NBA Players Are Scoring More Points Than Ever and The Reason Why is Right in Front of Our Eyes 

Fast forward 50 years, people will be saying "well you played in the 20's. Everyone was putting up those numbers."

You still miss the sax

I feel like we just need to look at Chris Paul's career to see how much the game has changed

People aren't gonna recognize this but Kevin Love, believe it or not, deserves a lot of credit for starting the end of the "big man in the key" trope. He was probably one of the first 3-pt shooting centers.

Guys like Steve Nash, Mark Price and Bird would have been the players who benefited the most from today's game. Especially BIRD

Curry walked so the GOAT Joe Ingles could sprint

obviously the most important detail is the 2018/19 season change of the shot clock reset from 24 to 14 on offensive rebounds, creating a huge difference in the amount of possessions (and of course shots) per game --- not sure why this stays under the radar and was not mentioned ---- yes there was a curve before then with the curry analytics era, but the 14 sec shot clock is what caused the real explosion

Man I audibly laughed at that chart of 130+ point games at the end.

Facts. Kobe and T-Mac were dropping 40 when the final score was 80-90 something. Crazy.

basically, the league started playing like how i play 2k

Reminder the NBA in the early 1980's had scorelines similar to today. You had one game where both teams had over 180 points and this was before the 3 point line.

I appreciate the way you bring in interviews and clips to stress your point. Awesome video!

Arenas averaged 29 pts 15 years ago, he is definitely averaging 30+ right now.

If you can't take your man iso and give him a hesi pullup, you're sent to the g-league🤣🤣🤣

One of the reasons I really like Kwahi Leonard aka The Claw. He's a Jordan era throwback that has an all-around game and defense prowess. A true GOAT set of skills. He sadly fell into the team-hopping trap so prevalent today which diminishes his ability to be the building block of a dynasty team.

