I vividly remember the 2022 NBA season, a whirlwind of slam dunks, three-pointers, and unforgettable moments. Among all the highlights, what really stood out were the leading scorers lighting up the court night after night. Kevin Durant, LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo—these guys weren't just playing basketball, they were making history. Kevin Durant demonstrated why he's been in the conversation of "Best Scorer of All Time." During the 2022 NBA season, he was averaging around 29.9 points per game. Talk about efficiency, Durant's shooting percentage was impressive too, hovering around 53.7%. He was nothing short of spectacular, making every shot look effortless.
Not far behind him was LeBron James, proving that age is just a number. At 37, LeBron was putting up stats that could rival his younger self's performance. He averaged 29.6 points per game, showing no signs of slowing down. It's remarkable that LeBron has not only maintained but in some aspects, improved his game even as he edges closer to that 40-year mark. His versatility and court vision are industry-level elite, a testament to his incredible work ethic and dedication to the sport.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, "The Greek Freak," was another player everyone had their eyes on. He finished the season with an average of 29.9 points per game, tying with Durant. What made Giannis unique was his ability to dominate both ends of the floor. He wasn’t just a scoring machine but also a defensive anchor for his team, the Milwaukee Bucks. His player efficiency rating (PER) was among the best in the league, demonstrating his all-around impact on every game he played.
Stephen Curry, the three-point king himself, continued to rain down threes like it was nobody's business. In 2022, he averaged 27.3 points per game. His shooting percentage from beyond the arc was an astounding 38%, which is mind-boggling considering the volume of shots he attempts. Curry's ability to change the game with his shooting stroke has made him one of the most exciting players to watch. Just look at the reactions from fans and commentators around the world.
Karl-Anthony Towns also had a standout season. He averaged 24.6 points per game and was a dominant force in the paint. Towns had a true shooting percentage of around 61%, making him one of the most efficient big men in the league. What sets Towns apart is his ability to stretch the floor with his three-point shooting, a rare trait for a player of his size.
DeMar DeRozan, known for his mid-range game, made a significant impact as well. Averaging 27.9 points per game, DeRozan's performance was one of the highlights for the Chicago Bulls. His ability to get to his spots on the floor and knock down shots with precision was a throwback to an earlier era of basketball, yet still incredibly effective in today's game. His value to the Bulls was evident in their offensive schemes, often running through him to create scoring opportunities.
Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks was another young superstar lighting up the league. At just 23 years old, he was putting up 28.4 points per game. Luka’s court vision and passing ability also added to his overall impact. His maturity on the court is beyond his years, giving fans a glimpse of what could be an incredibly storied career.
Joel Embiid was a force to be reckoned with, especially in the paint. Averaging 30.6 points per game, he led the league in scoring. Embiid's physical presence and high basketball IQ made him almost unstoppable. His performance aligned with historical greats, drawing comparisons to the likes of Shaquille O’Neal. When you look at Embiid’s consistency, it's clear why he was a leading scorer for the season.
Trey Young was another player who had an impressive season, averaging 28.4 points per game. Young’s ability to shoot from deep and create plays for his teammates made him a standout for the Atlanta Hawks. His quickness and agility allowed him to get past defenders with ease, making him a constant scoring threat.
The 2022 season also saw Jayson Tatum rise among the ranks of top scorers. With an average of 26.9 points per game, Tatum’s offensive versatility was on full display. His performance had shades of NBA legends, as he showed an ability to score from anywhere on the court. Whether driving to the basket or shooting from long range, Tatum was a constant challenge for opposing defenses.
Bradley Beal deserves a mention as well. Although his season was cut short due to injury, Beal managed to average 23.2 points per game. His ability to score from different spots on the floor made him a key player for the Washington Wizards. He stayed aggressive and continued to create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates.
In the 2022 season, the narrative wasn’t just about who could score the most points, but also how efficiently they could do it. Advanced stats like Player Efficiency Rating (PER) and True Shooting Percentage (TS%) became more prominent as analysts sought to quantify a player’s overall impact on the game. The focus on three-point shooting also remained strong, with players like Curry and Young pushing the boundaries of what was considered a "good shot."
Check out more about these amazing players and their performances from the nba scoring leaders 2022.
The competition was fierce, and every night brought remarkable performances, buzzer-beaters, and unforgettable moments. For fans and analysts alike, the 2022 NBA season was a reminder of why basketball is one of the most exciting sports in the world.