Hey, have you ever kept an eye on the top scorers in the 2021-22 NBA season? What a season it was! So many players stepped up and delivered outstanding performances. One name that consistently popped up was Stephen Curry. He had an incredible run, scoring an average of 27.3 points per game. It’s wild, right? I mean, think about it, dropping more than 27 points night in and night out, especially with the rigorous schedule and fierce competition.
But Curry wasn’t the only superstar lighting up the scoreboard. Kevin Durant also had a phenomenal season. Durant poured in 29.9 points per game, and let’s not forget that he missed a chunk of the season due to injury. Just imagine what his totals could’ve looked like if he’d played all 82 games! It’s almost like he was on a personal mission to remind everyone why he’s one of the best in the game.
Let’s talk about another heavyweight: LeBron James. LeBron isn’t showing any signs of slowing down, despite his age. King James averaged 30.3 points per game. At 37 years old, it’s insane how efficiently he’s playing. Most players his age would struggle to keep up with the pace, but LeBron seems almost ageless, proving that age is just a number when you’re putting up those kinds of stats.
And we can’t ignore Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Greek Freak lived up to his nickname, averaging 29.9 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game. If you watched the games, you’d have seen that his performance on both ends of the court was nothing short of spectacular. This guy can block shots, sprint coast-to-coast, and throw down monstrous dunks, sometimes all in one sequence! Remember that block against the Denver Nuggets? It was like time stopped for a moment.
Now, let’s shift gears and talk a bit about the scoring race and how it impacted the league standings. Joel Embiid was another giant in the season, literally and figuratively. Averaging 30.6 points per game, he helped the 76ers stay competitive in an extremely tight Eastern Conference. His post moves and footwork were a joy to watch, reminiscent of classic centers but with a modern twist. Embiid’s resilience, especially playing through injuries and still maintaining top form, was awe-inspiring.
So, who topped the charts? It was none other than the “Scoring King” for the season, Joel Embiid. Ending the season with 30.6 points per game is no small feat, especially for a center in today’s perimeter-focused NBA. He became the first center since Shaquille O’Neal in 2000 to win the scoring title. I still recall the buzz around him during the final weeks of the season, as everyone speculated whether he’d maintain that average.
Doesn’t it seem like Luka Doncic always finds a way to be in these discussions? The young Mavericks star averaged 28.4 points per game, coupled with 9.1 rebounds and 8.7 assists. Doncic’s playmaking ability and clutch performances, especially in crunch time, were pivotal for Dallas. His game against the Clippers, where he scored 51 points, is one for the history books. Luka is undoubtedly becoming one of the defining faces of the NBA.
One of my personal favorites of the season was DeMar DeRozan. His mid-range game is like a work of art, something that some critics thought was becoming extinct in the modern NBA. He averaged 27.9 points per game, helping the Chicago Bulls make a strong playoff push. DeRozan’s ability to hit buzzer-beating shots was almost surreal. Remember that back-to-back game-winners he pulled off? It sent waves through the sports community. Those moments really define a player’s career.
Other notable mentions include Jayson Tatum and Trae Young. Tatum, with 26.9 points per game, showcased his ability to lead the Celtics, especially when it mattered most. His 54-point game against the Brooklyn Nets was nothing short of electric. On the other hand, Trae Young’s 28.4 points and 9.7 assists per game anchored the Atlanta Hawks. His fearlessness, driving to the basket or pulling up from deep, keeps defenders on their toes constantly.
The competitive nature of scoring in the NBA shows no signs of dwindling. With upcoming young stars and seasoned veterans still at the peak of their abilities, fans are always in for a treat. If you’re as passionate about basketball as I am, you’ll always have something or someone to cheer for. And let’s not forget the platform that offers all these thrilling moments. Check out arena plus for more of such amazing sports insights.