When discussing the top NBA point guards, it's impossible not to mention Stephen Curry. I've watched him revolutionize the game with his insane three-point shooting. In the 2020-2021 season, Curry averaged 32 points per game, becoming the oldest scoring champion since Michael Jordan. His shooting accuracy, especially from beyond the arc, is mind-blowing. Shooting 42.1% from three-point range over his career, he's changed how teams approach both offense and defense. If you ever doubted his impact, just look at how kids nowadays try to imitate his style, pulling up from deep like it's nothing.
Then there's Luka Dončić, the Slovenian wonder who entered the NBA and made an immediate impact. Luka, who debuted at just 19, quickly showed he wasn't a typical rookie. In the 2020-2021 season, he posted 27.7 points, 8 rebounds, and 8.6 assists per game. That's nearly a triple-double over an entire season! Watching him control the floor reminds me of a maestro with an orchestra. He knows exactly where his teammates are and precisely when to find them. The way he sizes up defenders and makes those step-back threes—I mean, who does that at such a young age?
Speaking of orchestrating, Chris Paul deserves a mention too. I know he's often talked about for his leadership qualities, but his numbers are nothing to scoff at. Over the course of his career, Paul has averaged 9.4 assists per game. In the 2020-2021 season, even at 35 years old, he managed to post 16.4 points and 8.9 assists per contest. His basketball IQ is off the charts, and it's no surprise that wherever he goes, the team improves significantly. Take the Phoenix Suns, for instance. Before Paul arrived, they missed the playoffs for 10 straight years. His first year there, they made it to the NBA Finals. Talk about turning things around!
Of course, you can't discuss great point guards without mentioning Damian Lillard. Dame has this unique ability to clutch up when it matters most. In terms of raw numbers, his 2020-2021 stats were stellar: 28.8 points and 7.5 assists per game. But what really sets him apart are his game-winners. He's hit so many clutch shots that commentators have coined the term "Dame Time." One shot that stands out is his 37-foot buzzer-beater against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2019 playoffs. It was a dagger that sent OKC packing and redefined what clutch shooting really means.
Kyrie Irving also cannot be forgotten in this conversation. When healthy, he's one of the most electrifying players to watch. During the 2020-2021 season, Kyrie managed to average 26.9 points, 6 assists, and 4.8 rebounds per game, despite sharing the court with other stars like Kevin Durant and James Harden. His handles are some of the best in NBA history. Watching him dribble through defenders feels almost magical, akin to a magician pulling off an unbelievable trick. His finishing ability around the rim is unparalleled for a guard his size. Who could forget his game-winning three-pointer in Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals against the Warriors?
Now, let's talk about Trae Young, the new kid on the block making waves. The Atlanta Hawks guard has turned plenty of heads with his performances, especially during the 2021 playoffs. Averaging 25.3 points and 9.4 assists per game in the 2020-2021 season, Trae has been nothing short of sensational. What gets me is his confidence. Look at his 48-point game against the Milwaukee Bucks in the Eastern Conference Finals. Few players have his flair and guts at that age, and it's clear he's going to be one to watch for years to come.
And lastly, let's not overlook Russell Westbrook, an absolute statistical powerhouse. This guy averaged a triple-double for the fourth time in his career during the 2020-2021 season, putting up 22.2 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 11.7 assists per game. Such numbers are beyond rare, yet Westbrook makes it look almost routine. His sheer athleticism and determination drive him to play with an intensity that's hard to match. Take his game against the Indiana Pacers in May 2021, where he recorded 14 points, 21 rebounds, and 24 assists. It’s performances like this that cement his legacy as one of the most dynamic point guards in NBA history.
As these players continue to evolve and new talents emerge, the competition for the title of the best NBA point guard remains fierce. However, one thing's for certain—the game is in great hands. For further analysis and a deeper dive into stats, you might want to check out arena plus. The basketball world never ceases to amaze me, and I can't wait to see what the future holds for these incredible athletes.