Most Points Per Game in NBA History

Scoring is the ultimate currency in basketball, and few players have ever done it better than the legends on this list. The debate over the greatest scorers always comes back to one number: points per game. When looking at the most points per game in NBA history, two names stand above the rest — Michael Jordan and Wilt Chamberlain. But they’re not alone. From modern stars like Luka Dončić, Joel Embiid, and Kevin Durant to all-time icons like Elgin Baylor, Jerry West, and Allen Iverson, these players have redefined what it means to be an offensive powerhouse.

Want to see the all-time leaders by total points instead of averages? Check out our full breakdown here: Most Points Scored in NBA History.

#10 – Bob Pettit – 26.36 PPG

Key Accolades: 1958 NBA Champion, 2× MVP, 11× All-Star, 10× All-NBA First Team, Hall of Fame

Bob Pettit may not be a household name for today’s fans, but in the 1950s and early 1960s, he was the gold standard of NBA scoring consistency. As the first player in league history to surpass 20,000 career points, Pettit blended power, touch, and relentless effort in an era before the three-point line. He won two MVP awards and carried the St. Louis Hawks to the 1958 championship — still the franchise’s only title. Averaging 26.36 points per game across his career, Pettit’s offensive dominance set the foundation for future forwards and secured his spot among the greatest scorers of all time.

#9 – Allen Iverson – 26.66 PPG

Key Accolades: 2001 MVP, 11× All-Star, 7× All-NBA, 4× Scoring Champion, Hall of Fame

Allen Iverson wasn’t just a scorer — he was a cultural icon who brought heart, swagger, and fearlessness to the NBA. Standing just 6 feet tall, Iverson regularly lit up defenders twice his size, using his lightning-quick first step, signature crossover, and fearless drives to the rim. He captured four scoring titles, including three in a row from 2001–2002, and carried the Philadelphia 76ers to the 2001 NBA Finals while earning league MVP honors. Averaging 26.66 points per game across his career, “The Answer” proved that size doesn’t define dominance, and his influence on future generations of guards remains unmatched.

#8 – LeBron James – 27.01 PPG

Key Accolades: 4× NBA Champion, 4× Finals MVP, 4× MVP, 20× All-Star, 13× All-NBA First Team

LeBron James isn’t just the NBA’s all-time leading scorer — he’s also one of the most efficient high-volume scorers in league history. Averaging 27.01 points per game over more than two decades, LeBron has combined brute strength, elite basketball IQ, and unmatched versatility to score from anywhere on the floor. Whether powering through defenders at the rim, pulling up from deep, or orchestrating the fast break, his offensive arsenal has evolved seamlessly across eras. The fact that he’s maintained a 27-point average while playing the most games and minutes of any player at this level only adds to his legend.

#7 – Jerry West – 27.03 PPG

Key Accolades: 1972 NBA Champion, Finals MVP (1969), 14× All-Star, 12× All-NBA, Hall of Fame

Jerry West, “The Logo” himself, built his reputation on clutch shooting and relentless scoring ability. Averaging 27.03 points per game across a 14-year career, West was a master of mid-range jumpers and a fierce competitor who thrived under pressure. He became the first and only player to win NBA Finals MVP on a losing team in 1969, a testament to his scoring brilliance. Though he played in an era before the three-point line, West’s efficiency and ability to carry the Lakers in big moments cemented his place as one of the most respected offensive forces in league history.

#6 – Kevin Durant – 27.22 PPG

Key Accolades: 2× NBA Champion, 2× Finals MVP, 2014 MVP, 14× All-Star, 10× All-NBA, 4× Scoring Champion

Few players in NBA history make scoring look as effortless as Kevin Durant. Standing nearly seven feet tall with guard-like handles and one of the purest jump shots the game has ever seen, KD is an offensive nightmare from anywhere on the court. His ability to rise up over defenders, pull up from deep, or glide to the rim has made him one of the most unstoppable scorers of his era. Averaging 27.22 points per game, Durant has consistently delivered at an elite level in both the regular season and playoffs, proving he can dominate against any defense.

#5 – Elgin Baylor – 27.36 PPG

Key Accolades: 11× All-Star, 10× All-NBA First Team, Hall of Fame

Elgin Baylor was decades ahead of his time, redefining how basketball could be played with his athleticism, creativity, and scoring touch. Averaging 27.36 points per game, Baylor was a walking bucket throughout the 1960s, dazzling fans with acrobatic finishes and mid-range mastery. He once scored 71 points in a single game and still holds the NBA Finals single-game record with 61 points in 1962. Though injuries and military service limited parts of his career, Baylor’s offensive brilliance paved the way for future stars, and his legacy as one of the game’s most dynamic scorers remains untouchable.

