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With the evolution of the NBA, scoring has become far easier as the referees are much more lenient, plays by managers are designed to favor high offensive outputs from star players and defense has been lacking.
Players who possess offensive attributes like James Harden, Kevin Durant, LeBron James, etc. have exploited rules and regulations and are making the most of poor defense played by the opposition. Teams are built around such players and their entire offense is run through these superstars. Three-point shooting is what the entire game is based around and players have honed their skills for this.
The likes of Wilt Chamberlain, Michael Jordan, etc. have recorded multiple 30 points per game season and set the bar for generations to follow. That being said, we look at five players with the most points per game in a season since 2000.
#5 Tracy McGrady - 32.09 ppg (2002-03)
One of the greatest scorers of all time, Tracy McGrady was absolutely unstoppable during the 2002-03 season. Leading the way for the Orlando Magic, McGrady averaged 32.1 points, 6.5 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game while shooting nearly 39% from beyond the arc. He played over 39 minutes per game for the Magic and this goes to show the workload carried by the McGrady.
His game was well rounded and he was a genuine threat from everywhere on the court. The talisman was merited with an All-Star selection and won the scoring title that season.
However, Orlando ended their season in disappointment as they crashed to a defeat against the Detroit Pistons in the first round of the Eastern Conference after sneaking into the playoffs with a 42-40 record. That would be their last appearance in the postseason till 2007.
#4 Allen Iverson - 33 ppg (2005-06)
One of the greatest players to never win an NBA championship, Allen Iverson was an absolute treat to watch. His ability on the court and his swagger made him an instant fan favorite.
During the 2005-06 season, Iverson averaged 33 points, 7.4 assists and 3.2 rebounds per game while shooting nearly 45% from the field. One of his stand out games of that season came in a loss against the Atlanta Hawks where he dropped 53 points, 5 assists, and 5 rebounds. The guard's terrific season awarded him an All-Star selection.
However, the Philadelphia 76ers suffered a disappointing season. They failed to qualify for the postseason and ended the season with a record of 38-44 as they finished ninth in the Eastern Conference. It also turned out to be Iverson's last full season with the franchise.
#3 James Harden - 34.3* ppg (2019-20)
*Statistics recorded as of 8th March 2020
One of the greatest scorers of the modern era, James Harden has been on an absolute roll over the last few years. The Houston Rockets guard is averaging 34.3 points, 6,4 rebounds and 7.4 assists per game while shooting 35% from the perimeter and over 43% from the field.
Over the last few years, the Rockets have managed to accrue homecourt advantage heading into the playoffs and that's due to how good Harden has been for the franchise. Mike D'Antoni's iso ball has allowed Harden to run the offense and take a bulk of the shots. Despite averaging over 34 points per game, the guard is suffering a slump and has struggled over the last month or so.
His defense has improved this season and the Rockets will need him to find form once again if they are to go deep into the postseason.
#2 Kobe Bryant - 35.4 ppg (2005-06)
Widely considered as the second greatest shooting guard of all time, Kobe Bryant was a man on a mission during the 2005-06 campaign. The guard averaged 35.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.5 assists while shooting nearly 35% from beyond the arc and 45% from the field.
Kobe averaged a whopping 41 minutes per game during this campaign and was a one-man wrecking crew for the Los Angeles Lakers. Coach Phil Jackson was rehired after a year of absence and could only lead the team to a first-round playoff appearance. The franchise finished seventh in the Western Conference with a 45-37 record.
This remarkable campaign saw Kobe Bryant drop 81 points against the Toronto Raptors and was one of the most iconic performances of all time.
#1 James Harden - 36.1 ppg (2018-19)
Heading into this season as the reigning MVP, James Harden took his scoring charts to a whole another level this campaign. He was averaging 36.1 points, 7.5 assists, and 6.6 rebounds while shooting nearly 37% from the perimeter.
Harden's ability in one-on-one situations and to get to the free-throw line is unparalleled and is one of the reasons why he scored so much during that season. The entire Houston Rockets offensive was channeled through Harden and under Mike D'Antoni's system, it brought the best out of him.
However, the season ended in disappointment for the Rockets as they lost in the Western Conference Semifinals to the Golden State Warriors in six games. The franchise had the fourth-best record in the Western Conference which read 53-29.
