After Knicks center Darrall Imhoff fouled out in the second half, Buckner was forced into duty against Wilt Chamberlain during Chamberlain's 100-point game on March 2, 1962. The rookie had a career-high 33 points on 16-of-26 in the field plus 8 rebounds in the historic contest. Starting center Phil Jordon was unavailable because of an injury.