Defense often takes credit for championships, but the NBA’s offensive legends stand out more. Dominating in scoring, whether from afar or close, marks a player’s legacy in basketball.
Many aim for championships rather than scoring titles. Yet, leading in scoring during regular seasons has its own place in NBA history.
“Jumping” Joe Fulks claimed the first scoring title in the 1946-47 season with an average of 23.2 points per game.
Today, that average might not impress, but there was no three-point shot until the 1979-80 season in the NBA.
Legendary NBA Scoring Titles Winners
The 1960’s – Wilt Chambarlain
Wilt Chamberlain is a giant in NBA history, known for his scoring feats.
With the scoring average of 30.1 points per game across 15 years, playing for teams like the Philadelphia/San Francisco Warriors, before becoming the Golden State Warriors, the Philadelphia 76ers, and the Los Angeles Lakers.
Chamberlain not only won seven consecutive scoring titles but also did it despite a free-throw success rate of just 51.1%.
The 1970’s
The 1970s highlighted NBA icons. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, early in the decade, clinched two scoring titles and boasts the league’s second-highest total points.
Bob McAdoo, with the Buffalo Braves, secured three consecutive scoring crowns, showcasing his averaged dominance.
Pete Maravich, with the New Orleans Jazz, added unparalleled flair, emerging as a standout scoring champion of the league.
The 1980’s
The ’80s, marked by Bird, Johnson, Celtics, and Lakers, also celebrated scoring legends.
Adrian Dantley ignited the scoreboards before Utah‘s Stockton-Malone, winning scoring titles in 1980-1981 and 1983-1984.
Alex English of the Nuggets and Bernard King of the Knicks each secured a scoring crown.
Dominique Wilkins, an Atlanta Hawks icon, dominated beyond dunks, winning the 1985-1986 scoring title.
The 1990’s – Michael Jordan Era
Michael Jordan stands unmatched in NBA history, not leading in career total points like LeBron James but his 10 scoring titles in 12 years are unprecedented.
MJ, with the Chicago Bulls, was unstoppable when in form, his playoff brilliance well known.
Icons like Kobe Bryant and LeBron James idolize him, yet Jordan was the force that surged NBA’s popularity in the ’80s and ’90s.
He and Wilt Chamberlain are the only players to have averaged over 37 points per game in a season.
The ’90s saw few outshine Jordan, yet some did during his absences. In 1993-1994, David Robinson led with an average of 29.8 points per game for San Antonio. Shaquille OāNeal, with his size and skill, clinched two scoring titles with Orlando Magic and Los Angeles Lakers, proving nearly impossible to defend.
The 2000’s
The 2000s ended the era of centers leading in scoring, transitioning to guards and forwards like Allen Iverson (76ers), Tracy McGrady (Magic), Kobe Bryant (Lakers), LeBron James (Cavaliers), and Kevin Durant (Thunder).
Iverson claimed three titles, while Bryant won two after OāNeal’s Miami move.
LeBron Jamesās lone scoring title surprises many, given his absence from the top during his Miami years. His enduring career and climb up the total points list highlight his legacy beyond single-season achievements.
The 2010’s and the Present
The Oklahoma City Thunder highlighted the 2010s, with NBA players Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook winning multiple scoring titles.
Westbrook‘s 2016-2017 season stood out, earning a title and becoming the first player since Oscar Robertson to average a triple-double in the same season.
James Harden, from 2017-2020, clinched three consecutive titles with the Rockets, noted for his step-back threes and free-throw frequency.
Stephen Curry, despite his three-point prowess, has two titles, with ambitions for more.
Carmelo Anthony secured a title with the Knicks, ranking ninth in all-time points.
FAQ:
Who has scored 3000 points in a season?
Only Wilt Chamberlain and Michael Jordan managed to score more than 3000 points. Chamberlain managed to repeat this feat three times, once scoring over 4000 points. Michael Jordan managed 3041 points in the 1986-87 season.
Who has the most scoring titles in NBA history?
Wilt Chamberlain with seven consecutive titles.
