The 2022-23 NBA season has had some incredible performances. Throughout the season, there have been several high-scoring performances, and at this rate, there are more to come. But it will be hard to top any of these performances. Here are the top five scoring performances of the 22-23 season.
1.) Donovan Mitchell, 71 points
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell had an incredible performance this month, and it not only led to a Cavs win, it led to history. Mitchell had 71 points on January 2, and with this performance, he became the seventh player to score 70 or more points in a game. The others include Wilt Chamberlain (who scored 100 points on March 2, 1962), Kobe Bryant (who scored 81 points on January 22, 2006), David Thompson (who scored 73 points on April 9, 1978), Elgin Baylor (who scored 71 on November 15, 1960), David Robinson (who scored 71 points on April 24, 1994) and Devin Booker (who scored 70 points on March 24, 2017).
On top of having 71 points, Mitchell had 11 assists. This made him the first player to have a 70-10 game in NBA history. And this performance helped him secure the Eastern Conference Player of the Week for Week 12 of the season.
Mitchell was on fire in that game, and it may be a long time before we see anyone surpass it.
2.) Luka Doncic, 60 points
Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic is an MVP candidate that constantly puts up big numbers.
On December 27, 2022, Doncic had a steller 60-point game. He also finished with 21 assists and 10 rebounds. He helped his team pick up a 126-121 win over the New York Knicks, in what was the Mavericks’ first 60-point game in franchise history.
Doncic had an excellent game, and before Mitchell, his 60-point performance was the highest of the season. And it was a treat for fans who saw it.
3.)Joel Embiid, 59 points
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid is one of the best centers of today’s game. His dominance is reminiscent of centers of the past, and when he wants to, he displays that dominance with ease.
On November 13, 2022, Embiid had a career-high 59 points. He also had 11 rebounds, eight assists and seven blocks. He dominated as he ended up scoring 26 of his team’s 27 points in the fourth quarter. He also became the first player in NBA history with 50 points, 10 boards, five rebounds, five assists and five blocks in a game. The Sixers beat the Utah Jazz in this game, and Embiid’s game was the second 50-point game of that night. Darius Garland of the Cleveland Cavaliers had 51 points in a loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Embiid was spectacular and it was one of the moments that showed what he is truly capable of.
4.) Devin Booker, 58 points
Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker is one of the NBA’s best scorers. Before Donavan Mitchell, Booker was the last player to score 70 or more points. And this season, Booker has two 50-point games. His top performance was a 58-point game against the New Orleans Pelicans.
Booker scored 25 consecutive points for the Suns at one point during the third and fourth quarters, and his performance helped the Suns secure the win.
Booker is currently out with a groin injury, and the Suns have felt the impact. They have lost eight of their last 10 games and are one game below .500. The Suns could use Booker and when he does return, he could put up big numbers.
5.) Giannis Antetokounmpo/Anthony Davis, 55 points
This spot is actually a tie. Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo and Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis both had 55 points this season, and helped their teams pick up wins.
On December 4, 2022, Davis had 55 points with 17 rebounds in the process. Davis had 44 the previous game, and looked like an MVP candidate. This game was a reminder of what a healthy Davis can do.
On January 3, Antetokounmpo had 55 points against the Washington Wizards (the same team Davis had 55 against). Antetokounmpo also had 10 rebounds and seven assists. This game is Antetokounmpo’s career high, and fans could see greater performances from him in the future.
This season has been exciting and it wouldn’t be surprising if we’re treated to more breathtaking performances.