Ranking The Highest-Scoring Season By Every NBA Team

As it stands right now in 2023-24, the Indiana Pacers are on pace to shatter the NBA’s record for points per game by a team in a single season. They currently average 128.4 points per game as a unit which is 1.9 points per game more than the 1981-82 Denver Nuggets who averaged 126.5 points per game. 

This led to us wondering how the rankings would look if we stacked each NBA team’s highest-scoring season in franchise history up against one another. The following 30 seasons represent every NBA team’s highest-scoring season ever. We will break down the scoring sensations who led each team to this historic feat, the results of that season, and how far these historic offenses led their team.

These are the highest-scoring seasons by every NBA team.

30. Orlando Magic - 111.4 PPG (2022-23)

Magic’s Leading Scorers:

1. Paolo Banchero - 20.0 PPG

2. Franz Wagner - 18.6 PPG

3. Wendell Carter Jr. - 15.2 PPG

We kick things off on our list of NBA teams’ highest-scoring seasons with the 2022-23 Orlando Magic. In 2022-23, the Magic averaged 11.4 points per game which surpassed their previous highest-scoring season in 1994-95 by 0.5 points per game. The one major difference between the 1994-95 team and the 2022-23 team is that they went to the NBA Finals in 1995. In 2022-23, the Magic finished 34-48 and missed the playoffs.

Of course, the Magic were led by the NBA’s Rookie of the Year Paolo Banchero with 20.0 points per game. Second-year star forward Franz Wagner and Wendell Carter Jr. would be the only two other players on the roster to average 15.0 points per game or more.

Currently, the Orlando Magic are once again on pace to shatter this record in 2023-24. They are currently averaging 114.5 points per game through 22 games, have a 15-7 overall record, and are third in the Eastern Conference. Once again, the duo of Banchero and Wagner lead the way with 20.7 points per game each.

29. Miami Heat - 112.0 PPG (2019-20)

Heat’s Leading Scorers:

1. Jimmy Butler - 19.9 PPG

2. Goran Dragic - 16.2 PPG

3. Bam Adebayo - 15.9 PPG

The story of the 2019-20 Miami Heat is an interesting one. The team averaged a franchise-record 112.0 points per game. Although it was their highest-scoring season ever, they ranked just 15th in the NBA that season, showing truly how much the game had evolved since they made their debut in the league in 1988-89.

The Heat were led by Jimmy Butler in his first season in South Beach with 19.9 points per game on 45.5% shooting. Behind him was Goran Dragic who averaged 16.2 points per game on 44.1% shooting and Bam Adebayo with 15.9 points per game on 55.7% shooting. Kendrick Nunn would be the only other Miami player to average over 15.0 points per game that season, doing so on 43.9% shooting.

The Heat would go on an epic run in the playoffs in 2020, marching themselves all the way to the NBA Finals after finishing 44-29 after the season was shut down due to COVID-19. Miami would lose in six games to the Los Angeles Lakers but put on a performance for the ages that still gets talked about today.

28. Cleveland Cavaliers - 114.1 PPG (1979-80)

Cavaliers’ Leading Scorers:

1. Mike Mitchell - 22.2 PPG

2. Campy Russell - 18.2 PPG

3. Randy Smith - 17.6 PPG

To find the highest-scoring season in Cleveland Cavaliers history, we have to go back to the 1979-80 season when they scored 114.1 points per game. The scoring output made them the third-highest-scoring team in the NBA that season but unfortunately, they also ranked 19th out of 22 teams on defense, giving up 113.8 points per game.

The Cavaliers would finish with a record of 37-45 in 1979-80, missing the playoffs entirely. They were led by second-year forward Mike Mitchell who averaged 22.2 points per game on 52.3% shooting. Campy Russell, who played just 41 games, averaged 18.2 points per game on 45.1% shooting while Randy Smith started 81 of 82 games and averaged 17.6 points per game on 45.2% shooting. Dave Robisch also contributed 15.2 points per game in 82 games played on 52.0% shooting.

27. Toronto Raptors - 114.4 PPG (2018-19)

Raptors’ Leading Scorers:

1. Kawhi Leonard - 26.6 PPG

2. Pascal Siakam - 16.9 PPG

3. Serge Ibaka - 15.0 PPG

The 2018-19 season for Canada’s only NBA basketball franchise was a special one. The Raptors had struggled for most of the 2010s, putting together phenomenal regular season runs only to fall in the playoffs well short of their championship goals. They would make a drastic move in the summer of 2018, acquiring superstar Kawhi Leonard from the San Antonio Spurs while shipping fan-favorite DeMar DeRozan to San Antonio. It would be the best decision in franchise history.

