Discover the best player in all major offensive categories including three-point shooting, mid-range prowess, post-game dominance, and dunking excellence.
Welcome to a comprehensive exploration of the NBA’s most dominant offensive systems, where we delve into the prowess of players across various categories. From the sharpshooters beyond the arc to the masters of mid-range, the powerhouses in the post, and the high-flying dunk specialists – we will name the best offensive player in every category.
Joel Embiid is the NBA’s leading scorer right now, averaging 36.1 points per game as he looks primed to claim his third-straight scoring title to place him in elite status. Luka Doncic is hot on his heels with a 33.6 points per game average, but where do these two superstar players rank among the most important offensive categories? It is time to find out.
Three-Point Shooting – Stephen Curry
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Three-Point Shooting Leaders
1. Stephen Curry – 4.5 3PM – 11.3 3PA (40.1%)
2. Luka Doncic – 3.9 3PM – 10.4 3PA (37.3%)
3. CJ McCollum – 3.6 3PM – 8.0 3PA (44.8%)
Stephen Curry continues to reign as the premier three-point marksman, showcasing his unparalleled shooting ability with an impressive 40.1% accuracy from beyond the arc while connecting on an average of 4.5 three-pointers per game. Despite not being an All-Star starter when healthy for the first time since 2013, Curry is the best shooter in the world as he averages 26.7 points per game.
Luka Doncic, not too far behind, displays remarkable proficiency, netting 3.9 three-pointers at a solid 37.3% accuracy, a testament to his diverse offensive skill set. Even if he is not the most efficient shooter, he is generating a ton of points from beyond the arc and he can never be left alone when he has the ball from the arc. Even when defended, Doncic can make threes in any defender’s face.
Meanwhile, CJ McCollum stands out with an exceptional 44.8% accuracy, combining efficiency with a steady contribution of 3.6 three-pointers per game, making him a potent long-range threat for the Pelicans. No doubt, McCollum has been an underrated player for most of his career and he continues to be this season.
Mid-Range Shooting – Joel Embiid
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Mid-Range Shooting Leaders
1. Joel Embiid – 3.3 MDM – 6.6 MDA (50.5%)
2. Kevin Durant – 3.1 MDM – 6.7 MDA (45.7%)
3. DeMar DeRozan – 2.8 MDM – 6.9 MDA (40.3%)
When it comes to mid-range scoring, Joel Embiid showcases a remarkable blend of power and finesse. The towering center’s 50.5% accuracy in mid-range shooting is a testament to his versatility, adding a layer of complexity to his offensive game. The NBA’s leading scorer is posting 36.1 points per game and is coming off a recent monster 70-point performance. No player in history has averaged more PPG over 36 minutes than Embiid is right now, and he is having an MVP season by all accounts as his mid-range game is his best skill right now.
Throughout his career, Kevin Durant’s mid-range proficiency establishes him as a versatile offensive force. While widely recognized for his three-point prowess, Durant’s 45.7% accuracy in mid-range shooting underscores his ability to score from various spots on the floor. His high release point and lanky frame contribute to a scoring repertoire that transcends the three-point line, keeping defenders on their toes even as he is 35 years old.
DeMar DeRozan brings a touch of classic elegance to the modern NBA with his mid-range artistry. While not leading in statistical volume, DeRozan’s 40.3% accuracy on 2.8 mid-range shots per game reflects a nuanced understanding of spacing and timing. His footwork, reminiscent of basketball legends from bygone eras, allows him to create separation and unleash a smooth jumper time and time again.
Post-Game – Giannis Antetokounmpo
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Post-Game Scoring Leaders
1. Giannis Antetokounmpo – 880 Points
2. Nikola Jokic – 710 Points
3. Anthony Davis – 702 Points
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s post-game dominance is not just a statistic; it’s a narrative of raw power and athleticism. Often named a modern version of Shaquille O’Neal, Giannis is leading the league with 880 post-game points, the “Greek Freak” imposes his will in the paint with an unmatched combination of strength and agility. Giannis’s post-game isn’t just about scoring; it’s a forceful assertion of physicality that wears down defenders and establishes him as a formidable presence in the low post even if he is not a natural center.
