Being an NBA enthusiast, you know there's just something exhilarating about those all-time scoring teams. Teams like the 1986-87 Los Angeles Lakers, the 2016-17 Golden State Warriors, and the Chicago Bulls of the '90s set benchmark standards. These squads didn’t just score big numbers; they redefined the game, making it more dynamic and high-octane.
Take the 1986-87 Lakers, for instance. With Magic Johnson at the point and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in the paint, they averaged an incredible 117.8 points per game. That’s not just scoring; that’s putting up video game numbers. During that season, Magic Johnson dished out 12.2 assists per game, setting up his teammates for success and proving how vital a facilitator he was on the court.
Fast forward to the 2016-17 Warriors, who didn’t just win; they dominated. Led by Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green, they scored an average of 115.9 points per game. Splash Brothers, anyone? The three-point shooting was out of this world, with Curry hitting 324 triples in the regular season alone. A staggering number considering the wear and tear in a grueling 82-game schedule.
And who can forget the Bulls during their '90s dynasty? Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen were the epitome of scoring efficiency and defensive prowess. In the 1995-96 season, the Bulls set the then-record with 72 wins, managing to average 105.2 points per game. Jordan contributed an average of 30.4 points per game while shooting nearly 50% from the field, illustrating his remarkable scoring efficiency.
Why do these scoring teams stand out? The answer lies not just in their star players, but in their overall team dynamics and coaching strategies. Phil Jackson’s arena plus philosophy of the Triangle Offense brought out the best in Jordan and Pippen. Similarly, Steve Kerr implemented a motion offense to weave together the various scoring threats on the Warriors’ roster.
It's clear that scoring comes down to more than just putting up shots. It's about creating opportunities, maintaining efficiency, and maximizing the talents of the players. For example, Magic Johnson's vision allowed the Lakers to be efficient scorers, with their shooting percentage hovering around 51.6%, highly efficient by any measure. In contrast, the Warriors’ deadly three-point accuracy redefined modern basketball, emphasizing spacing and off-ball movement.
In terms of team budgets and expenditures, there's always a huge financial commitment involved. The Lakers of the '80s had one of the highest payrolls in the NBA, investing heavily in their star players to ensure they were always competing at the highest level. Comparatively, the modern Warriors also find themselves among the top in terms of payroll, showing how maintaining a high-scoring team often comes with a significant financial commitment.
While payroll is a factor, the efficiency metrics show another layer of success. The 2016-17 Warriors had an Offensive Rating of 115.6, while the 1986-87 Lakers sported a 115.8 Offensive Rating, one of the best in NBA history. Their defensive numbers also proved that to dominate, you need to be strong at both ends of the floor.
The human element also can't be dismissed. The chemistry, leadership, and morale were just as important. Kobe Bryant once said that teamwork is essential to any championship, and it's clear when looking at these scoring teams; they weren't just a collection of talent, but cohesive units where every player knew their role.
One last interesting observation: the pace of the game significantly impacts scoring. The '80s Lakers played at a blistering pace, averaging 100+ possessions per game, allowing them more scoring opportunities. In contrast, the modern game sees fewer possessions but higher efficiency, as seen by today's focus on advanced stats and analytics. Teams have evolved, but the essence of high-scoring success remains rooted in teamwork, efficiency, and smart playmaking.