Remember the 2000s in the NBA? That decade saw some of the most legendary scorers light up the league. Kobe Bryant dropping 81 points in a single game against the Toronto Raptors in 2006 remains one of the most mind-blowing achievements. Scoring 81 points in a single game is a testament to Kobe's unparalleled scoring ability, making it one of the highest in NBA history. For some context, only Wilt Chamberlain's 100-point game stands above Kobe's 81-point feat.
Another prolific scorer from the 2000s is Allen Iverson. Iverson, aka "The Answer," would fearlessly drive to the basket despite being only 6 feet tall, which is pretty short for NBA standards. Throughout the decade, he averaged around 27 points per game and carried the Philadelphia 76ers on his back, even leading them to the NBA Finals in 2001. His legendary performance and relentless scoring earned him the NBA MVP that year, as he averaged 31.1 points per game.
Who can forget about Shaquille O’Neal? The sheer dominance of Shaq in the paint left defenders helpless. With a towering presence and weighing over 300 pounds, Shaq was a force to be reckoned with, averaging 27.5 points per game in his best scoring season during the 1999-2000 campaign. Shaq's impact wasn’t just about the points; his dominance inside the paint allowed his team to control the pace and physicality of the game, resulting in multiple championships for the Los Angeles Lakers.
Tracy McGrady, often referred to as T-Mac, was another lethal scorer during the 2000s. McGrady’s 13 points in 33 seconds performance against the San Antonio Spurs in 2004 remains one of the most clutch scoring performances ever witnessed. Over his career, especially during his time with the Orlando Magic and Houston Rockets, T-Mac averaged over 25 points per game multiple times and won two scoring titles (2003 and 2004).
LeBron James, who entered the NBA in 2003 straight out of high school, quickly established himself as a scoring machine. Even as a rookie, he averaged over 20 points per game, an impressive feat for an 18-year-old. By the end of the decade, LeBron was consistently averaging around 30 points per game and had already secured multiple MVP awards, showing that his scoring prowess came with valuable leadership on the court.
Let’s not forget Dirk Nowitzki, the sharpshooter from Germany. Standing at 7 feet tall, Dirk revolutionized the power forward position with his ability to shoot from long range. During the 2005-06 season, he averaged 26.6 points per game and led the Dallas Mavericks to the NBA Finals. Dirk's ability to score from practically anywhere on the court made him a nightmare for defenders, and he remains one of the top foreign-born scorers in NBA history.
Paul Pierce, known as "The Truth," carved out a legacy with the Boston Celtics. Pierce averaged over 25 points per game multiple times in the 2000s, taking his team deep into the playoffs alongside his scoring heroics. His consistency and clutch performances earned him Finals MVP in 2008 when the Celtics won an NBA Championship.
If you look at Kevin Garnett, although known for his defensive prowess and rebounding, he was no slouch when it came to scoring. Playing primarily for the Minnesota Timberwolves during the 2000s, KG would average around 24 points per game in his MVP season in 2003-04. His intensity and ability to score from mid-range made him a dual-threat on the court.
Not to leave out Dwyane Wade, who made a mark with the Miami Heat soon after joining the league in 2003. Wade averaged over 30 points per game in the 2008-09 season and was known for his fearless drives and acrobatic finishes. His scoring ability was crucial in leading the Heat to their first NBA Championship in 2006, where he was also named Finals MVP.
The 2000s also gave rise to players like Vince Carter, who was known for his high-flying dunks and three-point shooting. His 50 points in the 2001 Eastern Conference Semi-Finals against the Philadelphia 76ers remains a playoff highlight reel, and he averaged over 27 points per game during his best seasons.
Lastly, Ray Allen, known for his impeccable three-point shooting, consistently contributed 20+ points per game throughout the 2000s. Breaking Reggie Miller’s record for most three-pointers made during the 2005-06 season showcased his long-range precision and made him a crucial player for any team he suited up for.
These players defined the scoring game in the NBA during the 2000s with their incredible point outputs, unforgettable performances, and sheer versatility. Figures like Kobe and Iverson influenced a generation with their superstar abilities, while legends like Shaq and LeBron brought both physicality and agility that dominated the era. For a comprehensive overview of more players and detailed stats, check out arena plus.