- LeBron James has been dominating the league for a while
- James Harden is the leading scorer of the past ten seasons
- Luka Doncic has already one of the biggest averages in the NBA
The NBA has been a stage for some of the most remarkable talents in the world of professional basketball. Over the last decade, from 2013 to 2023, the league has witnessed the rise of numerous players who have consistently lit up the scoreboard with their scoring prowess. In this period, these athletes have not only enthralled fans but have also redefined the art of putting the ball in the basket.
- 20. Jayson Tatum – 22.5 PPG
- 19. Giannis Antetokounmpo – 22.6 PPG
- 18. Bradley Beal – 22.9 PPG
- 17. Karl-Anthony Towns – 23.0 PPG
- 16. Paul George – 23.4 PPG
- 15. DeMar DeRozan – 23.5 PPG
- 14. Russell Westbrook – 23.8 PPG
- 13. Devin Booker – 23.9 PPG
- 12. Kyrie Irving – 24.0 PPG
- 11. Donovan Mitchell – 24.6 PPG
- 10. Anthony Davis – 25.1 PPG
- 9. Trae Young – 25.5 PPG
- 8. Zion Williamson – 25.8 PPG
- 7. Damian Lillard – 25.9 PPG
- 6. LeBron James – 26.8 PPG
- 5. Stephen Curry – 26.9 PPG
- 4. Joel Embiid – 27.2 PPG
- 3. Luka Doncic – 27.6 PPG
- 2. Kevin Durant – 27.9 PPG
- 1. James Harden – 28.3 PPG
As we delve into the past 10 seasons of NBA action, it’s fascinating to discover the top 20 players who have maintained the highest points per game averages. This list is a testament to their sustained excellence in the realm of scoring, showcasing their ability to impact the game with their offensive skills.
20. Jayson Tatum – 22.5 PPG
Season with Highest PPG: 2022-23 (30.1 PPG)
Jayson Tatum, known for his versatility on the court, maintained an average of 22.5 points per game during this period. His highest-scoring season was last year, where he achieved an impressive average of 30.1 points per game. Tatum has been a cornerstone of the Boston Celtics‘ offense and has solidified himself as one of the most promising young players in the league and an MVP candidate for years to come.
19. Giannis Antetokounmpo – 22.6 PPG
Season with Highest PPG: 2022-23 (31.1 PPG)
Giannis Antetokounmpo has been a standout player in the NBA with an average of 22.6 points per game throughout this decade. His highest-scoring season was also last season, in which he averaged 31.1 points per game. Known for his ability to dominate in multiple facets of the game, Giannis has risen to stardom in the league, becoming a champion in 2021 as well as a two-time MVP.
18. Bradley Beal – 22.9 PPG
Season with Highest PPG: 2020-21 (31.3 PPG)
Bradley Beal, the standout shooting guard for the Washington Wizards, now a member of the Phoenix Suns since this offseason, has proven to be a consistent offensive force, averaging 22.9 points per game over this decade. In the 2020-21 season, Beal reached his peak with an astonishing average of 31.3 points per game, establishing himself as one of the league’s top scorers and a leader on his team.
17. Karl-Anthony Towns – 23.0 PPG
Season with Highest PPG: 2019-2020 (26.5 PPG)
Karl-Anthony Towns, commonly known as KAT, maintained an average of 23.0 points per game. His highest-scoring season occurred in 2019-2020 when he achieved an impressive 26.5 points per game. KAT’s combination of size, skill, and scoring ability has made him a pivotal figure for the Minnesota Timberwolves.
16. Paul George – 23.4 PPG
Season with Highest PPG: 2018-2019 (28.0 PPG)
Paul George, often referred to as PG13, consistently averaged 23.4 points per game during this period. His peak scoring season was in 2018-2019 when he posted an exceptional 28.0 points per game. George’s two-way ability and offensive firepower have made him a significant asset for the teams he’s played for.
15. DeMar DeRozan – 23.5 PPG
Season with Highest PPG: 2021-22 (27.9 PPG)
DeMar DeRozan showcased an impressive scoring average of 23.5 points per game. His highest-scoring season was in his first season as a Chicago Bull in 2021-22, where he averaged an outstanding 27.9 points per game. DeRozan’s mid-range game and ability to get to the basket have been integral to his offensive success.
14. Russell Westbrook – 23.8 PPG
Season with Highest PPG: 2016-2017 (31.6 PPG)
Russell Westbrook consistently averaged 23.8 points per game, known for his relentless work ethic on the court. His best scoring season came in 2016-2017 when he averaged an astonishing 31.6 points per game. Westbrook’s tenacity and triple-double capabilities have made him one of the most dynamic players in the league and an MVP winner that same season.
13. Devin Booker – 23.9 PPG
Season with Highest PPG: 2022-23 (27.8 PPG)
Devin Booker displayed remarkable scoring ability, maintaining an average of 23.9 points per game. His highest-scoring season was this past campaign when he averaged 27.8 points per game. Booker’s scoring prowess and clutch performances have been pivotal for the Phoenix Suns over the years, where he became the face of the franchise.
