LeBron James, at 39 years old, dropped 40 points on the Brooklyn Nets last Sunday and that was a remarkable achievement for a player in his 21st NBA season. The King has defied Father Time for now, but we have collected the list of the top NBA players who scored the most 40-point games after turning 30 years old.
1. Michael Jordan – 44 Games
Seasons: 1993-2003
PPG After 30 Years Old: 27.5 PPG
Michael Jordan, often hailed as the greatest basketball player of all time, demonstrated an uncanny ability to maintain his scoring prowess even as he ventured past the age of 30. From 1993 to 2003, during his tenure primarily with the Chicago Bulls and later with the Washington Wizards, Jordan amassed an impressive 44 games where he scored 40 points or more. This period post-30 saw him maintain an astounding average of 27.5 points per game.
One of the most iconic performances of Jordan’s post-30 career was his 55-point explosion against the New York Knicks on March 28, 1995. In this game, Jordan showcased his sheer dominance, reminding everyone of his unparalleled scoring abilities. Jordan’s ability to consistently put up such staggering numbers after turning 30 is further highlighted by his 10-scoring titles. This remarkable feat not only underscores his individual brilliance but also solidifies his claim as the greatest scorer in NBA history.
2. Stephen Curry – 38 Games
Seasons: 2019-2024
PPG After 30 Years Old: 28.0 PPG
The Golden State Warriors’ sharpshooting maestro, Stephen Curry has redefined the parameters of basketball with his unparalleled shooting abilities. Even as he crossed the age of 30, Curry’s offensive onslaught continued unabated, lighting up scoreboards and mesmerizing fans with his wizardry. Between the seasons of 2019 to 2024, Curry recorded an impressive 38 games with 40 points or more.
Among Curry’s standout performances post-30, his career-high 62-point masterpiece against the Portland Trail Blazers on January 3, 2021, stands as a crowning achievement. In this electrifying contest, Curry was in a zone like no other, draining 8 of 16 attempts from beyond the arc. Despite Damian Lillard’s commendable 32-point effort for the Blazers, Curry’s brilliance proved insurmountable that night as the Warriors won by 15 points. With two scoring titles to his name, he has revolutionized the way basketball is played, emphasizing the importance of long-range shooting and off-the-ball movement.
3. Kobe Bryant – 30 Games
Seasons: 2009-2016
PPG After 30 Years Old: 25.1 PPG
Even as he transitioned into the latter stages of his career, Kobe Bryant continued to dazzle audiences with his offensive repertoire. Between the seasons of 2009 to 2016, a span that was the twilight years of his career, Bryant accumulated 30 games with 40 points or more, maintaining a robust 25.1 points per game average. One of the most memorable highlights of Bryant’s post-30 scoring spree was his scintillating 61-point performance against the New York Knicks on February 2, 2009. This masterpiece stands as the fourth-highest-scoring game of his career and the highest after 30 years old.
Bryant’s scoring prowess was further validated by his two scoring titles, a feat that places him among the elite company of NBA legends. While he may trail only Michael Jordan in the pantheon of basketball’s greatest scorers, Bryant’s impact on the game transcends mere statistics. His relentless work ethic, competitive spirit, and unparalleled skill set have left an indelible mark on basketball culture, inspiring a new generation of players to strive for greatness.
4. Damian Lillard – 29 Games
Seasons: 2020-2024
PPG After 30 Years Old: 28.2 PPG
As he crossed the age of 30, Damian Lillard’s offensive output not only remained consistent but reached new heights. Between 2020 and 2024, Lillard tallied an impressive 29 games with 40 points or more, and one of the standout moments of Lillard’s post-30 scoring spree was his jaw-dropping 71-point eruption against the Houston Rockets in 2023. In this unforgettable performance, Lillard was nothing short of spectacular, connecting on 13 of his 22 attempts from beyond the arc. This monumental effort tied him for the eighth-highest single-game scoring mark in NBA history, showcasing his ability to take over games and dominate opposing defenses.
Lillard’s inclusion in the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team speaks volumes about his standing among the all-time greats. His lethal combination of deep shooting range, crafty ball-handling, and fearless mentality has cemented his status as one of the best scorers the game has ever seen. Whether it’s hitting game-winning shots or putting up gaudy scoring numbers, Lillard’s ability to rise to the occasion in crunch time sets him apart from his peers even as he currently competes at 33 years old.
5. Larry Bird – 27 Games
Seasons: 1987-1992
PPG After 30 Years Old: 24.9 PPG
Larry Bird is widely regarded as one of the most versatile and skilled players to ever grace the basketball court. Despite battling injuries and the wear and tear of an illustrious career, Bird’s scoring prowess remained evident even after he turned 30. From 1987 to 1992, Bird recorded 27 games with 40 points or more, maintaining an impressive 24.9 points per game average during this period.
