These players defined their era offensively!

Exploring scoring dominance from the 1980s to the 2020s reveals intriguing findings. Each era highlights five players who have excelled in points per game average over a decade, with the condition that they have played at least 200 games.

Icons like Michael Jordan in the 1990s, followed by Kobe Bryant and LeBron James, exemplify scoring greatness. These legends' mastery of the scoring charts underscores their status among basketball's finest.

1980’s

 In the 1980s, Michael Jordan emerged as the foremost scorer, averaging a remarkable 32.8 points per game and securing three scoring titles. Dominique Wilkins thrilled audiences with his aerial displays, averaging 26.1 points, while Alex English showed versatility, scoring 26.0 points and claiming a title. Adrian Dantley's craftiness in the post yielded 25.6 points and two titles, while Larry Bird's basketball IQ drove 25.3 points per game, contributing to three Celtics championships. Though Bird lacked a scoring title, his shooting ability and leadership impacted the era's scoring landscape.

1990s

In the 1990s, Michael Jordan's scoring dominance stood unmatched, averaging 30.3 points per game and securing seven scoring titles, along with six NBA championships and Finals MVPs. Shaquille O'Neal's paint presence yielded 27.5 points and one title, proving his unstoppable force with the Magic and Lakers. Karl Malone's 26.7 points per game, despite lacking a title, reflected relentless scoring efficiency for the Jazz. Allen Iverson's electrifying playstyle delivered 24.9 points and one title, defining dynamism for the 76ers. David Robinson's 23.6 points and one title displayed versatile dominance for the Spurs, leaving a lasting impact on the era's scoring landscape.

2000s 

Kobe Bryant led the 2000s scoring charge, averaging 28.5 points and securing two titles, emerging as Michael Jordan's heir apparent. LeBron James' arrival saw him averaging 27.8 points and securing one title, displaying his versatile scoring ability for the Cavaliers. Allen Iverson's dazzling playstyle yielded 27.4 points and three titles, highlighted by a memorable 2001 MVP campaign and NBA Finals appearance. Dwyane Wade's explosiveness delivered 25.4 points and one title, guiding the Heat to a championship in 2006. Kevin Durant's 25.3 points displayed scoring versatility for the SuperSonics and Thunder, despite missing out on a title, cementing his status as a matchup nightmare.

2010s

Kevin Durant's combination of size, shooting, and versatility made him a scoring powerhouse in the 2010s, consistently breaking down defences with his offensive skill. James Harden, averaging 26.7 points and clinching three scoring titles, posed a formidable threat with his scoring, ball-handling, and drawing fouls. LeBron James, at 26.5 points, remained a versatile scorer despite no scoring title, leveraging his size and IQ for the Heat and Cavaliers. Russell Westbrook's relentless style earned him 25.0 points and two titles, known for his speed and aggression. Stephen Curry's 24.3 points and innovative shooting redefined the point guard position, leading the Warriors to three championships.

Durant hitting a lay up

2020s

In the 2020s, Joel Embiid dominated with 31.5 points per game and two scoring titles, regardless of injury concerns. Luka Doncic emerged as a scoring sensation, averaging 30.3 points and claiming a title, showing IQ and versatility for the Mavericks. Giannis Antetokounmpo's impressive average of 29.8 points, coupled with an NBA title and Finals MVP award, highlighted his unstoppable dominance. Conversely, Kevin Durant's scoring abilities, evident in his 28.2 points per game, made him a nightmare for opposing teams like the Nets and Suns. Stephen Curry's 28.1 points and shooting finesse maintained offensive threats despite ageing.

These scorers followed the lead of great scorers in the past, such as Wilt Chamberlain, Bob Petit, and Kareem Abdul Jabbar in the 70s, 60s, and 50s.