You are just about my favorite of all of the basketball RU-vidrs, and with that said, I love some of these kind of detailed breakdowns and this one in particular interest me because I don't like today's style of basketball but I recognize how unique and different and revolutionary it is. With all that said I was hanging on every word as you were breaking this thing down and especially right after the Steve Nash interview, you made an interesting point that it's sort of true but completely false, let me explain what I mean. You talked about how most of us could name a lot of the high scores in the league but couldn't name the high rebounders in the league. I've always been a deep stats guy myself because I created my own unique fantasy basketball system that is unlike your traditional fantasy basketball where you play week to week. Week to week scoring eliminates head to head which is why fantasy football is so wildly popular and successful. Basketball baseball hockey etc with their week-to-week style takes all of the interest in it away. In week two week scoring it's not about who the best player is or at least the best player sometimes situationally but let's be honest, you don't bench Aaron rodgers. Even if it's a situation thing it's very rare that you bench your studs in football. But in basketball, if LeBron only has two games, you might start one of The Ball Brothers over him if they happen to have one of those five-game weeks. So years ago when me and my friends had started playing fantasy football and we saw how the format was so successful, we sat down and said to ourselves okay how can we translate that to basketball. and we came up with a format where you only play on Friday night because if you happen to go through the NBA schedule you will see that Friday nights are consistently the night of the week that has the most games. A busy week has 13 games a slow week has eight. So then we create a schedule that shows every team's schedule for every Friday night throughout the season and you draft based off of that. And you end up with a 20-week regular season and a 3 week playoff season. Because there's 23 Friday nights throughout the season every year minus All-Star weekend. So if kemba Walker plays 19 out of the 20 Friday nights during the regular season, it has two out of the three playoff games.... and Trey young only plays 10, it only has one during the playoffs.... Well you adjust accordingly and more than likely you're going to take kemba slightly ahead of Trey young even though Trey young might be the better pick as far as stats go. And then we came up with real world scoring because oddly enough fantasy basketball out there has strange formulas to do their scoring where if you get one three-pointer per night you get a bonus and if you hit a certain percentage of three pointers you get a bonus and that's not real world. Yes efficiency is rewarded in the real world but it's rewarded by you having better numbers and your team doing better as a result. So it still comes down to ultimately what a person's numbers are. Scoring rebounds assists blocks and steals. The big five. So we built in some bonuses for things like triple doubles and high percentage games and double doubles, and you would pick a team defense and it was simple because if you held your opponent under a certain point total and if you held them under certain percentages, you get the idea. the reason I'm bringing all of this up is because as a result of this you can't use traditional fantasy scoring outlets torun your league. You can use Yahoo fantasy for your draft and to manage your roster and to do 90% of your scoring but there's no way to build into your scoring setups, the bonuses that we had for team defenses and for individuals getting triple doubles and things like that. So as a result for 20 years, I did manual scoring in a spreadsheet and had to email it out to everybody the next morning on saturdays. And as a result, myself especially because I did the scoring but alsothe other guys in the league because they were always paying attention to what was happening with their own players as well as their opponents. But as a result we became much more focused on real stats and something that I noticed over the years and I used to complain about constantly to my friends, was this: the thing that you talk about, how people are paying attention to scoring but not rebounding, has always always been the case! ALLLLLWAYS. IT WOULD DRIVE ME NUTS THAT THE ONLY THING THAT MATTERED IN YOUR BOX SCORE TI ESPN AND TO YAHOO SPORTS AND PLACES LIKE THAT, WAS YOUR POINT TOTAL! Reggie Miller towards the end of his career still made the box scores every single night and by box scores what I'm talking about is the ticker on ESPN or whatever Sports network, and for example let's use ESPN again. When ESPN would flash scores let's say and not do a full breakdown of a game. Or if they were doing a brief breakdown that was later in sports center let's say and not the leading story that they gave a couple minutes to, they would always show the score up on the screen or to the side while they were showing some highlights let's say and then underneath the score they would have maybe the top player or two from each team. And their little stat line next to them. The newspapers would do the same kind of thing. they might do a little paragraph about a game and then at the bottom they would do the stat lines from the top couple guys in the game. In those circumstances the tickers the little stories in the newspaper whatever, the stat line they focused on the most and the only one they ever cared about! Only only! Was scoring. Reggie Miller at the end of his career was on the ESPN ticker and on the box score little highlight things like that almost every damn night, because he'd get 21 points or 23 points. But if you actually looked at his box score. You would see that he had 21 points one steal what assist no rebounds no blocks and he did nothing but try to get open and shoot the three that was it. He did not do a ton to help his team win other than scoring. And that's great but I'm just trying to point out that there is always been an inordinate amount of focus in scoring in basketball. Maybe it wasn't reflected as much in contracts but I don't believe that to be true either. it seemed to be that because you scored a lot you had a higher profile and the higher your profile the bigger your contracts were. it used to drive me insane as somebody that really paid attention to the actual detailed box scores and everybody's individual stats because I had to use them and know them for my league. You would see Kerry Kittles shown up next to the nets score on ESPN that night having scored 22 points, meanwhile Jason Kidd drove that offense, was not a horrible defender, and had 14 points 12 assists and 10 rebounds to go with two steals. And his 22 points for rebounds and two assists was the guy who got the Love on ESPN and as a result the higher profile which led to bigger contracts in the long run or more marketing money from endorsers. so like I said I was hanging on your every word and I'm not saying I disagree with your premise. I'm on board with everything you said except for that one thing about how scoring is way way more important now that it was back then. Maybe somehow it was rewarded differently, but it certainly was not appreciated any differently. It is always always been the primary focus when it comes to fans and the media. Just look at jordan. The guy was the greatest score of the league and it seemed just about, at least since the '60s, and from 84 until they finally broke through in 91, it was him scoring too much and the focus on his scoring that was holding them back. He needed wingman, he needed a coach to reel him in a little bit, he needed to share the ball and rely on other people to help them win. But the oohs and aahs we're all for Jordan, which translated to marketing dollars. Both for his team and himself.

Defense is no longer a viable option considering how referees call fouls at the smallest things.

Watching games nowadays, makes me think of my bloated good-for-nothing coach in middle school who would bench me for shooting a 3, bc "point guards aren't supposed to shoot".

the switch from the past eras to today's modern game was that in the past, the focus of the game were on the factors that contributed to scoring(passing and rebounding), where as today, it is focused on scoring itself, and passing and rebounding are a side effect of it

Awesome video my guy. You really get in depth w/ everything! Respect ✊🏻🤙🏻

Defenses never catch up with ofenses because whenever they do, the NBA nerf it by changing the rules. See changes made right after Pistons championships in 90 and 04.

Players aren’t allowed to play defense, literally everything is a foul.

Fantastic video! I was looking at the scoring leaders from last year and the top 3 or 4 average 30+ and the rest of the top 10 averaged 27-29. I thought I was reading playoff stats or mid season stats cuz it didn’t seem right. I remember back when Iverson and McGrady lead the league with 30+ and it was like WOW. Made me wonder what the reason is and this is how I found your video. Great stuff! 🔥

In soccer, for example, more than 50 years ago, there were teams that played with 5 forwards instead of the 1 or 2 now. It's quite exciting to see sports evolve.

