5 Players with the most consecutive 30-point games in the NBA since 2000

With the NBA being as open as ever and with more emphasis on shooting and less on defense, it's fair to say scoring has become an absolute necessity in the league. Players are not being judged on their defensive skills rather their offensive prowess, especially in an era of 3-point plays.

Players are taking defensive plays off in order to preserve their energy for the other side of the floor. However, there are elite players who play just as hard on defense as they do on offense. The likes of Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, etc. pride themselves in playing at a world-class level on both the ends of the floor.

While we've had many scoring behemoths in NBA history, the game has changed since the turn of the millennium. Thus, let us now look at 5 players with the most consecutive 30-point games since 2000.

#5 Shaquille O'Neal - 11 games

Shaquille O'Neal led the Los Angeles Lakers to three championships

The most dominant center to play in the NBA, Shaquille O'Neal was a freak of nature. Standing at 7'1, Shaq was a force to be reckoned with on both the ends of the floor. No one could match up with him and no one wanted to go up against him as he would bully you while dropping 30.

Shaq's 11-game streak of 30 or more points per game came between March 28, 2001, and April 17, 2001, while playing for the Los Angeles Lakers. The streak included him having big games against the likes of Boston Celtics, Chicago Bulls, Dallas Mavericks, etc. with his best performance coming against the Celtics where he dropped 39 points and grabbed 14 rebounds.

The Lakers were the defending champions and went on to win the title that season by defeating the Philadelphia 76ers before completing the three-peat next year. It was one of the most dominant periods in the franchise's history with Shaq and Kobe Bryant leading the way.

#4 Kevin Durant - 12 games

Kevin Durant signed with the Brooklyn Nets during the summer

Kevin Durant is one of the greatest scorers the game has ever seen. The forward is one of the best players of his era and has played for the likes of OKC Thunder, Golden State Warriors and now plays for the Brooklyn Nets.

Durant's streak came when he was still being employed by the Thunder and it all came in January 2014. The forward's streak lasted 12 games with the likes of Warriors, San Antonio Spurs, Houston Rockets, etc. being on the end of it. His best performance came against the Utah Jazz in a loss where he scored 48 points and grabbed 7 rebounds while dropping 5 dimes. It was this fixture that started the streak.

KD eventually moved to Warriors and went on to win two championships with the franchise before signing with the Nets in the summer of 2019 along with Kyrie Irving.

#3 Tracy McGrady - 14 games

Tracy McGrady's career is one for the legends. He did not win a championship but his exploits in his prime will never go unappreciated. The man was a serial scorer with ruthless efficiency and a sniper's instinct. Tracy played for the likes of Orlando Magic, Houston Rockets, Toronto Raptors, etc.

McGrady's scoring streak came when he was playing for the Magic. His lethal marksmanship made him stand out in the NBA and was one of the most efficient players in his prime. His streak involves the likes of the San Antonio Spurs, New York Knicks, etc. McGrady's best performance of the lot came up against the Milwaukee Bucks where he dropped 48 points and grabbed 10 rebounds on 54.5% shooting from the range.

His game was complete and if not for injuries, Tracy McGrady would have won at least one championship.

#2 Kobe Bryant - 16 games

Kobe Bryant was a generational talent whose work ethic was unparalleled and so dangerous that it showed on the court, where he won five championships with the Los Angeles Lakers. He scored over 33,500 points and his "Mamba Mentality" transcended beyond the sport of basketball inspiring various athletes across the globe.

Bryant's streak of 16 consecutive games where he scored 30 or more points came between January 2003 and February 2003. The streak kicked off against the Phoenix Suns where he scored 40 points. Kobe's best performance came against the Houston Rockets where he dropped 52 points, grabbed 8 rebounds and dished out 7 assists.

Kobe played in the NBA for two decades and his illustrious career was marked with 5 championships and 18 All-Star selections.

#1 James Harden - 32 games

James Harden is leading the way for the Houston Rockets

James Harden is arguably the greatest scorer of this era. Leading the Houston Rockets, Harden is currently averaging 35.2 points per game this term while shooting nearly 36% from beyond the arc.

Harden's streak started with his performance against the Lakers where he dropped 50 points and dished out 11 assists. The streak started in December 2018 and concluded in February 2019. His best performance came in a win against the New York Knicks where he scored 61 points and grabbed 15 rebounds.

Harden along with Russell Westbrook is leading the charge for the Rockets will be hoping to deliver a championship to the city of Houston this season.