When you talk about the greatest NBA scoring guards of all time, a few names inevitably come up. Michael Jordan, the man with six championship rings and a career average of 30.1 points per game, is often at the top of the list. His performance on the court was nothing short of breathtaking. I remember watching the NBA Finals in 1997 when he had the 'Flu Game.' Despite being visibly sick, Jordan scored 38 points against the Utah Jazz to help his team win. In terms of sheer willpower and skill, Michael Jordan is unparalleled.
Kobe Bryant, with five championship rings and a career average of 25.0 points per game, is another name that always stands out. I can't forget the game in 2006 when Kobe dropped 81 points on the Toronto Raptors. That performance alone solidified his place in the annals of basketball history. The Mamba mentality was real, and it was evident every time he stepped onto the court.
Then, there's Allen Iverson, known for his killer crossover and fearless approach to the game. Iverson, who carried the Philadelphia 76ers to the NBA Finals in 2001, averaged 26.7 points over his career. Despite standing only 6 feet tall, his ability to score against much larger defenders was remarkable. I can still hear the echoes from the commentators when he crossed over Michael Jordan in his rookie season—pure magic.
I have to mention Dwyane Wade as well. Wade, who won three NBA championships with the Miami Heat, averaged 22.0 points per game over his career. Wade's performance during the 2006 NBA Finals was nothing short of legendary, scoring 34.7 points per game against the Dallas Mavericks to secure his first championship. That Finals run was the epitome of clutch performance.
James Harden, who has emerged as one of the most potent scorers in today's game, deserves recognition as well. Harden won the MVP award in 2018 and has averaged 25.1 points per game throughout his career. His ability to draw fouls and make difficult shots from beyond the arc brings an entirely new dimension to scoring. I recall a game in 2019 where Harden scored 61 points against the New York Knicks, showcasing his offensive prowess.
And of course, there's Jerry West, the logo of the NBA, who averaged 27.0 points per game over his career. West was a pioneer of the game during his time with the Los Angeles Lakers. His tenacity and scoring capability were instrumental in leading his team to multiple NBA Finals. West's clutch shots and scoring ability were legendary before the three-point line even existed.
Clay Thompson may not be at the top of many lists, but his shooting skills are exceptional. Thompson holds the NBA record for most points in a quarter with 37, achieved in 2015 against the Sacramento Kings. While sharing the court with Stephen Curry, Thompson showcased his ability to score in bunches, making him one of the most lethal shooters in NBA history.
Ray Allen is another guard who one must consider when discussing great scorers. Allen, a ten-time All-Star, is widely regarded for his three-point shooting. He retired with a three-point percentage of 40.0% and scored a career total of 24,505 points. His clutch performance in Game 6 of the 2013 NBA Finals, where he hit a game-tying three-pointer to extend the game into overtime, epitomizes his scoring ability.
Dwelling on the modern era, Damian Lillard is making his mark. Lillard, a six-time All-Star, has a career scoring average of 24.7 points per game. Known for his deep-range shooting and clutch performances, Lillard has consistently been one of the most feared scorers in the league. In 2020, he scored 61 points in a game multiple times, showcasing his scoring capacity.
Who can forget about Reggie Miller? Miller averaged 18.2 points per game but was most known for his moments in the clutch. During the 1995 Eastern Conference Semifinals against the New York Knicks, Miller scored eight points in the final 8.9 seconds to win the game. That performance remains one of the most iconic moments in NBA playoff history.
In the context of discussing scoring guards, one cannot overlook Pete Maravich. Maravich, known as “Pistol Pete,” averaged 24.2 points per game throughout his career. His scoring record of 44.2 points per game during his collegiate days at LSU remains unbroken. Maravich's flair and scoring ability transcended the traditional boundaries of basketball during his era.
One more name to consider is Clyde Drexler. Drexler averaged 20.4 points per game over his career and was a key figure for the Portland Trail Blazers and Houston Rockets. He won an NBA championship with the Rockets in 1995, and his ability to score from different areas of the court made him a constant threat to opponents.
These are just a few of the guards who have left an indelible mark on the game of basketball. To get a deeper dive into their careers, you might want to check out arena plus for highlights and more detailed statistics. Each of these players brought something unique to the court, redefining the role of the scoring guard in their own way. From Jordan's mid-range mastery to Harden's three-point barrages, these guards have shown us countless ways to put the ball in the basket.