Watching the 2021-2022 NBA season unfold has been nothing short of exhilarating. It was a year of mind-blowing performances, buzzer-beaters, and, most importantly, some insane scoring runs. For me, seeing these elite scorers is like witnessing a modern-day Michelangelo painting a masterpiece on the hardwood.
Nikola Jokić, the Serbian big man from the Denver Nuggets, had a jaw-dropping season. He averaged 27.1 points per game, which is astounding for a center. His basketball IQ and court vision are exceptional, with many comparing him to legends like Wilt Chamberlain and Hakeem Olajuwon. The 27-year-old not only puts up points but also rebounds and assists, making him one of the most versatile players today. He logged forty-five double-doubles and nineteen triple-doubles throughout the season.
Then there’s the Brooklyn Nets’ Kevin Durant, who continues to amaze. KD averaged 29.9 points per game. Despite recovering from an Achilles injury just a season ago, his efficiency and accuracy are something to marvel at. Shooting over 52% from the field at his age of 33 is genuinely remarkable. Every time he steps on the court, there’s an unspoken excitement, primarily because you know you’re about to witness greatness.
LeBron James from the Los Angeles Lakers still isn’t slowing down. At 37, he averaged 30.3 points per game, defying any sort of age norms in professional sports. His three-point shooting has improved significantly, making him even more of a nightmare to guard. LeBron’s athleticism, game IQ, and leadership not only make him a scoring machine but also a complete player who influences every facet of the game. He had a fantastic stretch where he scored 50-plus points multiple times.
Let’s not forget Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Greek Freak from the Milwaukee Bucks. Giannis averaged 29.9 points per game, showcasing his dominant blend of size, speed, and skill. His ability to drive and finish at the rim is unparalleled, reminding many of a young Shaquille O’Neal but with more agility and a decent jump shot to boot. Winning games is somewhat of a habit for him now, considering his consistent double-double performances.
Trae Young from the Atlanta Hawks is another name that deserves mention. Standing at just 6’1″, he averaged 28.4 points per game. His exceptional ball-handling skills and shooting range make him one of the most entertaining players to watch. There was a particular game against the Chicago Bulls where Trae dropped 56 points — an absolute treat for Hawks fans. His ability to weave through defenses and score reminds me of a young Allen Iverson, but with better shooting percentages.
Joel Embiid from the Philadelphia 76ers also had an unforgettable season. The big man averaged 30.6 points per game, leading the league in scoring. His footwork and touch around the rim are arguably the best among centers right now. Plus, his ability to shoot from mid-range and three-point territory makes him nearly unguardable. One of the standout moments for Embiid this season was his 50-point game against the Orlando Magic, where he looked absolutely unstoppable.
While these players put up fantastic individual numbers, the season had its fair share of historical significance too. For example, LeBron James surpassed Karl Malone to become the second all-time leading scorer in NBA history. It’s surreal to think about, but it serves as a reminder of the longevity and consistency LeBron brings to the table.
Among the rookies, Jalen Green from the Houston Rockets showed flashes of his scoring ability. He averaged 17.3 points per game, which is pretty impressive for a newcomer. His speed and athleticism are exciting to watch, and I can’t wait to see how he develops in the upcoming seasons.
If you were to ask me who the most consistent scorer was this season, my answer would have to be Kevin Durant. Night in and night out, his shooting percentages remain high, and he always finds a way to get points, whether it’s through isolation plays or catch-and-shoot opportunities.
However, if you place more weight on leadership and overall impact, LeBron James might be the answer. His scoring ability combined with his knack for making his teammates better sets him apart. But dominance in the paint would sway you to go with Joel Embiid or Giannis Antetokounmpo.
The season also lacked one significant name in the scoring department. Klay Thompson made his return after a two-year hiatus due to injury, but he didn’t come close to his usual numbers. Watching him slowly regain form was a bittersweet experience, reminding me of the harsh realities of professional sports.
On the other hand, Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors had another fantastic season. Averaging 25.5 points per game, his ability to shoot from almost anywhere on the court is still unmatched. This season, he broke the all-time record for most three-pointers made in NBA history, surpassing Ray Allen. It was a moment widely covered in sports news, solidifying Curry’s place among the greatest shooters ever.
Diving into advanced metrics, players like Luka Dončić of the Dallas Mavericks come to mind. He averaged 28.4 points per game with an incredible usage rate of 37.4%, one of the highest in the league. What stands out most is his clutch performance; in crucial game moments, Luka’s composure and scoring ability shine through.
Interestingly, looking ahead, one wonders how these scoring trends will evolve with younger talents making their mark. Will we see more high-scoring games as offensive schemes become more intricate? This season, the balance between experienced veterans and fresh talents like Jalen Green seems to suggest a bright future for high-octane, high-scoring basketball.
For those who want to dive even deeper into the stats and stories, following major sports platforms or visiting dedicated sites provides up-to-date info and in-depth analysis.
Beyond individual brilliance, team dynamics played a crucial role. Team policies, game management, and even trading decisions influenced how freely these stars could score. Case in point, James Harden’s move to the Philadelphia 76ers, which impacted not just one but multiple teams’ strategies and scoring outputs.
Reflecting on this season leaves me excited and optimistic for what lies ahead. The talent pool is vast, and the competition fierce. As new talents emerge and veterans continue to defy age, it’s a golden era for basketball enthusiasts. For more insights, you can always check out nba scoring leaders 2021-22.