The NBA has become "positionless" basketball. Boys we were playing positionless basketball at recess in school. The NBA has turned into a recess pickup game.

Jxmy's RU-vid is the definition of quality over quantity..

Damn man the way you broke it down after 6:35 ish really makes me miss the old NBA, you nailed what new NBA is seemingly missing. You get it in the playoffs in deep series, but the regular season has become a 3 point contest with stars resting whenever, lame.

Jimmy you are the best ...i know the game played at a high level was a dominant player....i can' sit and watch your videos listen to your analysis all night... You Steph Curried this one... Congrats all love

Makes it even more crazy that mj was averaging 30ppg in the 90s......🐐

This is what the adjusted points and stats per generation was made. Scoring is saturated now with pace and the 3

Tony Kukoc was the Doncic of his time. If he was given the green light and was able to continue his Euro play instead of being forced to bulk up, he would've gone on a tear in today's game.

great job on this man I can tell you put a lot of time and research into this!

Imagine what a young Deron williams would do in todays game, he was already putting up around 20 and 10 on near 50% from the field and 40% from 3.

Thats why you adjust everything to inflation, including the NBA scores.

I honestly feel like social media also plays a part everyone’s seeing everybody do so good so everybody getting on there grind and there’s just so much you can learn online

I appreciate the research you do man 👏🏻

I remember being in elementary school, and I was made the Center because of how tall I was. In our first team practice, and shot a jumper and it rattled in and out. Coach then chewed me out because I was shooting jumpers in practice when I’m playing Center. Lol. Pretty much sums up how times have changed 🤷‍♂️

I'll always remember you, JxmyHighroller... whenever I see a chart

Dude, your analysis is fantastic. Keep it up.

Excellent! Research was well done. Great script and well edited!

This video is literally Vsauce but for basketball lmao, especially with the graph at the end. I think Nash would have had a fun time in our era tbh. A fast accurate shooter, who is pretty much the prototype Steph.

I would like to take my credit for inventing "postionless" basketball 15+ years ago with my franchise on NBA2k. A team full of quicker players between 6'5" and 6"10 who could all shoot the three. Thank you. I'm glad the NBA was taking notes

This video just reinforces WHAT I've been saying. Without Steve Kerr, you don't get Steph Curry with the freedom to do what he does. Steve Kerr changed the game, because any other coach would have put Steph (and the rest of the team) in a role. Also, don't forget, the area the defense has to guard tight is now twice as big.

Today’s average player may be more overall offensively skilled than the 90s/00s, but a lot of offensive skills have become lost. Post-up game and high-post and midrange was bread and butter in that era. How many of today’s so-called “skilled bigs” have back to the basket post up game? Not many.

If steve nash ran todays offense with this crazy pace, he'd be averaging something like 25ppg and 15apg while shooting 50/40/90

The difference now is that it’s a shooters league. More defensive fouls, less aggressive defense allowed, etc. Prime kobe or mj in this league would absolutely dominate scoring 35+ ppg.

This channel is fire. Intelligent takes, interesting topics.

That 2019 graph beat drop gave me such a crazy dopamine chill...

This video just proves how dominant MJ was in his time

This a large part of the reason why I find it difficult to enjoy today’s NBA. My team growing up was the going to work era pistons, and I loved the way they played. Everyone had a role and executed it to perfection. They rarely if ever let someone even top 100 against them. And they were so much fun to watch. I miss that style of ball. I get the appeal of the modern game, hell my college team is Michigan, I’ve watched and enjoyed plenty of 3 point bombing over the years, but I do think it would be nice to have at least some degree of stylistic contrast in the game today

Yo Jimmy! This video is fire bro! Great content!

Next 20 years, we gonna be guarding full court shots from taking place.. 😭😭

This is why u can’t compare players from different eras

Positionless Basketball started with Miami's Big 3 Offense which was inspired by Oregon's Football program. Spolestra was esentially the architect.

Those videos are just sooo interesting I love it ! 🔥

Jxmy: the league is about people that good at offense Draymond Green: I took that personal

3:45 bruh dude just stood there and watched the guy take a shot lmao

This is so dope - good lookin out bro!