Leonard would go on to have an All-Star season averaging 26.6 points per game on 49.6% shooting. He was backed up by third-year forward Pascal Siakam with 16.9 points per game and defensive stalwart Serge Ibaka with 15.0 points per game. The Raptors finished with a 58-24 record which was good enough for the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference.

The Raptors would go on a magical run that postseason, knocking off the Magic, 76ers, and Bucks to advance to their first NBA Finals in team history. Facing the tall task of the two-time defending champion Golden State Warriors, the Raptors took care of business in six games and shocked the world with their first NBA championship. Kawhi Leonard would earn Finals MVP honors in the victory with 28.5 points per game.

26. Chicago Bulls - 114.9 PPG (1969-70)

Bulls’ Leading Scorers:

1. Chet Walker - 21.5 PPG

2. Bob Love - 21.0 PPG

3. Clem Haskins - 20.3 PPG

When the Chicago Bulls and scoring come into the same conversation, any logical basketball fan’s mind is immediately going to go to Michael Jordan and the 90s teams that won six NBA championships. Although the GOAT was a legendary scorer, the Bulls’ highest-scoring season would come in just their fourth year of existence under the Bulls name in 1969-70.

Led by three 20.0 points per game scorers, the 1969-70 Bulls averaged 114,9 points per game in 1969-70, ranking 10th out of 14 teams in the NBA at the time. They also gave up 116.4 points per game on defense which surprisingly ranked sixth. Even though they were a scoring machine, the 1969-70 Bulls won just 39-43 on the season which was still good enough for third in the Western Division.

The Bulls would advance to the NBA playoffs only to fall to the Atlanta Hawks in the Semifinals in five games. The Bulls had no answer for Atlanta’s trio of Joe Caldwell, Lou Hudson, and Walt Hazzard who combined for 77.2 points per game alone.

25. Charlotte Hornets - 115.3 PPG (2021-22)

Hornets’ Leading Scorers:

1. Miles Bridges - 20.2 PPG

2. LaMelo Ball - 20.1 PPG

3. Terry Rozier - 19.3 PPG

It has been a long time since the Charlotte Hornets were a formidable team in the NBA’s Eastern Conference. Founded in 1988-89, the Hornets have made just 10 playoff appearances with zero NBA championships or Finals appearances to their name. In 2021-22, the team would be the most offensively dominant they had ever been with 115.3 points per game, leading to an overall record of 43-39.

Their 115.3 points per game that season ranked fourth in the NBA overall led by their young duo of 20.0 points per game scorers, Miles Bridges and LaMelo Ball. Unfortunately for the Hornets, their 115.3 points per game was overshadowed by their 25th-ranked defense which gave up 114.9 points per game. Even though they finished over .5000 with a top-five scoring offense, the Hornets would miss the NBA playoffs and have not been to the postseason since.

24. New Orleans Pelicans - 115.8 PPG (2019-20)

Pelicans’ Leading Scorers:

1. Brandon Ingram - 23.8 PPG

2. Zion Williamson - 22.5 PPG

3. Jrue Holiday - 19.1 PPG

The 2019-20 Pelicans set a franchise record just five seasons ago with 115.8 points per game. Their offensive output ranked fifth in the NBA led by new arrival Brandon Ingram who they acquired from the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis. Ingram led New Orleans with 23.8 points per game on 46.3% shooting. Rookie Zion Williamson was well on his way to an outstanding inaugural season as well but was injured after just 24 games averaging 22.5 points per game on 58.3% shooting.

With the struggles of getting a brand new roster to play together, coupled with injuries, the Pelicans limped to a 30-42 record up until the season was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic. One large contributing factor to their poor record was also their poor defense which gave up the third-most points per game at 117.1.

23. Minnesota Timberwolves - 115.9 PPG (2021-22)

Timberwolves' Leading Scorers:

1. Karl-Anthony Towns - 24.6 PPG

2. Anthony Edwards - 21.3 PPG

3. D’Angelo Russell - 18.1 PPG

The 2021-22 Minnesota Timberwolves are yet another franchise on this list to have their highest-scoring season since 2020. This Timberwolves team was loaded with talent both young and old who led the Timberwolves to one of their most exciting seasons in recent memory.