12. Kyrie Irving – 24.0 PPG
Season with Highest PPG: 2021-22 (27.4 PPG)
Kyrie Irving consistently delivered 24.0 points per game, combining finesse and skill on the offensive end. His highest-scoring season was in 2021-22 as a member of the Brooklyn Nets, when he averaged 27.4 points per game. Irving’s ball-handling and scoring ability have made him a marquee point guard in the league.
11. Donovan Mitchell – 24.6 PPG
Season with Highest PPG: 2022-23 (28.3 PPG)
Donovan Mitchell boasted a scoring average of 24.6 points per game, earning his reputation as a scoring machine. His highest-scoring season came last year, as it was his debut season for the Cleveland Cavaliers when he averaged an impressive 28.3 points per game. Mitchell’s ability to create his shot and perform in high-pressure situations has made him a vital player for the Jazz until 2022 and now for the Cavs.
10. Anthony Davis – 25.1 PPG
Season with Highest PPG: 2017-18 (28.1 PPG)
Anthony Davis maintained an average of 25.1 points per game, underlining his significance as a two-way superstar. His peak scoring season was in 2017-18 when he averaged 28.1 points per game and became a top 3 contender for the MVP trophy. Davis’s versatility as both a dominant scorer and a defensive presence has made him a key player for the Los Angeles Lakers.
9. Trae Young – 25.5 PPG
Season with Highest PPG: 2020-2021 (29.6 PPG)
Trae Young showcased his scoring ability, averaging 25.5 points per game over the last decade. His highest-scoring season was in 2020-2021 when he posted a remarkable average of 29.6 points per game and made it all the way to the Eastern Conference Finals. Young’s exceptional court vision and shooting range have quickly propelled him to one of the league’s premier point guards.
8. Zion Williamson – 25.8 PPG
Season with Highest PPG: 2020-2021 (27.0 PPG)
Zion Williamson consistently delivered an average of 25.8 points per game, blending power and agility on the court. His peak scoring season occurred in 2020-2021 when he averaged an impressive 27.0 points per game. Williamson’s combination of strength and finesse in the paint has made him a rising star in the NBA, and if injuries let him have a full season on display, he could dominate the league with ease.
7. Damian Lillard – 25.9 PPG
Season with Highest PPG: 2022-23 (32.2 PPG)
Damian Lillard maintained a scoring average of 25.9 points per game, known for his clutch performances. His highest-scoring season came last year, in his final season as a Blazer, when he averaged a remarkable 32.2 points per game and got the nod to the All-Star and an All-NBA team. Lillard’s deep three-point shooting and ability to take over games in critical moments have solidified his status as one of the league’s premier guards.
6. LeBron James – 26.8 PPG
Season with Highest PPG: 2005-06 (31.4 PPG)
LeBron James, a basketball icon, averaged 26.8 points per game during this period, showcasing his enduring excellence. His highest-scoring season in his career was the 2005-06 season when he posted an average of 31.4 points per game in his first stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers. In the last decade, it was the 2021-22 season with the Lakers, as he posted 30.3 PPG. LeBron’s combination of athleticism, basketball IQ, and leadership has consistently made him one of the most dominant players in the league, regardless of age.
5. Stephen Curry – 26.9 PPG
Season with Highest PPG: 2020-21 (32.0 PPG)
Stephen Curry, renowned for his three-point shooting, displayed an impressive scoring average of 26.9 points per game. His highest-scoring season occurred in 2020-21 when he set a record by averaging an astonishing 32.0 points per game and becoming the scoring champion. Curry’s long-range shooting and ball-handling have revolutionized the game and made him one of the most exciting players to watch.
4. Joel Embiid – 27.2 PPG
Season with Highest PPG: 2022-23 (33.1 PPG)
Joel Embiid maintained an average of 27.2 points per game, establishing himself as a dominant force in the paint. His best scoring season was last season when he averaged an impressive 33.1 points per game which earned him the honors of becoming the league’s MVP. Embiid’s combination of size, post moves, and defensive prowess has made him one of the premier centers in the league.
3. Luka Doncic – 27.6 PPG
Season with Highest PPG: 2022-23 (32.4 PPG)
Luka Doncic displayed his scoring prowess with an average of 27.6 points per game since his arrival to the NBA, despite his youth. His highest-scoring season was in the last campaign when he achieved an outstanding 32.4 points per game. Luka’s versatility, court vision, and ability to perform under pressure have quickly established him as one of the league’s brightest young stars for years to come.
2. Kevin Durant – 27.9 PPG
Season with Highest PPG: 2013-2014 (32.0 PPG)
Kevin Durant consistently averaged 27.9 points per game, underscoring his elite scoring ability. His highest-scoring season was in 2013-2014 when he posted an incredible average of 32.0 points per game and became the league’s MVP. Durant’s scoring versatility, along with his efficiency, has made him one of the most prolific scorers in NBA history.
1. James Harden – 28.3 PPG
Season with Highest PPG: 2018-2019 (36.1 PPG)
James Harden secured the top spot with a remarkable average of 28.3 points per game. His highest-scoring season was the historic 2018-2019 season, in which he averaged a stunning 36.1 points per game. Harden’s scoring ability, particularly his step-back three-pointers, and the ability to draw fouls have consistently made him one of the league’s most prolific scorers and an offensive juggernaut that we have ever witnessed.