#4 – Joel Embiid – 27.71 PPG

Key Accolades: 2023 MVP, 7× All-Star, 5× All-NBA, 3× Scoring Champion

Joel Embiid has brought dominance back to the center position in a way the NBA hasn’t seen in decades. At 7’0” with the footwork of a guard and the strength of a powerhouse, Embiid can score inside with ease while also stretching defenses with his mid-range touch and three-point shooting. Averaging 27.71 points per game, he’s already secured multiple scoring titles — a rare feat for a big man in the modern era. Whether bullying opponents in the paint or knocking down jumpers, Embiid’s versatile scoring has made him one of the league’s most unstoppable offensive weapons today.

#3 – Luka Dončić – 28.62 PPG

Key Accolades: 5× All-Star, 5× All-NBA First Team, 2019 Rookie of the Year

Luka Dončić has wasted no time carving out his place among the greatest scorers in NBA history. Averaging 28.62 points per game early in his career, Luka’s blend of size, skill, and basketball IQ makes him a matchup nightmare. He controls the pace of the game with his craftiness, step-back three, and ability to finish through contact, all while carrying the offensive load for the Mavericks. Still just in his mid-20s, Dončić is on a historic scoring pace that could eventually challenge long-standing records if he maintains his production over the next decade.

#2 – Wilt Chamberlain – 30.07 PPG

Key Accolades: 2× NBA Champion, 4× MVP, 13× All-Star, 7× Scoring Champion, Hall of Fame

Wilt Chamberlain’s scoring feats are the stuff of legend. Averaging 30.07 points per game over 14 seasons, Wilt once scored 100 points in a single game and averaged more than 50 points across an entire season — records that may never be touched. At 7’1” with unmatched strength and agility, he dominated opponents night after night, piling up numbers that often sound more like video game stats than reality. While critics point to the era he played in, his sheer consistency and production make him one of the most prolific scorers in any era of basketball history.

#1 – Michael Jordan – 30.12 PPG

Key Accolades: 6× NBA Champion, 6× Finals MVP, 5× MVP, 14× All-Star, 10× Scoring Champion, Hall of Fame

Michael Jordan stands alone at the top of the NBA’s career scoring average list with 30.12 points per game. Known for his unmatched competitiveness and ability to deliver in the clutch, Jordan combined elite athleticism, footwork, and skill to dominate opponents for over a decade. He won an incredible 10 scoring titles, including seven straight from 1987 to 1993, and his playoff performances only elevated his legacy. From his acrobatic finishes to cold-blooded jumpers, Jordan made scoring look inevitable. His consistency and dominance ensure his record as the highest career scorer per game remains one of the NBA’s most iconic marks.

Full List – Most Points Per Game in NBA History

The 10 players with the most points per game in NBA history, from Michael Jordan (30.12) and Wilt Chamberlain (30.07) to active stars like Luka Doncic and Joel Embiid.

Most Points Per Game in NBA History – Full List (Top 150)

All-time NBA career leaders in points per game, ranked in a tier list featuring legends like Michael Jordan (30.12), Wilt Chamberlain (30.07), and Luka Doncic (28.62).

FAQ – Most Points Per Game in NBA History

Who has the highest points per game in NBA history?

Michael Jordan holds the record for the highest career scoring average in NBA history with 30.12 points per game. He won 10 scoring titles during his career and remains the benchmark for offensive consistency and dominance.

Is Wilt Chamberlain the best scorer in NBA history?

Wilt Chamberlain is often considered the most dominant scorer, averaging 30.07 points per game across his career. He owns unbreakable single-game and single-season records, including his legendary 100-point game and a season where he averaged over 50 points per game.

Who are the best active players by points per game?

Among active players, Luka Dončić (28.62 PPG), Joel Embiid (27.71 PPG), Kevin Durant (27.22 PPG), and LeBron James (27.01 PPG) are the leaders in career scoring average.

Does points per game matter more than total points?

Points per game (PPG) measures scoring efficiency over a player’s career, while total points reflect longevity and durability. For example, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and LeBron James top the total points list, while Michael Jordan leads in PPG.

Who could climb the list in the future?

Rising stars like Luka Dončić, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Jayson Tatum have started their careers at elite scoring paces. If they maintain their production over time, they could solidify themselves among the all-time greats in career points per game.

Conclusion – Most Points Per Game in NBA History

When it comes to measuring pure scoring ability, points per game is the ultimate benchmark. Legends like Michael Jordan and Wilt Chamberlain set the gold standard with career averages over 30 points, while today’s stars like Luka Dončić and Joel Embiid are proving that elite scoring is alive and well in the modern era. This stat isn’t just about longevity — it’s about dominance every time a player steps on the floor.

The top 150 list of the most points per game in NBA history highlights a unique blend of eras, positions, and styles of play, from Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s skyhook to Kevin Durant’s effortless jumpers. It shows us how the game has evolved, yet how the art of putting the ball in the basket remains basketball’s most defining skill.

Records are meant to be chased, and with new stars rising every season, the story of NBA scoring is still being written. Who do you think has the best chance to climb this list in the next decade?

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