The scoring was led by their No. 1 overall pick in 2015, Karl-Anthony Towns. In 74 games played, Towns led Minnesota in scoring with 24.6 points per game shooting 41.0% from three and 52.9% overall. Second-year shooting guard Anthony Edwards also shined for Minnesota that season with 21.3 points per game on 44.1% shooting.

Minnesota’s high-scoring offense averaged a league-leading 115.9 points per game which led to a 46-36 record in a tough Western Conference. Minnesota advanced to the playoffs following an exciting win over the Clippers in the Play-In Tournament. This led to a matchup with the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round of the playoffs. Memphis would eliminate Minnesota in six games despite 25.2 points per game from Edwards and 21.8 points per game from Towns.

T22. Indiana Pacers - 116.3 PPG (2022-23)

Pacers’ Leading Scorers:

1. Tyrese Haliburton - 20.7 PPG

2. Myles Turner - 18.0 PPG

3. Buddy Hield - 16.8 PPG

While the Indiana Pacers are on a historic pace in 2023-24, their highest-scoring season as a team came just last season in 2022-23. The Pacers set the franchise bar last season with 116.3 points per game which ranked 10th in the NBA. The bigger issue was their defense, which ranked second to last giving up 119.5 points per game and is still an issue that hurts them in 2023-24.

Before he was on an MVP pace in 2023-24, Haliburton put the world on notice first in 2022-23. He led the NBA for most of the season in assists while averaging 20.7 points per game on 49/40/87 shooting splits. However, he missed 26 games due to injury, and continuity with the team failed in his absence. Myles Turner also missed extended time with 20 missed games, something you never want to see from your second-leading scorer at 18.0 points per game.

Due to their myriad of health issues and defensive deficiencies, the Pacers finished with a 35-47 record. They finished 11th in the Eastern Conference and missed the playoffs in their entirety.

T20. Los Angeles Clippers - 116.3 PPG (2019-20)

Clippers’ Leading Scorers:

1. Kawhi Leonard - 27.1 PPG

2. Paul George - 21.5 PPG

3. Montrezl Harrell - 18.6 PPG

The 2019-20 season was the dawn of a new era for the Los Angeles Clippers. They welcomed new additions Kawhi Leonard and Paul George with open arms as the two looked poised to mold the Clippers into serious championship contenders as one of the best one-two punches in the entire league.

The duo led the Clippers to their highest-scoring season ever with 116.3 points per game. Leonard led the way with 27.1 points per game in 57 games played while George averaged 21.5 points per game in 48 games played. 2020 Sixth Man of the Year Montrezl Harrell was the third-leading scorer on the team with 18.6 points per game on 58.0% shooting.

With high expectations and the NBA’s fourth-highest-scoring offense, the Clippers headed into the 2020 playoffs with championship expectations. After defeating the Mavericks in the first round and building a 3-1 lead over the Denver Nuggets in the second round, the Clippers looked ready for their first Conference Finals in team history. Unfortunately, the 3-1 would disappear and the Clippers would have to wait two seasons for their first Conference Finals appearance. They are still waiting on that championship as well.

20. Memphis Grizzlies - 116.9 PPG (2022-23)

Grizzlies’ Leading Scorers:

1. Ja Morant - 26.2 PPG

2. Desmond Bane - 21.5 PPG

3. Jaren Jackson Jr. - 18.6 PPG

The 2022-23 Memphis Grizzlies were one of the most exciting teams to watch last season. Led by rising superstar Ja Morant, the Grizzlies were looking to build on their franchise-record 56 wins in 2021-22. Unfortunately, trouble off the court with Morant and unnecessary negative attention brought on by Dillon Brooks put a damper on the hope of advancing further than the previous year.

Despite his issues with the team and league, Morant led Memphis to 51 wins with 26.2 points per game on 46.6% shooting. Sharpshooting guard Desmond Bane also contributed greatly with 21.5 points per game on 40.8% shooting from three-point range. The Grizzlies were also armed with the Defensive Player of the Year, Jaren Jackson Jr, who averaged 18.7 points per game on 50.6% shooting.

