The Scoring Guards: Reigning Kings of the NBA’s 40-Point Club

Point guards are the orchestrators of offensive plays, but some of them also possess an innate scoring ability. These players can rack up 40 points or more at any moment, leaving opponents scrambling and fans in awe. In this article, we'll take a look at the top five guards who have scored the most in games where they achieved 40 or more points in NBA history.

5. Jerry West (47 Games)

Jerry West is one of the most iconic figures in NBA history. He is not only the silhouette on the league's logo but also one of the top scorers in the game. West accumulated 25,192 points in his career, an achievement that is even more impressive considering he did this before the introduction of the three-point line. In fact, West averaged 30.8 points per game over his career, which remains the second-highest average for a point guard in NBA history. West was also a master of clutch moments, scoring 21 points in the final minute of Game 7 of the 1969 NBA Finals to lead the Lakers to victory.

 

 

4. Russell Westbrook (50 Games)

Russell Westbrook, known for his explosive play and triple-double prowess, had a phase in his career where he was criticized for his shooting. However, this overlooks his prime years, where his relentless energy and speed overwhelmed defenses, allowing him to score at will and involve his teammates effectively. Westbrook's 50 games with 40+ points, along with his record-breaking 198 triple-doubles, demonstrate his scoring and playmaking capabilities.

 

 

3. Damian Lillard (57 Games)

Damian Lillard, now with the Milwaukee Bucks after 11 seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers, continues to add to his 40+ point game tally, which currently stands at 57. Lillard's remarkable ball-handling skills, coupled with an array of finishing moves and lethal jumpers, including long-range shots, make him a formidable scorer in the league.

 

 

2. Steph Curry (65 Games)

Recognized as the NBA's best shooter, Steph Curry of the Golden State Warriors has a game that extends beyond his record-breaking three-pointers. Curry's diverse scoring arsenal includes floaters and challenging lay-ups, contributing to his 65 games with 40 or more points. Curry is expected to continue dominating defenses and potentially increase his tally of high-scoring games.

 

 

1. Oscar Robertson (77 Games)

Oscar Robertson, known as the original 'Mr. Triple Double,' was a trailblazer for point guards in scoring and playmaking. Before Westbrook broke his triple-double record, Robertson had already made his mark by scoring 40 or more points in 77 games, a remarkable achievement considering the absence of a three-point line and a slower-paced NBA during his era.

 

 

These top five point guards have established themselves as legends of the game, not only for their scoring ability but also for their impact on the point guard position. They have proven that point guards can be elite scorers, and their success has paved the way for other point guards to follow in their footsteps. As the game continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how the role of the point guard continues to change and whether we will see even more high-scoring point guards in the future.

 

 


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