When you talk about scoring in the NBA, what comes to mind? For me, it's all about those snipers who can light it up from the perimeter. One name that almost always pops up is Stephen Curry. Curry’s shooting numbers are mind-blowing. Last season, he averaged 29.3 points per game and shot 42.1% from beyond the arc. Do you know what takes it up a notch? He attempts about 12 three-pointers a game. That’s killer efficiency combined with high volume—pure magic.
Curry isn't the only one lighting it up. Enter Kevin Durant. Durant's scoring prowess extends far beyond just raw numbers; it's his all-around offensive game. This guy stands at 6'10", yet moves like a guard, dropping buckets from anywhere on the court. Last season, Durant put up 29.9 points per game while shooting an impressive 38.3% from downtown. His ability to score efficiently from the perimeter sets him apart in the league.
Now, if we’re venturing slightly back in time, you can’t ignore the era of Ray Allen. Allen wasn't just a great shooter; he was clockwork. He retired with a career three-point shooting percentage of 40%. Allen made a whopping 2,973 three-pointers over his career, holding the all-time record until Curry took over. When discussing player efficiency, Allen's numbers scream consistency.
Let’s not forget James Harden, who has revolutionized the step-back three-pointer. Harden averaged 24.6 points per game last season, and while his three-point shooting percentage was just around 36%, his output is ridiculous because of his volume. Harden attempts nearly 10 threes per game. The sheer number he puts up is insane, and his ability to create shots from nothing is a skill many players dream of.
Speaking of young guns, Luka Dončić is a name that’ll dominate this conversation for years to come. Luka is a perimeter scoring savant at just 23. He put up 28.8 points per game last season and shot 35.3% from deep. Not jaw-dropping percentages, but his court vision and playmaking make those numbers pop. If his arena plus potential keeps growing, he could be a perennial MVP.
Paul George often flies under the radar but deserves a mention. George put up 23.3 points per game and shot 41% from three-point range last season. His two-way game makes him more valuable; it’s one thing to score but another to defend the best player on the opposing team while keeping up that scoring output.
Klay Thompson, Curry’s partner in crime, also holds his own. Thompson's 20.4 points per game last season might not jump off the page, but his 38.5% shooting from beyond the arc does. And here’s the kicker—he often guards the opposing team's best wing. His combination of sharpshooting and defense makes him indispensable.
Historically, someone like Reggie Miller also needs to be in this discussion. Miller retired with an average of 18.2 points per game and a career three-point percentage of 39.5%. His clutch performances, especially against the Knicks, are legendary. He showed that perimeter scoring could shift game momentum in a heartbeat.
Of course, there’s also Damian Lillard, whose range extends well beyond the three-point line. Lillard shot 39.1% from downtown last season while averaging 25.7 points per game. And who could forget his series-clinching buzzer-beaters? His late-game heroics show that perimeter scoring can be a game-changer when it matters most.
Finally, we have Kyrie Irving, who combines dazzling ball-handling with efficient perimeter scoring. Kyrie posted 27.1 points per game last season and shot 40.2% from three. Those are elite numbers, especially considering his ability to make difficult shots look effortless.
So there you have it. From young stars to seasoned vets, the NBA has no shortage of elite perimeter scorers. Each brings something unique to the table, be it efficiency, volume, or clutch performance. This is what makes watching NBA games so darn exciting.