Basketball fans always get excited when performances hit legendary levels. And when it comes to the NBA, certain regular-season games have immortalized players by position. I still remember when Wilt Chamberlain dropped 100 points back in 1962. This has stood as the highest-scoring game ever. No modern center has touched his feat, but many come close.
When talking about point guards, it's impossible not to mention Russell Westbrook's 2016-17 season. He averaged a triple-double — 31.6 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 10.4 assists per game. Westbrook didn't just break the 55-year-old record set by Oscar Robertson; he shattered it. For perspective, Oscar averaged 30.8 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 11.4 assists per game during the 1961-62 season. Following Westbrook’s historic run, it led to a spike in his efficiency rating, clocking in at 30.7, which ranks among the highest ever for a guard.
Shooting guards have seen their share of unbelievable performances as well. Kobe Bryant’s unforgettable 81-point game in 2006 stands as the second highest point total in a single game. He accomplished this against the Toronto Raptors, showing unparalleled precision and energy on both ends of the court. The man took 46 shots, making 28 of them. His true shooting percentage for that game was an outstanding 73.9 percent.
Small forwards, of course, feature LeBron James more often than not. In 2019-20, LeBron led the league in assists at age 35, clocking in an average of 10.2 assists per game. This was the first time a forward led the NBA in assists per game, proving his versatility and longevity. Another standout moment came from Kevin Durant’s 2013-14 MVP season when he notched an average of 32 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game while leading the league in scoring. His offensive rating that year? A staggering 123.
Power forwards bring an entirely different dynamic to the game. Giannis Antetokounmpo's 2019 MVP season was phenomenal. The Greek Freak averaged 27.7 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game. His player efficiency rating was a jaw-dropping 31.9, capturing his dominance on the court. Tim Duncan, though known more for his sustained excellence, had one exceptional 2001-02 season where he averaged 25.5 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game, carrying the Spurs on his back.
Mike Malone, coach of the Denver Nuggets, praised Nikola Jokić frequently last season. The Serbian center averaged a triple-double throughout a month, displaying versatility and the modern evolution of a big man. When asked about Draymond Green’s importance to his team, Steve Kerr highlighted his 2015-16 season, emphasizing his defense, IQ, and leadership. Draymond led all power forwards in assists, with an average of 7.4 per game (the highest ever for his position). Another irreplaceable center is Rudy Gobert. In the 2019-20 season, Gobert had an average of 13.5 rebounds and 2.7 blocks per game, anchoring an elite Utah Jazz defense.
Let's not ignore some of the clutch performances as well. Damian Lillard is no stranger to hitting big shots. In one notable game in January 2020, he scored 61 points against the Warriors, tying the highest-scoring single performance for that year. His incredible range and efficiency, hitting 11 of 20 three-pointers, showcase why he’s one of the top point guards in the league. When discussing shooting prowess and modern basketball, the conversation can’t be complete without mentioning Stephen Curry. In 2016, he broke his own record, making 402 three-pointers in a single season. That said, Curry’s impact goes beyond stats, transforming the league’s offensive strategies with his shooting ability.
Whether it's about longevity, versatility, or raw domination, each position brings its uniqueness to the court. This gives fans something to debate with their friends and fellow enthusiasts. Players like Giannis, LeBron, and Durant continue to evolve their games, raising the bar year after year. With the right team chemistry, coaching, and health, the sky is the limit for these athletes. These performances aren’t just statistics—they tell the stories of hard work, dedication, and sometimes, a bit of magic.
For an in-depth and updated review, check out Arena Plus. You'll find top-notch information, game analysis, and more. Each performance has a beautiful narrative, revealing why we all love the game of basketball. The regular season might just be 82 games, but when you have moments like these, it feels like every game matters.