Witnessing that NBA season in 2021-2022, I couldn’t help but feel electrified by the sheer talent on display. Kevin Durant, unmistakably, shone like a bright star. The Brooklyn Nets forward consistently delivered jaw-dropping performances, notching an impressive average of 29.9 points per game. I recall one particular match-up against the Indiana Pacers, where Durant dropped an astonishing 41 points. His shooting efficiency stood out, particularly his 3-point shot, where he managed to hit close to 38%.
Then, there was Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Greek Freak, as fans affectionately call him, lived up to his moniker. His versatility is something to behold; he averaged 29.9 points per game, identical to Durant’s scoring feat. What truly captivated me was his unstoppable drives to the basket. Giannis displayed sheer power and finesse, boasting a 55.3% field goal percentage. His free throw improvements were notable too, shooting 72.2% from the line compared to previous seasons.
When talking about scoring, one cannot overlook LeBron James. The King, despite being 37 years old, showed no signs of slowing down. With an average of 30.3 points per game, he defied age and expectations. It is hard to believe that someone with that many seasons under his belt could remain at such an elite level. During a game against the Warriors, LeBron put up 56 points, leaving fans and analysts like me in awe. His ability to switch roles from playmaker to an outright scorer adds a unique dimension to his game.
Luka Dončić from the Dallas Mavericks also had a spectacular season, averaging 28.4 points. The young Slovenian phenom’s skillset encompasses much more than just scoring. His playmaking and rebounding abilities added to an already impressive resume; Luka averaged 8.7 assists and 9.1 rebounds per game. He serves as the quintessential example of a modern basketball player who does everything on the court. Watching Luka, one can’t help but draw comparisons to legends like Larry Bird.
Meanwhile, Trae Young has proven to be an offensive juggernaut for the Atlanta Hawks. Averaging 28.4 points per game, Young also facilitated his teammates, dishing out 9.7 assists per game. His shooting range and ball-handling are almost surreal. I remember reading an article from ESPN highlighting his back-to-back 40-point games against elite teams like the Bulls and the Raptors, making him an undeniable force in this league.
Joel Embiid shouldered a massive load for the Philadelphia 76ers, and he did so with aplomb. The 7-foot center averaged 30.6 points and led the league for the first time in his career. What stands out to me is his ability to dominate in the paint while also being a threat from mid-range. Not many big men in NBA history have had this kind of scoring versatility. In a game against the Magic, Embiid exploded for 50 points in just 27 minutes of playing time. His performance made headlines and added substantial credibility to his MVP candidacy that season.
DeMar DeRozan put the Chicago Bulls back on the map. Averaging 27.9 points per game, DeRozan brought in a level of consistency and scoring prowess the Bulls hadn’t seen in years. A lot of people think mid-range shooting is a dying art, but DeRozan proved them wrong. His ability to score from mid-range effectively was almost like watching a masterclass on basketball fundamentals. Notably, in February, his six consecutive games scoring 35 points or more while shooting over 50% set an NBA record previously unchallenged.
Stephen Curry, a name synonymous with scoring, played a critical role for the Golden State Warriors, averaging 25.5 points a game. Although injuries slightly hampered his season, Steph still broke Ray Allen’s all-time 3-point record, which was one of the season’s most memorable moments. His skill to shoot from virtually anywhere past half-court continually amazes fans and analysts alike. The influence he has on the game is unparalleled, especially when considering that teams have to completely alter their defensive schemes to account for his presence.
Lastly, I can’t omit the terrific season from Donovan Mitchell. Averaging 25.9 points per game for the Utah Jazz, Mitchell continually demonstrates his knack for scoring in critical moments. One game against the Los Angeles Lakers is vividly imprinted in my mind; Mitchell went off for 37 points, making clutch shots down the stretch. His leadership and scoring ability have solidified him as one of the top talents in this league.
Reflecting on that 2021-2022 NBA season, it was a treat to witness so many players with such prolific scoring capabilities. Each game offered its own drama and encapsulated why we love this sport. For detailed stats and insights, check out the nba scoring leaders 2021-22.