When I think about the top NBA scoring teams of all time, I can't help but dive into the rich history packed with high-octane offenses and legendary players. Take the 1986-87 Los Angeles Lakers, known as "Showtime" Lakers, led by Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. They averaged a whopping 117.8 points per game. That’s an offensive juggernaut right there, and it just shows how the game has evolved over the years regarding scoring.
Another team that always makes my mind buzz is the 1961-62 Philadelphia Warriors. Wilt Chamberlain, a one-man scoring machine, averaged an insane 50.4 points per game that season. You read that right, 50.4 points per game. The dude had some serious skills for putting the ball in the basket. To put Wilt’s scoring prowess into perspective, there’s been only one other player to even come close to his single-game scoring record of 100 points, and that’s Kobe Bryant with 81 points in 2006.
Fast forward a few decades—the 2016-17 Golden State Warriors changed the game again. Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Kevin Durant led this team to average 115.9 points per game. What makes it even more commendable is the era they accomplished this in; the pace and space style of play essentially demands high efficiency and precise three-point shooting. Golden State’s offensive rating that season was an extraordinary 115.6; it was as if they had cracked the code.
The 1981-82 Denver Nuggets deserve a mention. They hold the record for the highest average points per game in a season with 126.5. How crazy is that? Alex English was the headliner, and the fast-paced offense under coach Doug Moe was their trademark. They played at a frenetic speed, jacking up shots early in the shot clock. Speaking of speed, their pace factor, which measures the number of possessions per 48 minutes, was a lighting pace at 111.2. It’s no wonder they put up such gaudy numbers.
The Boston Celtics of 2007-08 might not be the highest scorers ever, but they were efficient and prolific in their run. Led by Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen, they had an offensive rating of 112.1 which was top 5 in the league that year. That "Big Three" combination made them a formidable scoring force; although they were more balanced than some pure offensive teams, their efficiency stood out.
The 2018-19 Houston Rockets have to pop up in this conversation. James Harden was an offensive dynamo, averaging 36.1 points per game in a season. The Rockets as a team averaged 113.9 points per game. Their reliance on analytics and the three-ball under coach Mike D'Antoni showed how modern offenses have adapted. Their approach, attempting 45.4 three-pointers per game, was revolutionary; nobody had embraced the three-point line like they did.
Are you wondering who maintains some semblance of the highest scores in playoff history? It's the 1984-85 Denver Nuggets. In a first-round playoff game, they dropped 158 points against the San Antonio Spurs. The playoffs are where defense usually tightens up, so to score that many points in a more intense, high-stakes environment underscores their offensive might.
The 1970-71 Milwaukee Bucks make the list with their dominant scoring led by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Oscar Robertson. They averaged 118.4 points per game and had an offensive rating of 107.0. This was particularly impressive considering the defensive schemes were a lot more physical then. Remember, it’s a league without the three-point line, which makes their scoring output even more remarkable.
Then we have the 2019-20 Dallas Mavericks. Luka Dončić and Kristaps Porziņģis led them to an offensive rating of 115.9 and averaged 117 points per game. This was an analytics-driven team focusing on high-percentage shots—either layups, dunks, or three-pointers. Mark Cuban’s organization showed how carefully crafted modern offenses could produce prolific results and break records.
The 1995-96 Chicago Bulls, renowned for their championship-ready defense, also possessed a potent offense. Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and a roster full of shooters made this team deadly; they averaged 105.2 points per game but had an offensive rating of 115.2, proving their efficiency on the floor. This mixture of defense and efficient scoring ensured they steamrolled to a 72-10 record.
Remember the 1966-67 Philadelphia 76ers? Wilt Chamberlain again played a vital role, but they had an incredibly balanced team featuring Hal Greer and Billy Cunningham. They averaged 125.2 points per game and had an offensive rating of 106.5. Their balanced offense turned them into arguably one of the most dominant teams in NBA history.
And, of course, how can I forget the 2004-05 Phoenix Suns? They practically redefined modern fast-paced basketball. Steve Nash running the floor, Amare Stoudemire finishing strong, and shooters like Joe Johnson created a recipe for scoring success. They averaged 110.4 points per game and had a scorching pace factor of 98.6. Under Coach Mike D'Antoni, they pushed the tempo with a philosophy of taking shots early in the shot clock, making them one of the highest-scoring teams during their peak.
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So, there you have it; these teams hold a special place in NBA history for their extraordinary ability to score in bunches. From Wilt Chamberlain's artistry to the modern finesse of Curry and Durant, every era has its offensive virtuosos. Each of these teams has not only left their mark on scoreboards but also shaped how the game is played and perceived. If you love basketball history and crave understanding trends, these scoring titans provide fascinating study material.