The NBA contest featuring the fewest combined points occurred on November 22, 1950, between the Fort Wayne Pistons and the Minneapolis Lakers. The final score was 19-18, totaling 37 points. This game is remarkable for its exceptionally low offensive output and represents an anomaly in the history of professional basketball. The slow pace and emphasis on ball control contributed significantly to the meager scoring.
The historical context is important. In the early days of the NBA, the shot clock did not exist. Teams could, and sometimes did, hold the ball for extended periods to maintain a lead or control the game’s tempo. The lack of a shot clock allowed for a more deliberate style of play, which, in this particular game, resulted in an incredibly low score. The Fort Wayne Pistons, seeking to minimize the Lakers’ offensive opportunities, employed a strategy of prolonged ball possession.