The Grizzlies were winning games but they were also a team that had a ton of issues which came to a head in their first-round playoff matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers. After Brooks poked the bear by publicly calling out Lakers forward LeBron James, the Lakers swiftly defeated the Grizzlies in six games to stop their playoff journey in its tracks.

19. Dallas Mavericks - 117.0 PPG (2019-20)

Mavericks’ Leading Scorers:

1. Luka Doncic - 28.8 PPG

2. Kristaps Porzingis - 20.4 PPG

3. Tim Hardaway Jr. - 15.8 PPG

Despite the pause in action due to COVID-19, the 2019-20 season gave us some of the highest-scoring season in numerous franchises histories. The Dallas Mavericks are one of many teams we have already/will cover throughout this list to fit that description.

The 2019-20 Mavericks averaged 117.0 points per game which was the third-most by any team in the NBA that season. Luka Doncic led the way with 28.8 points per game in just his second season in the league. Big man Kristaps Porzingis averaged 20.4 points per game in his first full season with the team as well shooting 42.7% from the field.

Armed with one of the NBA’s most potent offenses, the Mavericks headed into the playoffs for a first-round matchup with the Los Angeles Clippers. Even though they got 31.0 points per game from Luka Doncic, the Mavericks would fall in six games thanks to 32.8 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 2.3 steals per game from Kawhi Leonard.

18. Utah Jazz - 117.1 PPG (2022-23)

Jazz Leading Scorers:

1. Lauri Markkanen - 25.6 PPG

2. Jordan Clarkson - 20.8 PPG

3. Collin Sexton - 14.3 PPG

Heading into 2022-23, the Utah Jazz knew there were going to be some uphill battles. They had just plunged into a rebuild by trading away their two franchise stars Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert. Instead of bending over and folding for the season, the new-look Jazz had different plans, competing until the very last weeks of the season for a playoff spot.

Utah would be led by breakout All-Star and Most Improved Player Lauri Markkanen who averaged 25.6 points per game on 49/39/87 shooting splits. Former Sixth Man of the Year Jordan Clarkson would be thrust into a starting role where he thrived, averaging a career-high 20.8 points per game as well.

As great as their season started, things began to unravel toward the end. The Jazz finished with a 37-45 record despite having the seventh-highest scoring season in the NBA and 10th ranked total offense.

17. New York Knicks - 117.3 PPG (1959-60)

Knicks’ Leading Scorers:

1. Richie Guerin - 21.8 PPG

2. Willie Naulls - 21.4 PPG

3. Kenny Sears - 18.5 PPG

It is no surprise that we have to go back 65 seasons to find the highest-scoring season in New York Knicks history. After their success in the 1970s, the Knicks have struggled, horrifically at times, to remain a powerhouse in any sense in the NBA.

During the 1959-60 season, the Knicks would average a franchise-record 117.3 points per game which at the time ranked fourth out of eight teams in the NBA. Richie Guerin, one of the most underrated players of the 1960s, and Willie Naulls, both averaged over 21.0 points per game for the team on 42.0% shooting or better. Kenny Sears would also add 18.5 points per game on 47.7% shooting.

Although they ranked fourth in the NBA in scoring, the Knicks were abysmal defensively. They gave up 119.6 points per game on the other side of the ball which ranked dead last in the league at the time. They also had a league-low 94.9 defensive rating leading to a 27-48 record and no playoffs for New York.

16. Portland Trail Blazers - 117.9 PPG (1986-87)

Trail Blazers’ Leading Scorers:

1. Kiki Vandeweghe - 26.9 PPG

2. Clyde Drexler - 21.7 PPG

3. Steve Johnson - 16.8 PPG

The Portland Trail Blazers have had some great offenses over the last 40 years. Damian Lillard, LaMarcus Aldridge, and Brandon Roy were all offensive superstars that led them to some amazing seasons in their time. However, no offense was more potent than their 1986-87 team that averaged a franchise-high 117.3 points per game.

Kiki Vandeweghe was the No.1 option for the Trail Blazers that season, averaging 26.9 points per game on 52.3% shooting from the field. Fourth-year star shooting guard Clyde Drexler would contribute 21.7 points per game as well, shooting 50.2% from the field. Their offense led the NBA in points per game that season and was ranked fifth out of 23 teams overall. Unfortunately, their 21st-ranked defense was a real issue which showed itself in the playoffs.

