What Is the Current NBA Average Points Per Game This Season?
As I was crunching the numbers for this season's NBA statistics, one figure particularly caught my attention - the current average points per game across the league sits at approximately 114.7 points. Now, that's quite fascinating when you consider where we were just a few seasons ago. I've been following basketball analytics for over a decade, and I must say this represents a significant jump from the 106.3 average we saw back in the 2015-16 season. The offensive explosion we're witnessing isn't just about rule changes or three-point revolution - it's about players fundamentally changing how they approach the game.
What really brings these numbers to life for me are the stories behind them, like the recent performance we saw from Mo Konateh, Kirby Mongcopa, and Janrey Pasaol. These aren't household names yet, but their recent game perfectly illustrates why scoring averages are climbing. Watching Konateh drive to the basket with that explosive first step, or Mongcopa hitting contested threes, you understand how today's players are simply more skilled offensively than ever before. I remember thinking during their last game how these role players now possess offensive weapons that would have made them stars in previous eras. Pasaol's ability to create his own shot off the dribble, combined with Konateh's finishing through contact - these are the micro-level improvements that collectively push league averages upward.
The evolution of player development deserves more credit than it typically gets. Teams are investing millions in specialized coaching, sports science, and analytics that help players maximize their scoring efficiency. When I visited several team facilities last season, I was struck by how much individual workout time focuses specifically on scoring - whether it's finishing with both hands, extending three-point range, or drawing fouls. This systematic approach to offensive development means we're seeing players enter the league more polished than ever. The days of raw athletes needing years to develop offensive games are fading fast.
Defensive strategies have certainly adapted, but honestly, I think they're struggling to keep pace with offensive innovations. The spacing, the pace, the three-point volume - it all creates defensive dilemmas that are nearly impossible to solve for 48 minutes. Coaches I've spoken with consistently mention how rule enforcement has limited physical defense, but that's only part of the story. The real challenge comes from facing five players who can all shoot, handle the ball, and make quick decisions. Traditional defensive schemes just aren't as effective against this level of skill spread across all positions.
Looking at specific team trends reveals even more about where this scoring surge originates. The pace of play has increased to about 100.2 possessions per 48 minutes, up from 93.9 just eight years ago. More possessions naturally mean more scoring opportunities, but what's remarkable is how efficient teams have become within those possessions. The league-wide effective field goal percentage has climbed to 54.3%, with three-point accuracy sitting at around 36.7%. These aren't just abstract numbers - they represent thousands of hours of practice and strategic innovation.
What often gets lost in these discussions is how the modern NBA game has become more entertaining for casual fans. Higher scoring games tend to be more exciting, and the league knows this. While purists might lament the decreased emphasis on defense, I find myself enjoying the spectacular offensive displays we see nightly. The game has evolved, and frankly, I prefer watching players like Konateh, Mongcopa, and Pasaol showcase their scoring talents rather than grind through low-scoring defensive battles. Their recent breakthrough performance, where all three scored in double figures, provided exactly the kind of thrilling basketball that keeps fans engaged.
As we move deeper into the season, I expect the scoring average might even creep up slightly to around 115.2 points per game. The trend shows no signs of reversing, and with teams continuing to prioritize offensive skill in their roster construction, we're likely looking at the new normal rather than a temporary spike. The game has changed fundamentally, and based on what I've observed from both stars and role players alike, this offensive revolution is here to stay. Players like Konateh, Mongcopa, and Pasaol represent the new baseline for NBA talent - capable scorers who can fill it up on any given night, and that's ultimately what's driving these historic numbers we're seeing this season.