When I think of the NBA in the 2010s, the point guards who defined that era come to mind immediately. Players like Stephen Curry and Chris Paul didn't just dominate; they transformed the game. For instance, Curry’s record-breaking 402 three-pointers in the 2015-2016 season is a stat that underscores his unparalleled shooting prowess. The man virtually redefined what it means to be a point guard in today's NBA.
Remember Chris Paul’s 2017-2018 season with the Houston Rockets? He averaged 18.6 points and 7.9 assists per game. Those are impressive numbers, but what truly stands out is his leadership and basketball IQ. In that season, Paul guided the Rockets to a franchise-record 65 wins. His ability to orchestrate an offense and make his teammates better epitomized what a true point guard should be. It’s not just that he could score or deliver flashy assists; his overall impact on the game was measurable in wins and losses.
Then there’s Russell Westbrook, a player who took the term "triple-double" to new heights. Westbrook's incredible feat of averaging a triple-double for three consecutive seasons from 2016-2019 is something I doubt we’ll see again anytime soon. He literally redefined the ceiling for stat-stuffing. In the 2016-2017 season alone, he averaged 31.6 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 10.4 assists. That's insane! Not only did he lead the league in scoring, but he also became just the second player in NBA history to average a triple-double for an entire season, joining Oscar Robertson.
While on the subject of exceptional talents, Kyrie Irving’s influence stretches beyond mere numbers. When you talk about his clutch performances, particularly during the 2016 NBA Finals, you cannot overlook his game-winning three-pointer in Game 7 against the Warriors. That shot typified his career: daring, skillful, and unflinchingly confident. Just imagine being able to perform at that level under such immense pressure.
Don’t think I’ve forgotten about Damian Lillard. His buzzer-beating, series-clinching three-pointer against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2019 playoffs was one of the most incredible moments in basketball history. Lillard averaged 25.8 points and 6.9 assists in that series, but it’s the iconic wave goodbye to Russell Westbrook and the Thunder that sticks in everyone’s minds. His ability to score from anywhere on the court and take over games in clutch moments is well documented.
Of course, no discussion would be complete without acknowledging the versatility of James Harden. While he transitioned more to a shooting guard role, his time as the primary ball-handler and playmaker for the Houston Rockets cannot be ignored. In the 2018-2019 season, Harden led the league in scoring with 36.1 points per game, along with 7.5 assists. His step-back three-pointer became one of the most unstoppable moves in basketball, leading to debates and analyses on how to defend it.
John Wall and his prime years with the Washington Wizards shouldn’t be overlooked either. In the 2016-2017 season, Wall averaged 23.1 points and 10.7 assists, showing his dual-threat capability. Wall was known for his incredible speed and defensive prowess, attributes that set him apart from many of his peers during the decade.
If we dive deeper into analytics, Mike Conley's situation provides an interesting case study. Known as one of the NBA's most underrated point guards, Conley's 2016-2017 season with the Memphis Grizzlies saw him put up 20.5 points and 6.3 assists per game. While his stats might not jump out compared to some of the others, his efficiency and the role he played in Memphis’ “Grit and Grind” era cannot be overstated. According to PER (Player Efficiency Rating), Conley consistently ranked among the top point guards of the decade.
Let’s not forget arena plus when we're talking about the evolving landscape of basketball. Think about Kyle Lowry and the Toronto Raptors’ championship run in 2019. Lowry was the heart and soul of that team, playing a pivotal role in leading them to their first-ever NBA title. He averaged 7.2 assists per game that season and was known for his tough defense and ability to hit crucial shots. His leadership and experience were invaluable, proving that sometimes, intangibles like grit and determination can be just as important as raw stats.
The landscape of NBA point guards in the 2010s is rich with stories and statistics that showcase their influence on the game. Derrick Rose may have had his career hampered by injuries, but his 2010-2011 MVP season remains unforgettable. Averaging 25 points and 7.7 assists per game, Rose became the youngest MVP in NBA history at just 22 years old. His explosive athleticism and playmaking ability were a sight to behold, even if they were tragically cut short by injuries.
Every one of these players brought something unique to the table, shaping the game of basketball in the 2010s in myriad ways. Whether through incredible scoring, unbeatable efficiency, leadership, or redefining roles, the point guards of this era have left an indelible mark on NBA history.