The Trail Blazers had a decent season, finishing 49-33, and headed to the NBA playoffs against the Houston Rockets. Despite an even series after two games, the Rockets would win the next two to eliminate the Trail Blazers led by Hakeem Olajuwon’s 27.3 points, 9.3 rebounds, 2.5 steals, and 5.0 blocks per game.

T15. Detroit Pistons - 118.6 PPG (1960-61)

Pistons’ Leading Scorers:

1. Bailey Howell - 23.6 PPG

2. Gene Shue - 22.6 PPG

3. Don Ohl - 13.3 PPG

For most of my life and well before it began, the Detroit Pistons have been known for their rough and rugged approach to the game with a particular pride taken in their defensive game. That is most likely why to find their highest-scoring season ever, we have to travel back to 1960-61 when they averaged 118.6 points, the fifth-most of eight teams in the NBA.

The duo of Bailey Howell and Gene Shue led the way for Detroit. Howell was an All-Star in just his second season in the league, averaging 23.6 points per game on 46.9% shooting from the field. Shue would average 22.6 points per game on 42.1% shooting, earning his fourth straight All-Star selection.

The Pistons would finish the 1960-61 season with a 34-45 record which qualified them for the playoffs. In the first round, they drew the Los Angeles Lakers who they pushed to a decisive Game 5 in a shocking turn of events. With 39.4 points per game from Elgin Baylor, including 35 in Game 5, the Lakers made their way past Detroit to advance in the NBA playoffs.

T15. Brooklyn Nets - 118.6 PPG (2020-21)

Nets’ Leading Scorers:

T1. Kyrie Irving - 26.9 PPG

T1. Kevin Durant - 26.9 PPG

3. James Harden - 24.6 PPG

The 2020-21 season was an exciting time to be a Brooklyn Nets fan. Kevin Durant was set to make his Nets debut after missing all of the 2019-20 season recovering from a torn Achilles tendon. The team also went out and acquired James Harden from the Houston Rockets, forming the NBA’s newest Big 3 with championship aspirations.

Despite injuries and other reasons keeping the three stars from sharing the court too often, they averaged 118.6 points per game which was the second-most in the NBA in 2020-21. Both Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant averaged 26.9 points per game with Irving shooting 50/40/90 from the field and Durant right behind him with 53/45/88 shooting splits. Harden added 24.9 points per game on 47.1% shooting to lead them to a 48-24 record.

After making easy work of the Celtics in five games in the first round, the Nets then made their way to Milwaukee to take on the Bucks. Injuries to Harden and Irving overshadowed the series but Kevin Durant was phenomenal in the series with 35.4 points per game to force the series to seven games. Game 7 would go to overtime after Durant’s toe barely grazed the three-point line on a potential game-winner at the end of regulation. In the end, Milwaukee prevailed and the Brooklyn trio would go down as one of the worst failed superteams in NBA history.

T13. Oklahoma City Thunder - 118.7 PPG (1967-68)

Thunder Leading Scorers:

1. Walt Hazzard - 24.0 PPG

2. Bob Rule - 18.1 PPG

3. Rod Thorn - 15.2 PPG

Technically, the Oklahoma City Thunder have only been in the NBA since 2008-09 but since they share all franchise records with the Seattle SuperSonics, their existence dates back to 1967-68. We have to go precisely that far back to find the franchise’s highest-scoring season when they averaged 118.7 points per game.

In a league with 12 teams, Seattle’s 118.7 points per game ranked third in the NBA. Unfortunately, they also gave up the most points in the league at the time, surrendering 125.1 points per game nightly to opponents. Walt Hazzard was the leading scorer for the 23-59 SuperSonics with 24.0 points per game on 44.1% shooting. Bob Rule and Rod Thorn would be Hazzard’s only teammates to average at least 15.0 points per game as well.

In their first season as an NBA team, it was clear Seattle was offensively competent but lacked the defensive discipline it took to compete. They would miss the playoffs entirely and no team in their franchise’s history has been able to replicate or surpass their offensive output.

