NBA Scoring Is Higher Than Ever

 



Written by: Dylan Grodner of Swish Tribune 

The theme of this season is scoring, both teams and players are putting up all-time high point numbers. There has been a total of 21 players that have scored over 50 points this season. Most recently, Damian Lillard with 71 points, as well as averaging 41 points over his last 13 games. In addition, this past weekend, the Kings beat the Clippers 176-175 in double OT, making it the second highest scoring game of all time. This leaves NBA fans with the question; how do players today score at such ease? 

A simple answer to this question is that players are far more efficient than they ever were before. Field goal percentages are higher than ever, simply due to an evolution in the game of basketball and the way it's played. 

The NBA is also much more fast paced than in prior years. A lot more shots are taken per game, resulting in higher scores. Some players attempt over 20 three pointers a night, giving them opportunities for more points. The three-point line allows for more spacing along the perimeter. Players no longer can clog the paint with hopes that an opponent will drive to the basket. In today's game, players are spread out all throughout the court, creating a lot more space for players to get open, and a chance to kick the ball out to the wings. 

Finally, teams don't value defense as important as they once did. Instead, players conserve their energy, focusing more on the offensive side of the ball. This leads players to stat grab and chase certain point numbers.

There is something to be said about both offensive and defensive play in the NBA. Some love the high intensity scoring games where players can go off for 50 or more per contest. On the other hand, some miss the scrappy level of play, thinking back to the 04' Pistons. That grit and grind mindset is one that is missed in the NBA. Will we ever see the NBA be defensive driven again, or will it forever be focused on the offense? 

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