Most Points Scored in an NBA Season (player)

(last updated on October 14, 2025)

Embarking on a journey through the illustrious history of the NBA, we delve into the captivating realm of the most prolific individual scoring performances. From iconic players etching their names atop the scoring charts to the mesmerizing symphonies of offensive brilliance, the quest to discover the highest-scoring NBA seasons unveils a rich tapestry woven with skill, tenacity, and an enduring legacy on the hardwood. Join us in exploring the pinnacle of scoring excellence in basketball history.

Wilt Chamberlain (1961-62)

In basketball history, no name screams individual dominance like Wilt Chamberlain’s. In the 1961-62 season, he put on an unrivaled display of athleticism and scoring prowess. The 13-time NBA All-Star’s extraordinary performance, amassing an unparalleled 4,029 points, cements his place atop the list of highest-scoring NBA seasons for an individual player.

Beyond the sheer magnitude of points, Chamberlain’s statistical symphony weaves a narrative of dominance. Averaging an astounding 50.4 points per game over 80 games in the regular season, Wilt the Stilt redefined the limits of scoring excellence. Chamberlain’s impact extended far beyond points, with 25.7 rebounds per game, showcasing an unmatched presence on the boards.

(spoiler: this isn’t last time you’ll come across Wilt’s name in this list)

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Wilt Chamberlain (1962-63)

In the illustrious saga of Chamberlain’s basketball odyssey, the 1962-63 NBA season was another masterpiece. Chamberlain’s transcendent performance during this campaign, where he amassed an extraordinary 3,586 points, solidifies his place atop the list of highest-scoring NBA seasons for an individual player.

Navigating the court with finesse and tenacity, Chamberlain’s scoring prowess reached new heights, averaging a remarkable 44.8 ppg in the regular season. This statistical masterpiece became the heartbeat of the season, a testament to his indomitable spirit on the hardwood. And once again, like his ’61-’62 season, he also averaged 24.3 rebounds per game, showcasing his dominance in the paint.

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Michael Jordan (1986-87)

Michael Jordan’s 1986-87 ranks third among the league’s highest-scoring individual performances. The five-time MVP orchestrated a scoring symphony, amassing 3,041 points and etching his name in the annals of basketball greatness. His average of 37.1 points per game not only led the league but showcased a level of dominance that was unthinkable for a guard at that time.

Beyond the sheer numbers, this season encapsulates the holistic brilliance of a player who seamlessly blended scoring prowess with a well-rounded game.

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Wilt Chamberlain (1960-61)

To no one’s surprise, Chamberlain’s name pops up once again. In 1960-61, he tallied a remarkable 3,033 points, securing his place as the top performer in the fourth-highest scoring NBA season for an individual player.

As the season unfolded, Chamberlain’s impact extended far beyond the point totals. Averaging an astonishing 38.4 points per game, he showcased an unmatched ability to dominate the court. The statistical resonance of Chamberlain’s 1960-61 campaign echoes with 27.2 rebounds per game, a testament to his unyielding presence in the paint.

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Wilt Chamberlain (1963-64)

For one final time, we meet Wilt on this list. Chamberlain’s 1963-64 was ridiculously impressive, where he scored a grand total of 2,948 points, making it the fifth-highest scoring NBA season ever for an individual player.

Averaging an astonishing 36.9 ppg over 80 games in the regular season, the seven-time NBA scoring champion showcased an unparalleled ability to dominate the court. The statistical ballet of Chamberlain’s 1963-64 campaign resonates with 22.3 rebounds per game, a testament to his unassailable presence in the paint.

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Michael Jordan (1987-88)

MJ continued his NBA onslaught from his ’86-’87 campaign scoring a grand total of 2,868 points in the ’87-’88 season, securing his place as the top performer in the sixth-highest scoring NBA season for an individual player.

Averaging an astonishing 35 ppg over 82 games in the regular season, His Airness exemplified offensive virtuosity. The statistical symphony of Jordan’s 1987-88 campaign resonates with an all-encompassing game, showcasing 5.5 rebounds and 5.9 assists per game.

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Kobe Bryant (2005-06)

This was Kobe’s second year without his long-time partner-in-crime Shaq, and he went on absolute scoring tear amassing an impressive 2,832 points. This extraordinary accomplishment secures his position as the architect of the league’s seventh-highest scoring season overall for an individual player. The 18-time NBA All-Star’s showcased his incredibly versatile scoring ability, with an average of 35.4 ppg over 80 games

Beyond the statistical dominance, Bryant’s influence extended across the court—his 5.3 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game showcased a multifaceted impact. While the season did not end with much postseason success for the Lakers, it showed how unstoppable the Mamba was.

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Bob McAdoo (1974-75)

The great Bob McAdoo … a name that the new generation of fans might not be familiar with, but in his heyday, he was one of the most unstoppable forces that the NBA had ever witnessed. In the 1974-75 NBA season, McAdoo emerged as a virtuoso, orchestrating a scoring masterpiece that reverberated through the courts. McAdoo’s dominance was on full display as he put up 2,831 points in the season and etched his name as the eighth-highest individual scorer in NBA history for a single season.

Bob was much more than just a scorer, and it showed as the big man averaged over 14 rebounds and 2 blocks per game in the season. All of this helped Bob win his first MVP. He continued this demonstration of force in the postseason as well where he averaged a remarkable 37.4 points per game.

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Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (1971-72)

Considered by many to be the greatest player to ever step on the hardwood, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar graced the courts with an unparalleled brilliance, crafting a scoring opus that etched his name in the annals of the NBA. The 19-time All-Star, amassed 2,822 points which helped him achieve the ninth-highest individual scoring feat in NBA history for a single season.

The captain was much more than just a bucket-getter. He was one of the most dominant defensive presences in league history, and in the ’71-’72 season he ended up grabbing nearly 17 rebounds per game. Kareem was also a very good playmaker (especially for his position) and put up 4.6 assists per game this season. Although this season did not end up with Kareem winning the title like his previous season, it is still one of the most dominant all-around seasons recorded in NBA history.

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James Harden (2018-19)

When you think of elite scorers in the modern NBA, James Harden would be one of the very first names to pop up in your head. In his 2018-19 campaign, Harden scored a total of 2,818 points and secured his place as the tenth-highest individual scorer in NBA history for a single season.

Averaging an awe-inspiring 36.1 points per game, the perennial All-Star’s scoring prowess became the heartbeat of the Houston Rockets’ campaign. Beyond points, he also put up 6.6 rebounds and 7.5 assists per game, showcasing his all-around offensive ability.

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This entry was posted on Wednesday, March 27th, 2024 at 4:34 pm and is filed under Top 10 Lists. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.