T13. Houston Rockets - 118.7 PPG (1969-70)

Rockets’ Leading Scorers:

1. Elvin Hayes - 27.5 PPG

2. Don Kojis - 15.3 PPG

3. Jim Barnett - 14.9 PPG

Back in 1969-70, the Houston Rockets still resided in San Diego and were a franchise in just their third year of play in the NBA. They had yet to record a winning season and were relying on second-year forward Elvin Hayes to do all of their heavy lifting after winning the scoring title in his rookie season the year prior. Hayes would average 27.5 points per game and lead the NBA in rebounds with 16.9 rebounds per game in 1969-70 but it would not be enough.

Only one of Hayes’ teammates, Don Kojis would average over 5.0 points per game as the Rockets stumbled to a 27-55 record Although their 118.7 points per game ranked fifth out of 14 teams, the 121.8 points per game ranked dead last. Their poor defensive effort and low win total would result in missing the NBA playoffs, a feat they would not accomplish again for another six seasons.

11. Atlanta Hawks - 118.9 PPG (1961-62)

Hawks' Leading Scorers:

1. Bob Pettit - 31.1 PPG

2. Cliff Hagan - 22.9 PPG

3. Clyde Lovellette - 20.9 PPG

The Atlanta Hawks of the 1950s and 1960s were some of the greatest teams in their franchise’75 seasons of existence. After winning the 1958 NBA title, the Hawks have failed to repeat that success in any sort of way, remaining without another title to this day.

The 1961-62 Hawks were loaded with talent. All three of Bob Pettit, Cliff Hagan, and Clyde Lovellette averaged over 20.0 points per game for the season and scored the fifth-most points per game in the league. The high-powered offense did not amount to wins however as the team won just 29 games and failed to make the playoffs for the first time since 1954-55.

As it stands, the 2023-24 Hawks are on pace to break this franchise record, averaging 122.2 points per game through 21 games played. Much like the team that holds the record, this Hawks team ranks 27th out of 30 teams in overall defense and sits at three games under .500 for the season.

10. Phoenix Suns - 119.2 PPG (1969-70)

Suns’ Leading Scorers:

1. Connie Hawkins - 24.6 PPG

2. Dick Van Arsdale - 21.3 PPG

3. Gail Goodrich - 20.0 PPG

The 10th-highest-scoring season in NBA history belongs to the 1969-70 Phoenix Suns. This season was just the second in the history of the Phoenix Suns franchise as they made their debut the previous season going 16-66 averaging 111.7 points per game. The 1969-70 offensive explosion was led by Connie Hawkins’ 24.6 points per game and Dick Van Arsdale’s 21.3 points per game.

The record-setting season would find the Suns finishing the year with a 39-43 record, leading to the first playoff appearance in team history. In their first matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers, Phoenix’s high-powered offense would push the eventual Western Division champion Los Angeles Lakers to seven games. Despite a close series, 30 points and 27 rebounds from Wilt Chamberlain in Game 7 led to a 35-point loss for the Suns and a path to the NBA Finals for the Lakers.

9. Milwaukee Bucks - 120.1 PPG (2020-21)

Bucks’ Leading Scorers:

1. Giannis Antetokounmpo - 28.1 PPG

2. Khris Middleton - 20.4 PPG

3. Jrue Holiday - 17.7 PPG

Of all of the high-scoring teams we have covered today, the 2020-21 Milwaukee Bucks are just the second to have their highest-scoring season also be a season in which they won the NBA championship. The 2020-21 Bucks were led by their newly-formed Big 3 with the addition of Jrue Holiday to the already scorching duo of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton.

The 2020-21 Bucks would average an incredible 120.1 points per game led by MVP candidate Antetokounmpo with 28.1 points per game on 56.9% shooting. Middle was another 20.0 points per game scorer with 20.4 points per game on 41.4% shooting from three and 47.6% shooting overall.

The Bucks would head into the playoffs with the highest-scoring team in the league. They swept Miami in the first round, defeated the Nets in seven games in round two, and defeated the Hawks in six games to advance to the NBA Finals. After falling down 2-0 to the Suns in the Finals, Antetokounmpo put on a masterful performance to lead Milwaukee to four straight wins and their first NBA championship since 1971.

8. San Antonio Spurs - 120.3 PPG (1983-84)

Spurs’ Leading Scorers:

1. George Gervin - 25.9 PPG

2. Mike Mitchell - 23.3 PPG

3. Artis Gilmore - 15.3 PPG

Before the famous Spurs dynasty of the 1990s and 2000s began their reign, San Antonio struggled as a franchise. Heading into 1983-84, they had yet to advance to an NBA Finals as a team and were coming off back-to-back losses in the Western Conference Finals.