Nikola Jokic, not far behind in post-game scoring with 710 points, brings a finesse to the art of postplay. The Serbian center’s basketball IQ shines through in his post-game execution, orchestrating scoring opportunities with a blend of vision and skill. Even if it doesn’t look pretty and it isn’t gracious at all, Jokic scores nearly every time near the rim which is why he is shooting 59.0% from the field.
Anthony Davis rounds out the top three in post-game scoring with 702 points, showcasing a versatile skill set that extends beyond his shot-blocking prowess. Davis’s post-game is marked by a combination of finesse and athleticism, as he maneuvers through defenders with a blend of quick footwork and a soft shooting touch. Whether he is fed from LeBron James or not, Davis is dominant in the post and his 25.0 points per game average reflects that.
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Layup Leaders
1. Giannis Antetokounmpo – 391 Layups
2. Zion Williamson – 247 Layups
3. Anthony Davis – 245 Layups
Leading the league with an astonishing 391 layups, the Greek Freak utilizes his exceptional length and agility to weave through defenses with almost balletic grace. Even if he has been dominant in post-up situations, he is incredibly effective in making layups because he is 6’11” and 242 lbs of raw muscle. Is there any surprise why the Bucks feel the need to make drastic changes even if Giannis is leading them to wins? The expectations are real with this type of talent.
Zion Williamson brings his own brand of power and explosiveness to the art of finishing close to the basket. The young phenom’s ability to bulldoze through defenders and elevate with a quick burst of speed sets him apart in the layup department. We know what we are missing when Zion is out with injuries, and he is showing how dominant he can be by averaging 21.9 points per game this season.
Anthony Davis, occupying the third position with 245 layups is dominant with his back to the basket as he is finishing layups around the rim in the restricted area. The Lakers big man navigates the paint with a blend of finesse and power, utilizing his length and agility to convert layups in diverse situations. Nailing 55.8% of his shots, Davis is making a killing inside and his layup game is simply elite.
Free Throws – Joel Embiid
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Free Throw Leaders
1. Joel Embiid – 10.8 FTM – 12.2 FTA (88.7%)
2. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – 8.1 FTM – 9.1 FTA (89.0%)
3. Giannis Antetokounmpo – 7.5 FTM – 11.3 FTA (66.9%)
Joel Embiid’s free-throw prowess stands out as a testament to both accuracy and volume, leading the league with an impressive 88.7% success rate. The Philadelphia 76ers’ center not only converts a remarkable 10.8 free throws per game but does so at a rate that underscores his reliability in offensive situations. He is generating over 10 points per game from free throws and no player is better at getting calls than the superstar big man.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, in second place with an 89.0% free-throw accuracy, exemplifies efficiency and consistency at the line. The Oklahoma City Thunder guard’s 8.1 free throws made per game underscore his ability to draw fouls and capitalize on scoring opportunities. Gilgeous-Alexander is simply too fast, explosive, and strong for any defender to handle him when he attacks the rim.
Despite being very average in free-throw accuracy at 66.9%, the Milwaukee Bucks star is known for his dominance in the paint, which results in a commendable 7.5 free throws made per game. While his percentage may not match the league leaders, Antetokounmpo still generates a ton of points from the line, and that slows the game down in his favor and in favor of the Bucks franchise every game.
Shot Creation – Luka Doncic
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Shot-Creation Leaders
1. Luka Doncic – 56.0% Unassisted Field Goals
2. Trae Young – 43.5% Unassisted Field Goals
3. James Harden – 39.0% Unassisted Field Goals
Luka Doncic’s shot-creation prowess is nothing short of remarkable, leading the league with an impressive 56.0% of his field goals being unassisted. The young Dallas Mavericks’ phenom doesn’t just score; he crafts his own opportunities with a blend of handles, vision, and scoring finesse. Luka is a high-usage player, loves to dribble, and is somehow generating over 33 points per game while having 56% of his field goals unassisted. Simply remarkable.
All-Star point guard Trae Young, securing the second position with 43.5% unassisted field goals, showcases a commendable ability to generate scoring opportunities independently. Despite being rather over-criticized, the current Atlanta Hawks guard’s craftiness and ability to create his shot contribute significantly to his team’s offense. Young is averaging 26.9 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 10.8 assists per game for Atlanta this season and is generating his offense on his own terms.
