jordan, Johnny Moore, Fat Lever, Ron Harper, Michael Jordan, Kevin Johnson, Mookie Blaylock, Michael Finley, Brandon Roy, Draymond Green, Lou Williams, T.J. McConnell

With 10 steals in Philadelphia’s 97-85 win over Orlando on May 13, 1999, Allen Iverson recorded the only double-digit steals game in NBA Playoffs history. Seven players are tied for second place with eight steals in a playoff game, including two games by Tim Hardaway.

Allen Iverson:

10 steals (76ers vs. Magic, May 13, 1999)

Rick Barry:

8 steals (Warriors vs. SuperSonics, April 14, 1975)

Lionel Hollins:

8 steals (Trail Blazers at Lakers, May 8, 1977)

Maurice Cheeks:

8 steals (76ers vs. Nets, April 11, 1979)

Craig Hodges:

8 steals (Bucks at 76ers, May 9, 1986)

Tim Hardaway:

8 steals (Warriors at Lakers, May 8, 1991)