In 1983-84, the Spurs would respond with an offense that averaged the second-most points per game in the NBA with 120.3 points per game. Led by George Gervin’s 25.9 points per game and Mike Mitchell’s 23.3 points per game, the Spurs were only able to muster 37 wins which would not be good enough to advance to the NBA playoffs. It marked just the second time in 17 seasons that they would not be playing playoff basketball.

7. Washington Wizards - 120.7 PPG (1969-70)

Wizards’ Leading Scorers:

1. Earl Monroe - 23.4 PPG

2. Kevin Loughery - 21.9 PPG

3. Jack Marin - 19.7 PPG

The 1969-70 Baltimore Bullets represent the highest-scoring team in the history of the Washington Wizards franchise. The team from 1969-70 had all the makings of a championship squad. They averaged the second-most points per game in the NBA with 120.7 and were also the third-ranked overall defense in the NBA.

Led by Earl Monroe’s 23.4 points per game, Kevin Loughery’s 21.9 points per game, and Jack Marin’s 19.7 points per game, the Bullets would go 50-32 on the season and head toward the NBA playoffs with a head of steam. In the first round, the Bullets drew the tall task of taking on the New York Knicks, a series that would go the distance.

The seven-game battle between these two teams would see Baltimore get 28.0 points per game from Earl Monroe and 18.4 points per game from Gus Johnson. New York’s offense was just a bit better in Game 7 with Dick Barnett and Dave DeBusschere combining for 56 points and leading New York to a win, 127-114. The Knicks would go on to win the 1970 NBA championship while the Bullets would finally capture one in 1978.

6. Los Angeles Lakers - 121.2 PPG (1967-68)

Lakers’ Leading Scorers:

1. Jerry West - 26.3 PPG

2. Elgin Baylor - 26.0 PPG

3. Archie Clark - 19.9 PPG

The Los Angeles Lakers of the 1960s are widely considered to be some of the greatest teams to never win an NBA championship. Throughout the 1960s, the Lakers were great enough to consistently advance to the NBA finals on almost an annual basis. However, they were always met and stopped short of their championship goals by Bill Russell and the Boston Celtics who won nine of 10 championships during the decade.

The 1967-68 season would be no different. The duo of Jerry West and Elgin Baylor led the Lakers to 52 wins on the season both averaging 26.0 points per game or more while shooting over 44.0% from the field. All-Star Archie Clark would also contribute with 19.9 points per game on 48.0% shooting. The Lakers would have the second-highest scoring and highest-ranked overall offense that season.

In the NBA playoffs, the Lakers would eliminate the Chicago Bulls and San Francisco Warriors before advancing to face the Celtics in the NBA Finals. Despite 31.3 points per game from West and 26.2 points per game from Baylor, the Celtics would defeat the Lakers in six games behind 27.3 points per game from John Havlicek and 21.8 rebounds per game from Bill Russell.

5. Sacramento Kings - 123.1 PPG (1961-62)

Kings’ Leading Scorers:

1. Oscar Robertson - 30.5 PPG

2. Jack Twyman - 25.3 PPG

3. Wayne Embry - 14.4 PPG

The Cincinnati Royals of the 1960s were lucky enough to be home to one of the best duos in the NBA. Oscar Robertson and Jack Twyman were two of the most complete players at their position and a formidable duo for any opponent to challenge on any given. Outside that duo, the Royals struggled to produce, leading to some of the most disappointing seasons in franchise history.

The 1961-62 season would be one of those years where the Royals got elite production from both Robertson and Twyman but their support system was nearly non-existent. Robertson averaged 30.5 points per game in 1961-62 and Twyman averaged 25.3 but the Royals would win just 33 games and miss their shot at the NBA playoffs.

While their offense was potent, the 1961-62 Royals sported the worst defense in the NBA that gave up the most points per game (121.3 PPG) and were the lowest rated defensively as well (98.4).

4. Boston Celtics - 124.5 PPG (1959-60)

Celtics’ Leading Scorers:

1. Tom Heinsohn - 21.7 PPG

2. Bob Cousy - 19.4 PPG

3. Bill Sharman - 19.3 PPG

The 1959-60 Boston Celtics are just the third team on our list who both had the highest-scoring season in franchise history and went on to win the NBA championship. This Celtics team was armed with just one 20.0 points per game scorer in Tom Heinsohn but led the NBA in scoring with 124.5 points per game behind seven different players averaging double-digit scoring on the year.