James Harden, a perennial presence among shot-creation leaders, lands in the third spot with 39.0% of his field goals being unassisted. Even at his age and a slight decline in ability, The Beard continues to be a master at creating his shot in various situations. He is posting 8.5 assists per game this season for the ninth-ranked offense in the league, but he is scoring the ball mostly by himself as well.
Clutch Scoring – Stephen Curry
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1. Stephen Curry – 113 Points
2. Damian Lillard – 98 Points
3. Mikal Bridges – 93 Points
Stephen Curry’s clutch scoring ability is on full display, leading the league with an impressive 113 points in clutch situations. We saw a glimpse of that when Curry shut down the Boston Celtics earlier in the season, sending them to bed early. Curry’s clutch performances not only solidify his status as one of the greatest shooters in NBA history but also emphasize his unrivaled impact when the stakes are highest as a veteran star.
Even with a new team, Damian Lillard, securing the second spot with 98 clutch points, continues to be a clutch-time virtuoso, and is anyone surprised? Lillard’s “Logo Lillard” moments and fearless approach in late-game situations have become synonymous with his playing style but he is doing it consistently this season. He already has an iconic game-winner (and celebration) to his name this season, and very few players scare defenders more in the clutch than Dame.
Mikal Bridges, an emerging name in clutch scoring, occupies the third position with 93 points. The Brooklyn Nets’ forward has not only demonstrated his defensive prowess but also emerged as a key offensive contributor when the game is on the line. He is shooting 45.5% from the field, 36.3% from three, and 83.9% from the stripe so he is an efficient scorer across the board.
Fast-Break – Giannis Antetokounmpo
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Fast-Break Leaders
1. Giannis Antetokounmpo – 228 Points
2. LeBron James – 223 Points
3. Jaylen Brown – 190 Points
Guess who? Giannis leads the league with an impressive 228 points in transition. The “Greek Freak’s” combination of speed, agility, and sheer athleticism makes him a nightmare for opponents in the open court. Giannis’s ability to finish with authority and efficiency on the fast break not only adds a dynamic element to his scoring but also underscores his impact as a transition force.
LeBron James, a perennial presence among the league leaders every season, secures the second spot with 223 points in fast-break situations despite being 39 years old. The Los Angeles Lakers’ veteran continues to showcase his unparalleled ability to lead fast breaks with explosive finishes. We have already seen some iconic posters this season which leads one to conclude that LeBron James has to be the most gifted athlete we have ever seen in team sports.
Jaylen Brown’s presence in the fast-break leaders’ list, claiming the third position with 190 points, underscores his athleticism and scoring versatility. The Boston Celtics’ guard-forward has not only established himself as a two-way threat but also demonstrated a knack for converting in transition. For those who doubt whether Brown is worth a $300 million contract, at least he finishes on the break time and time again for the top-seeded Celtics.
Dunking – Giannis Antetokounmpo
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Dunking Leaders
1. Giannis Antetokounmpo – 144 Dunks
2. Rudy Gobert – 138 Dunks
3. Anthony Davis – 104 Dunks
Giannis Antetokounmpo continues to assert his aerial supremacy, leading the league with an astonishing 144 dunks. We have already seen The Greek Freak lead the league in multiple categories and his dunking proficiency not only adds flair to his scoring but also serves as a relentless reminder of his dominance in the paint. It is hard to argue against Giannis being the most dominant player in the world right now, without disrespect to Joel Embiid.
Rudy Gobert, securing the second position with 138 dunks, showcases the impact of a dominant rim protector who can also finish with authority on the offensive end. We usually think of Gobert when it comes to defense, as he might be the favorite for his fourth Defensive Player of the Year trophy, but he has been exceptional at getting the ball and finishing dunks with an impressive 63.3% field goal rate.
Anthony Davis, landing in the third spot with 104 dunks, brings a blend of finesse and power to the art of dunking. The Los Angeles Lakers’ versatile big man combines his athleticism with a soft shooting touch, allowing him to finish strong at the rim. Davis’s dunking ability not only complements his scoring repertoire but also provides the Lakers with a reliable inside scoring option, especially when the game calls for high-percentage shots around the basket. Give Davis credit, because despite the criticism he constantly faces, he has performed at a high level this year.
