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From Chamberlain to Jordan to Curry: A Look at the NBA's Scoring Leaders Through the Decades.

Updated: Apr 14, 2023




The National Basketball Association (NBA) has seen many great players over the years, and each season brings new talent and records. Scoring is one of the most essential aspects of the game, and many players have made a name for themselves by putting the ball through the hoop more than anyone else. In this article, we'll take a look back at the NBA's scoring leaders from 1960 to 2020.


1960s:

The 1960s were dominated by Wilt Chamberlain and Oscar Robertson, both of whom set numerous scoring records during the decade. Chamberlain led the league in scoring seven times, including a record-setting 50.4 points per game in the 1961-62 season. Robertson, meanwhile, led the league in scoring three times, including the 1963-64 season, where he became the first player to average a triple-double for an entire season.


1970s:

The 1970s were the era of the great Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who led the league in scoring twice in the decade. Other notable scorers during this period were Pete Maravich, George Gervin, and Julius Erving.


1980s:

The 1980s were marked by the rivalry between Magic Johnson and Larry Bird, both of whom won multiple scoring titles during the decade. Michael Jordan also emerged as a scoring machine, winning his first scoring title in the 1986-87 season.


1990s:

The 1990s were the Michael Jordan era, as he won ten scoring titles during the decade. Other notable scorers during this period were Shaquille O'Neal, Karl Malone, and Hakeem Olajuwon.


2000s:

The 2000s saw the emergence of Kobe Bryant as a dominant scorer, as he won two scoring titles and led the league in scoring five times. Other notable scorers during this period were Allen Iverson, Tracy McGrady, and Dirk Nowitzki.


2010s:

The 2010s saw a new generation of players take over the league, with Kevin Durant, LeBron James, and James Harden leading the way. Durant won four scoring titles during the decade, while James and Harden won two each.


2020:

The current NBA season has been a unique one, with the COVID-19 pandemic causing disruptions and changes to the schedule. As of now, Bradley Beal of the Washington Wizards leads the league in scoring with an average of 31.4 points per game.


In conclusion, the NBA has seen many great scorers over the years, with each decade producing its own unique set of dominant players. From Chamberlain and Robertson to Jordan and Bryant, the league has been fortunate to have so many incredible players who have thrilled fans with their scoring prowess. As we look forward to the future, we can only wonder who the next great scoring champion will be.

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