When discussing the best point guards in the NBA, I can't ignore Stephen Curry. This guy's shooting skills are unparalleled. He averaged 32 points per game during the 2020-2021 season, leading the league in scoring. That’s no small feat. Curry's ability to pull up from anywhere beyond the arc changes the game entirely. He's known for his rapid firing, which he can do at speeds that make defenders' heads spin. Relatively, his three-point shooting percentage consistently sits around an impressive 43%. If you've ever watched the Warriors, you know exactly what I’m talking about. The crowd's excitement when Curry gets hot is contagious, a feeling you don't just get from statistics but from the way he impacts live games.
Looking at another elite point guard, Chris Paul, it's often his playmaking that's most revered. Paul's court vision and basketball IQ are simply off the charts. In his first season with the Phoenix Suns, he averaged 8.9 assists per game, steering the team to their first NBA Finals appearance in nearly three decades. Paul's impact extends beyond just numbers: he brings a level of stability and leadership to every team he joins. Having been in the league since 2005, his veteran presence is invaluable. This isn't just my opinion; you'll find many analysts agreeing that Paul's ability to read defenses is like reading a book he's memorized front to back.
How about Damian Lillard? Are we underestimating his clutch factor? Lillard, who has a knack for hitting game-winning shots, averaged 28.8 points per game in the 2020-2021 season. His ability to deliver in crunch time situations has earned him the nickname "Dame Time." Just look at his series-clinching three-pointer over Paul George in the 2019 playoffs. That was a 37-footer to end the series, displaying not just skill but an uncanny level of confidence and fearlessness. It’s stuff like this that legends are made of. Besides scoring, Lillard is also efficient in playmaking, averaging 7.5 assists per game during that season.
Kyrie Irving, despite the controversies, remains one of the most talented point guards. His ball-handling skills are described as mesmerizing; it’s like the basketball is an extension of his hand. Kyrie averaged 26.9 points per game in the 2020-2021 season, showcasing his scoring ability. The 2016 NBA Finals, particularly Game 7, is often referenced when discussing his legacy. That clutch three-pointer over Stephen Curry sent Cleveland into euphoria and solidified his place in history. When watching him, you can tell he’s a scorer who can create his shot out of nothing, a trait that's extremely valuable in today's NBA.
Considering the up-and-coming talent, how can we not talk about Trae Young? In just his third season, Young led the Atlanta Hawks to the Eastern Conference Finals, averaging 25.3 points and 9.4 assists per game in the 2020-2021 season. Those kinds of numbers are rare for players so early in their careers. The way he orchestrated the Hawks' offense was nothing short of spectacular. He makes high-pressure plays look effortless, drawing comparisons to Steve Nash and other greats. A lot of people were skeptical when the Hawks traded Luka Dončić for Young on draft night, but he's rapidly proving the doubters wrong.
Another name worth mentioning is Russell Westbrook. He’s a triple-double machine, accumulating an NBA-record 182 triple-doubles by the end of the 2020-2021 season. Isn’t that amazing? The sheer energy and athleticism Westbrook brings to the court are undeniable. Averaging 22.2 points, 11.7 assists, and 11.5 rebounds that season, he showcased his all-around game. There’s criticism about his efficiency and decision-making, but the stats don't lie about his impact. Westbrook's relentless style of play can energize a team and demoralize opponents simultaneously. Fans and analysts alike are often left in awe of his physicality and determination.
Let’s not forget Luka Dončić either. Some may argue he isn't a traditional point guard, but his playmaking skills put him in the conversation. Since entering the NBA, Dončić has been nothing short of spectacular. In the 2020-2021 season, he averaged 27.7 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 8.6 assists per game. Talk about well-rounded. At just 22 years old, he's already made multiple All-Star appearances and led the Mavericks to consecutive playoff berths. Luka's basketball IQ is beyond his years, and his capability to control the game tempo is often compared to that of LeBron James at a similar age.
Many of these players have had standout performances that have become memorable moments in NBA history. Their distinct styles and skills influence the way we think about point guard play today. Each of these players brings something unique to the court, whether it’s their shooting precision, basketball IQ, playmaking abilities, or sheer athleticism. So, next time you watch an NBA game, pay attention to the point guards. They're not just facilitating; they're leading, innovating, and redefining the game.