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When looking at the top NBA scorers of the 2010s, one immediately thinks of names like LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Stephen Curry. I mean, how can you not? These guys have dominated the court and the scoreboard for years. LeBron, for instance, averaged an impressive 27.6 points per game during the 2010s. That's consistency! Think about the endurance required to maintain that level over a decade. Most players can't even keep those numbers up for a month.
During these years, Durant showcased his scoring prowess with the Oklahoma City Thunder before moving to the Golden State Warriors and later the Brooklyn Nets. His average hovered around 28 points per game. This guy is a pure scorer, no question. His height, wingspan, and shooting touch make him nearly impossible to guard. I remember the 2014 NBA season when Durant grabbed the MVP award, posting a mind-boggling 32 points per game. It's examples like these that cement his legacy as one of the all-time great scorers.
Another player who deserves mention is Stephen Curry. The guy revolutionized the game with his three-point shooting. He made 402 three-pointers in the 2015-2016 season alone, setting a record that still stands. That's almost ridiculous if you think about it. What's more, Curry isn't just about the number of threes he makes. It's also the range and difficulty of those shots. He's pulling up from 30 feet out without breaking a sweat. He's also a two-time MVP — another testament to his scoring ability and overall impact on the game.
James Harden is another titan of scoring from the 2010s. During his time with the Houston Rockets, Harden averaged 36.1 points per game in the 2018-19 season. Seriously, who does that? His step-back three-pointer became one of the most unguardable moves in basketball. Harden's unique ability to draw fouls and convert those opportunities into points is also worth mentioning. It's a skill, though controversial to some, that adds to his scoring totals.
We can't forget about players like Russell Westbrook, who not only scored but did everything on the court. Westbrook was the league MVP in 2017, and during that season, he became the second player in NBA history to average a triple-double for a season. If you include his scoring exploits, Westbrook regularly put up 24-25 points per game. The energy and intensity he brought night in and night out were incredible.
Let’s also give a shoutout to guys like Carmelo Anthony. Melo may have bounced around a few teams in the latter part of his career, but his scoring touch never left him. In doing so, he remained one of the best pure scorers in the game. Back in the 2012-13 season, he led the league in scoring with 28.7 points per game. No small feat, given the competition.
Then there's Kobe Bryant, whose career extended into the early 2010s. Even though he retired in 2016, he left a lasting impact with his scoring ability. In the 2011-12 season, at the age of 33, Bryant averaged 27.9 points per game. And who can ever forget his final game in 2016 when he dropped 60 points? It was a fitting end to an extraordinary career.
From a statistical viewpoint, these players accumulated insane numbers of points over the decade. For example, LeBron ended the decade with more than 16,000 points scored. Imagine that! That's more than some players manage in their entire careers. Durant and Harden weren't far behind, each surpassing the 15,000-point mark.
But what’s interesting is the lasting impact these scorers have had on the game. With the advent of advanced analytics, teams began to understand the value of three-point shooting more, largely thanks to guys like Curry. Consequently, the game opened up, leading to higher scoring averages league-wide. The 2010s NBA saw a paradigm shift towards more spaced-out and high-paced games.
Looking at how these players performed, it’s also worth noting the commercial impact. LeBron's rookie cards and Durant’s shoes have fetched astronomical prices in the market. Durant's infamous announcement on "The Decision" television special wasn't just a media event; it marked an important turning point in player autonomy and brand building in the sports industry. In addition, Steph Curry's Under Armour shoes saw significant increases in sales, boosting the company’s revenue year over year.
And that's the thing. It's not just about the points or the records. It's about how these guys transformed the game of basketball. Their styles, their influence on younger players, and even their off-the-court endeavors like Kobe’s Oscar win or LeBron's foray into Hollywood, kept fans engaged and the sport in the headlines. Isn’t that what greatness is all about? If you're looking for more detailed stats and breakdowns, head over to arena plus for a comprehensive review.
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