14. Dikembe Mutombo hosts a block party
Not many fans know Dikembe Mutombo played in New York, albeit only for the 2003-04 season, but his inclusion on this list obviously shows his impact. As only he knows how, it came via blocks.
It was just after New Year’s and the Knicks were in the midst of what would ultimately be a lost 39-43 season. They were playing the rival New Jersey Nets, who Mutombo actually suited up for the previous year.
Possibly out for revenge after being waived prior to the start of the season, Mutombo would end the game with just four points and five rebounds. That being, he also would finish with a remarkable 10 blocked shots.
Mutombo is widely regarded as one of the best shot blockers the NBA has ever seen, averaging 2.8 blocks per game for his career, recording the second most in league history. So this performance really shouldn’t come as a surprise. Except, the future Hall of Famer was 37 years of age at that point, proving in a way that rim protection doesn’t expire with age.
His time with the Knicks was short-lived. He can very well be included on what is a long list of guys you didn’t know played for a specific team, but all it takes is just a single game to etch oneself into a franchises record book. With this unique performance, Mutombo still holds the single-game record for the most blocked shots in team history.