One of the standout performances of Bird’s post-30 scoring exploits was his 50-point outburst against the Atlanta Hawks during the 1989-90 season. In this vintage Bird performance, he showcased his scoring acumen by connecting on a single three-pointer, leaving fans and pundits alike to ponder what he could have accomplished in today’s three-point-centric NBA. Despite having his prime years cut short by debilitating back injuries, Bird’s impact on the game is undeniable. He is still considered one of the top 10 players in NBA history, a testament to his exceptional skill set, basketball IQ, and competitive fire.
6. Alex English – 25 Games
Seasons: 1984-1991
PPG After 30 Years Old: 24.0 PPG
Alex English, a prolific scorer and cornerstone of the high-flying Denver Nuggets during the 1980s, showcased remarkable offensive consistency even as he entered his 30s. From 1984 to 1991, English amassed 25 games with 40 points or more, maintaining a commendable 24.0 points per game (PPG) average during this phase of his career. One of the defining moments of English’s post-30 scoring exploits was his career-high 54-point eruption during the 1985-86 season.
This standout performance remains the pinnacle of English’s scoring achievements, regardless of age. Facing off against the Houston Rockets, English put on a scoring clinic, and his ability to put up big numbers night after night for the Nuggets made him a beloved figure in Denver and earned him a reputation as one of the league’s premier scorers during the 1980s.
7. Rick Barry – 24 Games
Seasons: 1975-1980
PPG After 30 Years Old: 20.5 PPG
Rick Barry, a Hall of Fame forward celebrated for his scoring prowess and distinctive underhand free throw technique, maintained an impressive offensive output even beyond his 30s. One of the standout moments of Barry’s post-30 scoring spree was his electrifying 55-point performance during the 1977-78 season.
On March 25, 1978, in a thrilling matchup against the New York Knicks, Barry was virtually unstoppable, leading the Golden State Warriors to a 133-123 victory. His 55-point outburst not only highlighted his scoring ability but also demonstrated his ability to elevate his game when it mattered most. Despite the physical and defensive nature of the NBA during the 1970s, Barry’s diverse scoring arsenal and high basketball IQ allowed him to consistently put up impressive numbers.
8. James Harden – 24 Games
Seasons: 2020-2024
PPG After 30 Years Old: 23.8 PPG
James Harden, renowned for his prolific scoring ability and unique offensive repertoire, has continued to thrive as a scoring dynamo even after crossing the age of 30. From 2020 to 2024, Harden amassed 24 games with 40 points or more and has four games of at least 60 points in his career. One of the defining moments of Harden’s post-30 scoring brilliance was his career-high 60-point explosion during the 2019-20 season.
On November 30, 2019, in a dominant display against the Atlanta Hawks, Harden was in a league of his own, leading the Houston Rockets to a commanding 158-111 victory. His 60-point outburst showcased his scoring versatility, combining crafty drives to the basket with his trademark step-back three-pointers and exceptional playmaking skills. Unfortunately, as Harden approaches 35 years old, he likely won’t get many opportunities to score 40 points in a game since he has become a primary playmaker instead of a scorer.
9. LeBron James – 23 Games
Seasons: 2015-2024
PPG After 30 Years Old: 26.6 PPG
LeBron James has demonstrated an extraordinary ability to score at a high level even as he ventured into his 30s and despite being a playmaker with a career average of 7.4 assists per game. From 2015 to 2024, James compiled 23 games with 40 points or more, maintaining an impressive 26.6 points per game which is higher than most players on this list. A standout performance that epitomizes James’s scoring prowess post-30 was his 57-point masterpiece during the 2017-18 season.
On November 3, 2017, in a thrilling matchup against the Washington Wizards, James put on a scoring clinic, leading the Cleveland Cavaliers to a hard-fought 130-122 victory on the road. James posted a team-high 11 rebounds, seven assists, three steals, and two blocks as well. James’s ability to adapt and evolve his game over the years, while maintaining his scoring prowess, sets him apart from his peers and he is somehow shooting a scintillating 41.6% from three at 39 years old in his 21st season.
10. Hakeem Olajuwon – 21 Games
Seasons: 1993-2002
PPG After 30 Years Old: 20.8 PPG
Despite entering his 30s, Hakeem Olajuwon continued to showcase his offensive prowess, posting impressive scoring numbers between 1993 and 2002, and even won both his championships and Finals MVPs during this phase. In his 30s, Olajuwon recorded 21 games with 40 points or more and maintained a solid 20.8 points per game.
One of the standout performances of Olajuwon’s post-30 scoring exploits was his 51-point eruption during the 1995-96 season. On January 18, 1996, in a closely contested matchup against the Boston Celtics, the Houston Rockets fell short with a 106-108 loss despite the big man’s efforts. In terms of pure scorers, Olajuwon has to rank among the three greatest big men ever.
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