When comparing NBA greats, one of the stats that come up most frequently is points per game (PPG). Fans are enamored with scoring, and rightfully so, as it’s arguably the most important aspect of basketball. However, stats such as PPG are often misleading without context since the raw numbers can be deceiving. As you shall soon realize, finding the greatest scoring season in history will ultimately come down to personal preference.
The Greatest NBA Scoring Seasons Ever
Why Wilt’s numbers aren’t as impressive as they seem
The obvious place to start is Wilt Chamberlain’s legendary 1961-62 season when he averaged an absurd 50.4 PPG. In fact, the center owns five of the six highest PPG seasons of all-time as he rewrote the record books throughout his career. Unfortunately for Wilt, his gaudy numbers aren’t as impressive as they seem.
One of the most accurate ways of comparing stats across eras is by adjusting for pace, or possessions per game. This is because it allows players an equal opportunity to score, as someone who’s involved in more possessions would have more chances to put up points. Nowadays, most teams average about 100 possessions each game while the top players are involved in about 75 of them. The 1961-62 Philadelphia Warriors, on the other hand, played an estimated 131 possessions per game. Furthermore, Wilt averaged over 48 minutes each night, which means that he was a part of all 131 possessions during each match.
If we adjust Wilt’s 131 possessions played down to 75, his scoring average also takes a tumble. He would average less than 29 points each game instead of 50, which is a much more reasonable number. It’s unfair to punish him for playing in an era with a faster tempo, but adjusting for pace seems to be the best way of evaluating stats.
The greatest scoring seasons ever when adjusted to 75 possessions
Trying to find the greatest scoring season then, requires us to look at some other candidates, who are likely to be familiar with most fans. The following table includes the top 10 highest scoring seasons of all time when adjusted to 75 possessions along with true shooting of at least two percentage points better than league average:
| Player | Season | Points/75 possessions | Relative true shooting percentage |
| James Harden | 2018-19 | 36.2 | 5.6% |
| Michael Jordan | 1986-87 | 34.8 | 2.4% |
| Kobe Bryant | 2005-06 | 34.2 | 2.3% |
| Michael Jordan | 1987-88 | 32.7 | 6.5% |
| Michael Jordan | 1992-93 | 32.3 | 2.8% |
| Michael Jordan | 1989-90 | 32.0 | 6.9% |
| Michael Jordan | 1990-91 | 32.0 | 7.1% |
| Michael Jordan | 1995-96 | 31.9 | 4.0% |
| Stephen Curry | 2015-16 | 31.9 | 12.8% |
| George Gervin | 1981-82 | 31.8 | 2.3% |
Russell Westbrook’s historic 2016-17 campaign is the only season omitted from the list. This is due to the efficiency adjustment, as he only shot 0.2% better than the league average. An extra criteria for true shooting was included because volume scoring needs to be paired with efficiency to maximize the benefits of those points. Players who put up big numbers but lack efficiency can often be “floor raisers” since they could carry teams into the postseason. However, it would be extremely difficult for them to contend for championships as the number one option on their respective teams. Their lack of efficiency can result in wasted possessions every game that could’ve been put to better use by a more efficient player. This difference might only be a few points each game, but that’s often the margin between winning and losing in the playoffs.
Looking at the list, we need to keep in mind that all of the players benefitted from enormous usage rates. Other great scorers such as Lebron James and Kevin Durant are unfairly punished due to possessing different play styles or having better supporting casts. The important thing to remember is that we’re only looking at the players’ individual scoring and not their overall offensive impact.
Things to consider when debating the greatest scoring season in history
Three things to consider when debating the greatest scoring seasons are volume, efficiency, and the value of each players’ scoring to their respective teams. James Harden wins the volume title while Stephen Curry is the efficiency king, but the third aspect requires more analysis.
Only Kobe Bryant and 1986-87 and 1987-88 Michael Jordan played on teams that lacked another player who averaged over 15 points per 75 possessions. The 2005-06 Los Angeles Lakers’ offensive rating was first in the league with Kobe playing and bottom five without him. This isn’t a perfect comparison because an offense is made up of more than just scoring, but it does show how vital Bryant was to his team. Unfortunately, on/off data doesn’t exist for Jordan’s era, but it’s safe to assume that he was equally as valuable to the Chicago Bulls as Kobe was to his Lakers given the similarities between their teams.
I’m partial towards Curry due to his unmatched efficiency. According to Ben Taylor, 2016 is the only season in NBA history in which a player has won the scoring title while also being the most efficient. This feat might never be replicated since an increase in volume usually results in a decrease in efficiency. Although he was a part of the greatest regular-season team ever, Curry was the most vital piece to that puzzle. The best regular-season teams today often possess a positive net rating even with their best player on the bench, but the 2015-16 Golden State Warriors were actually outscored by more than five points per 100 possessions with Curry off the floor. There’s a reason he was the unanimous MVP that season.
It’s all about personal preference
Ultimately, the greatest scoring season of all-time comes down to personal preference. Fans enamored with the highest point totals will lean towards Harden while efficiency supporters will argue in favor of Curry. There will also be those who support Bryant and a young Jordan due to the value of their points to their respective teams. The one thing everyone can agree on is that all of these players had extraordinary scoring seasons that were special in different ways.
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