John Stockton, Steve Nash, Steve Smith, a few that come to mind would of thrived in today's game. John and. Avg. Over 50 percent shooting and 40 from the 3, almost 90 percent from the stripe. Some say John wasn't athletic enough for todays game. I say " go watch. his game 5 4th quarter 20, game 6 15 point efforts and then listen to the greats speak of his talent, Gary Payton said he was harder to gaurde than Jordan. He took alot of flack for this statement i belive he meant it was demoralizing to see him shoot 10 shoots and finish with 14-16 points 13 Assists and 3 steals. Nash was amazing in his prme and would blow this leafue up today. Great video you have amazing passion and it shows. Thanks for the hard work so we all can enjoy it with you.

4:19 u didn't have to do giannis like that😭😭 Dang thanks for all the likes❤

Adam sliver made the rules so the offense can be highlighted, offense sells, dunks and ankle breakers bring in more money than lockdown defense

Kick Genius n House Reacts Gang! Dope content dude

The tony parker segment was great. amazing work man.

I guess this is what old folks mean when they say they miss “real basketball”. I definitely would rather see the tactical sport of basketball.

This is why the 2000 San Antonio were regarded as "Boring"

Do a "follow up" video regarding this same subject but from a coaching POV. Coach's have had to adapt to this new playstyle. I wonder which ones embraced it and which ones fought against it.

Ur soundtrack and editing always on point

"The game always has, and always will be, about BUCKETS" - Bill Russell

There's a garnett quote where he said his generation couldn't play in todays game

Jimmy, love your channel. In the last 3 years, scoring in the NBA is at its all time highest in the regular season. Can you say the same about playoffs in the last 3 seasons?

It’s also important to note that the faster paced evolution of today’s nba is PROVEN to cause more injuries among young players that need adjusting to the new system and hurts basketball because it’s better to see your favorite player shine sometimes then not be able to see them at all for the rest of the season because both teams were moving fast a reckless

You forgot to mention the main fact tho. PLAYING DEFENSE IS A FOUL NOW

This is fax, The 20th Person in scoring this year(Paul George) is averaging 24....7 years ago that was good enough to be the 5th leading scorer which was Anthony Davis😭

Hands down among one of the best nba content creators

"Offensively skilled" Noones allowed to get touched. Of course everyone's just gonna jab step now.

Jxmy: and that man, was Joe Ingles. Me: YAAASSSSSSS!!!

This guy is the vsauce of basketball

This is why Jordan averaging 30s in the 90s was different he would average 40 with ease with this defence.

Always a good day when Jimmy uploads

Plus most of the spin moves that you showed would have been called travelling 10-15 years ago. There is a lot more ball carries as well that go unpunished, or arent considered a carry, and the concept of the zero step has been stretched to its limits. Factor in that there is no handchecking allowed in the perimeter and there you have it.

I'm afraid of the day when I ask my 16-year old grandson what position he is and he says “whats a position”😔

With this scoring, you nailed it on the money. This also shows just how dominant Wilt Chamberlain was, seeing how despite the pace and scoring, players still can't catch his records. Insert; Bird, Miller, Mark Price, Joe Dumars, Chris Jackson, Robert Horry, Ray Allen, etc. and you have 30+ and a few 40+ scorers easily. Would love for you to do an average on the above mentioned Jimmy 🙂.

great video! thx JXMY!

James Harden be traveling more than southwest airlines lol

So... Flight was right: "the impact of Steph Curry is like someone who invented electricity"

Very interesting video. Thanks! I learned quite a bit here.

Rama Bell’s point seemed to be more about rules preventing you form playing defense. Not just the skill of players.

Basically the league plays like how I use to play basketball video games: do everything. Score score score.

Curry is so inspirational man, made everyone wanna be like him

MJ would've developed a killer 3-point shot if the league valued 3's as highly as they do now back in the 90's. You can't tell me that someone with as maniacal a work ethic as MJ wouldn't have worked himself to death improving his long-range shot

The game was played so fast when Wilt was averaging 50 points and 25 rebounds. It slowed down from the 70s-until 2016. Another factor is softer rims making it easier for the ball to go through the hoop

I really, really, appreciate that stat conversion adjusted for today’s average.

It is always a good day when jimmy high roller posts

This might be a hot take, but I don't think defence in the NBA has gotten worse, it's just that offence has become exponentially better and will always be one step ahead of defence so defence can never keep up. They adapt to one thing and the next game that player has another move that they have to adapt too

Great vid, makes you really think about how great guys like Jordan were

Video starts at 0:00 Your welcome

Thank you for giving a well educated take. Instead of “DeFeNsE bAd”

Bro needs his own show, your videos have been goin crazy lately

@JXMY do a video on NBA defense vs international defense. IE Olympics etc etc. Interesting to see how the the same players score in the NBA vs international players.

And then u realize that Jordan was averaging 35 30 years ago🥶