In the landscape of NBA scoring, free throws often play a significant role, contributing to a player’s overall point tally. However, by isolating field goal statistics, we can gain deeper insights into the raw scoring abilities of players. In this analysis, we delve into the performances of NBA players this season, focusing solely on field goals and three-pointers while excluding free throws. Through this lens, we aim to identify and recognize the top 10 scorers who excel in generating points from field play alone. Join us as we explore the realm of field goal-scoring prowess in the NBA and uncover the standout performers of the season.
- 1. Luka Doncic – 27.1 PPG
- 2. Joel Embiid – 24.5 PPG
- 3. Giannis Antetokounmpo – 23.4 PPG
- 4. Jalen Brunson – 23.2 PPG
- 5. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – 22.5 PPG
- T6. Stephen Curry – 22.4 PPG
- T6. De’Aaron Fox – 22.4 PPG
- T7. Kyrie Irving – 22.3 PPG
- T7. Kevin Durant – 22.3 PPG
- 10. Nikola Jokic – 21.9 PPG
1. Luka Doncic – 27.1 PPG
Luka Doncic has emerged as a dominant force in the NBA landscape this season, boasting an impressive scoring average of 33.9 points per game when considering all scoring methods. Looking at his scoring without the contribution of free throws, his average stands at 27.1 points per game. Over the course of 70 games, his offensive output has been nothing short of spectacular, consistently delivering for the Dallas Mavericks.
On average, Doncic converts 6.8 free throws per game, showcasing his ability to draw fouls and capitalize from the charity stripe. By subtracting his free throws made per game from his total points per game, we arrive at an adjusted scoring average of 27.1 PPG without free throws.
This adjusted scoring average provides insight into Doncic’s proficiency in generating points through field play alone, further highlighting his offensive versatility and skill set.
Beyond his scoring contributions, Doncic has demonstrated remarkable playmaking ability, averaging 9.8 assists per game, and tenacity on the boards with 9.2 rebounds per game. Such all-around excellence has solidified his status as one of the league’s premier talents.
As the regular season concludes, the Dallas Mavericks, led by Doncic, clinched the 5th seed in the competitive Western Conference. With the playoffs on the horizon, the Mavericks are gearing up for a challenging first-round matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers. Doncic’s leadership and exceptional performance will undoubtedly be instrumental as Dallas seeks to make a deep postseason run and vie for championship contention.
2. Joel Embiid – 24.5 PPG
This season, Joel Embiid has been a dominant force on the court, averaging an impressive 34.7 points per game when including free throws. Examining only points scored from field goals and three-pointers, his scoring average stands at approximately 24.5 points per game.
Despite facing injury setbacks that limited his participation to 39 games, Embiid maintained a formidable performance on the offensive end for the Philadelphia 76ers.
His ability to convert free throws is also noteworthy, with an average of 10.2 successful free throws per game. By considering only points scored from field goals, his ability to generate points in gameplay situations becomes evident.
Throughout the season, Embiid showcased his versatility beyond scoring, with averages of 11.0 rebounds and 5.6 assists per game. These statistics underscore his fundamental importance to the success of the Philadelphia 76ers.
3. Giannis Antetokounmpo – 23.4 PPG
Giannis Antetokounmpo has showcased his prowess on the court this season, averaging an impressive 23.4 points per game when excluding free throws. Despite facing formidable opposition, he maintained consistency in his scoring contributions for the Milwaukee Bucks.
When considering all scoring methods, including free throws, Antetokounmpo averaged an impressive 30.4 points per game. Additionally, he displayed versatility with averages of 11.5 rebounds and 6.5 assists per game over 73 games.
His ability to convert free throws has been notable, with an average of 7.0 successful free throws made per game. When focusing solely on field goals and three-pointers, his scoring average remains at 23.4 points per game, highlighting his effectiveness in generating points from field play alone.
This season, Antetokounmpo’s exceptional performance earned him a well-deserved All-Star selection, further solidifying his status as one of the league’s premier talents. With the Bucks securing the 3rd seed in the Eastern Conference, alongside the dynamic duo of Antetokounmpo and Lillard, they are poised for a competitive playoff campaign.
4. Jalen Brunson – 23.2 PPG
Jalen Brunson has emerged as a rising star in the NBA this season, boasting impressive averages of 28.7 points, 6.7 assists, and 3.6 rebounds per game over 77 appearances. His stellar performance earned him a well-deserved All-Star selection, marking his first appearance in the prestigious event. Additionally, Brunson’s consistent contributions positioned him as a candidate for the MVP title.
Yet, it’s essential to note that a portion of Brunson’s scoring output comes from free throws, with an average of 5.5 successful free throws made per game. When excluding free throws from his scoring tally, his average stands at 23.2 points per game, showcasing his proficiency in generating points from field goals and three-pointers alone.
Brunson’s remarkable play has been instrumental in the success of the New York Knicks, who secured the 2nd seed in the Eastern Conference. As the postseason approaches, Brunson’s leadership and scoring prowess will be vital as the Knicks aim to make a deep playoff run and contend for the championship.
5. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – 22.5 PPG
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has emerged as a standout force in the NBA this season, boasting impressive averages of 30.1 points, 6.2 assists, and 5.5 rebounds per game across 75 matchups. His exceptional performance has not only elevated his individual stature but has also been instrumental in propelling the Oklahoma City Thunder to the coveted top seed in the Western Conference.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s versatility and leadership on the court have not gone unnoticed, as he finds himself among the leading candidates for the MVP title, a testament to his impact on the Thunder’s success this season.