Heinsohn averaged 21.7 points per game on 42.3% shooting that season. Bob Cousy and Bill Sharman both averaged over 19.0 points per game as well. Bill Russell, Frank Ramsey, Sam Jones, and Maurice King would also do their parts, each with 10.0 points per game or better on the year to help the Celtics win 59 games to just 16 losses.

The playoffs would be hard-fought with Boston having to win just two series to be named NBA champions. In the Finals, the Celtics took down the Hawks in seven games behind 22.4 points per game from Tom Heinsohn and 19.3 points per game from Bill Sharman.

3. Philadelphia 76ers - 125.2 PPG (1966-67)

76ers’ Leading Scorers:

1. Wilt Chamberlain - 24.1 PPG

2. Hal Greer - 22.1 PPG

Chet Walker - 19.3 PPG

For the fourth time and final time on our list, we got a team that set their franchise’s record for most points per game in a season and went on to win the NBA championship. The 1966-67 Philadelphia 76ers were special and led by the duo of Wilt Chamberlain and Hal Greer.

The duo of Greer and Chamberlain combined for 46.2 points per game in 1966-67 and aided the 76ers in becoming the highest-scoring team in the NBA that season. Chet Walker and Billy Cunningham would also pour in over 18.0 points per game as well. The 76ers would win 68 games to just 13 losses, giving them the best record in the NBA.

In the NBA playoffs, the Sixers would defeat the Royals and Celtics before advancing to the NBA finals against Chamberlain’s former team, the San Francisco Warriors. In the final series, Philadelphia would be led by 20.0 points per game or more from Greer, Walker, and Wali Jones as well as 19.7 points per game from Cunningham and 28.5 rebounds per game from Chamberlain. The 76ers would defeat the Warriors in six games for the NBA championship.

2. Golden State Warriors - 125.4 PPG (1961-62)

Warriors’ Leading scorers:

1. Wilt Chamberlain - 50.4 PPG

2. Paul Arizin - 21.9 PPG

3. Tom Gola - 13.7 PPG

In 1961-62, Wilt Chamberlain would have the greatest single-season scoring performance in NBA history when he averaged an NBA-record 50.4 points per game on 50.6% shooting. Chamberlain’s record is one of the most untouchable in NBA history which included his famous 100-point game and an MVP robbery that is still talked about amongst historians today.

With Chamberlain contributing 50.4 points per game as well as Paul Arizin giving 21.9 points per game, the Warriors would set an NBA record as a team with 125.4 points per game. That record would stand for 21 seasons before falling. Armed with the most potent offensive weapons in the NBA, the Warriors would win 49 games with just 31 losses to advance to the playoffs.

As things usually went for opposing teams, the Warriors would meet their match in the Division Finals against the Boston Celtics. Chamberlain and company would push the Celtics to seven games but lost a two-point epic showdown in Game 7 as Boston went on to win yet another NBA title.

1. Denver Nuggets - 126.5 PPG (1981-82)

Nuggets’ Leading Scorers:

1. Alex English - 25.4 PPG

2. Dan Issel - 22.9 PPG

3. Kiki Vandeweghe - 21.5 PPG

As we have alluded to a few times throughout this article, the 1981-82 Denver Nuggets are the highest-scoring team in NBA history. This team was an offensive powerhouse with three 20.0 points per game scorers at the top of their lineup. As great as they were offensively, this Nuggets team put in almost zero effort on the defensive end, giving up the most points in the NBA at 126.0 and having the lowest-ranked overall defense with a rating of 113.9.

Despite their defensive woes, their historic offense was able to lead them to 46 wins to just 36 losses to finish second in their division. The trio of Alex English, Dan Issel, and Kiki Vandeweghe combined for 69.8 points per game as they headed toward a first-round matchup with the Phoenix Suns.

The Suns did not get the memo that they were taking on the most potent offense ever as they upset the Nuggets two games to one in the first round of the playoffs. The Nuggets trio of English, Issel, and Vandeweghe combined for 57.3 points per game in the series but it was not enough to overcome the Suns’ duo of Walter Davis and Dennis Johnson who averaged 45.3 points per game between the two of them.