Despite his remarkable scoring achievements, it’s worth noting Gilgeous-Alexander’s proficiency from the free-throw line, where he averages an impressive 7.6 successful free throws made per game. Even when excluding free throws from his scoring tally, his average remains a formidable 22.5 points per game, underscoring his effectiveness in generating points from field goals and three-pointers alone.
As the regular season draws to a close, Gilgeous-Alexander’s leadership and scoring prowess will be pivotal for the Thunder as they gear up for the postseason. With aspirations of contending for the championship, Gilgeous-Alexander’s stellar play will undoubtedly be a driving force behind the Thunder’s pursuit of postseason success.
T6. Stephen Curry – 22.4 PPG
Stephen Curry showcased his scoring prowess once again this season, averaging an impressive 26.4 points per game alongside 5.1 assists and 4.5 rebounds in 74 appearances for the Golden State Warriors. However, despite Curry’s individual brilliance, the Warriors’ campaign has been disappointing, leading them to a spot in the play-in tournament rather than a direct playoff berth.
Curry’s scoring consistency has been a bright spot for the Warriors, providing a significant offensive spark throughout the season. Additionally, his playmaking skills and contributions on the boards have further bolstered his impact on the court.
Maintaining his trademark efficiency, Curry also demonstrated prowess from the free-throw line, averaging 4.0 successful free throws made per game. Counting out his shots from the charity stripe, Curry’s scoring would end up as 22.4 PPG for the season.
As the Warriors gear up for the play-in tournament, Curry’s leadership and scoring ability will be crucial in their pursuit of postseason success. While the season may not have unfolded as hoped, Curry’s ability to deliver in key moments could be the difference-maker as the Warriors aim to secure a spot in the playoffs and make a run toward contention.
T6. De’Aaron Fox – 22.4 PPG
De’Aaron Fox had a standout season for the Sacramento Kings, showcasing his scoring ability by averaging an impressive 26.6 points per game across 74 appearances. Alongside his scoring, Fox also contributed 5.6 assists and 4.6 rebounds per game, demonstrating his versatility on the court. Despite Fox’s strong performance, the Sacramento Kings find themselves in the play-in tournament, facing the Golden State Warriors for a chance to secure a spot in the playoffs.
When considering only field goals and three-pointers, Fox maintains a scoring average of 22.4 points per game, showcasing his effectiveness in generating points from gameplay situations. Additionally, Fox’s proficiency from the free-throw line cannot be overlooked, as he averages 4.2 successful free throws made per game.
As the Kings prepare for the play-in matchup against the Warriors, Fox’s leadership and scoring prowess will be crucial in their quest for postseason success. While the road to the playoffs may be challenging, Fox’s ability to deliver under pressure could be the deciding factor in determining Sacramento’s postseason fate.
T7. Kyrie Irving – 22.3 PPG
Kyrie Irving had a notable season for the Mavericks, averaging 22.3 points per game without accounting for free throws across 58 appearances. Overall, Irving contributed 25.6 points, 5.2 assists, and 5.0 rebounds per game, showcasing his versatility on both ends of the court.
Irving’s impact extended beyond individual statistics, as he played a key role in the Mavericks’ pursuit of a championship title this season. His presence on the court provided a significant boost to the team’s aspirations.
Despite his scoring prowess, Irving’s average of 3.3 successful free throws made per game underscores his effectiveness in generating points from gameplay situations, beyond just free throws as one of the players with the least amount of attempts in the league.
As the Mavericks set their sights on postseason success, Irving’s contributions will be pivotal in their quest for a championship. With his skillset and experience, Irving remains a key piece in the Mavericks’ title hopes, and his performance will be closely watched as the playoffs unfold.
T7. Kevin Durant – 22.3 PPG
Kevin Durant had a noteworthy season for the Suns, averaging 22.3 points per game without accounting for free throws across 75 games. Despite his individual excellence, the season proved disappointing for the Suns, who clinched the 6th seed.
In another great individual season, Durant contributed 27.1 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game, showcasing his versatility on the court. Despite the disappointing outcome, Durant’s performance, along with the contributions of Booker and Beal, remained a significant aspect of the team’s efforts.
Durant’s proficiency from the free-throw line cannot be overlooked, as he averaged 4.8 successful free throws made per game. However, his scoring prowess extends beyond free throws, as evidenced by his impressive points per game average without them.
As the Suns reflect on their season and prepare for the future, Durant’s leadership and scoring ability will be crucial in their quest for success. Despite the setbacks, Durant’s talent and determination remain key assets for the team moving forward.
10. Nikola Jokic – 21.9 PPG
Nikola Jokic showcased his all-around brilliance this season, averaging an impressive 26.4 points per game across 79 games for the Denver Nuggets. His scoring prowess was complemented by stellar averages of 12.4 rebounds and 9.0 assists per game, highlighting his versatility on the court.
Despite facing tough competition, Jokic emerged as a top contender for the MVP title this season, further solidifying his status as one of the league’s premier talents. Additionally, the Denver Nuggets, led by Jokic, secured the 2nd seed in the Western Conference, aiming to defend their championship title.
Jokic’s proficiency from the free-throw line cannot be overlooked, as he averaged 4.5 successful free throws made per game. However, even without considering free throws, his scoring average remains impressive at 21.9 points per game, showcasing his effectiveness in generating points from field goals and three-pointers alone.
As the postseason approaches, Jokic’s leadership and all-around skills will be instrumental in the Denver Nuggets’ quest for another championship. With Jokic leading the charge, the Nuggets are poised to make a strong push in the playoffs and contend for the title once again.
