As I was scrolling through NBA highlights last night, one question kept popping up in my mind: who actually led the league in scoring during the 2023 season? Being a lifelong basketball fan who’s followed the league since the Jordan era, I’ve always been fascinated by scoring titles and what it takes for players to consistently put up big numbers. The 2023 season was particularly interesting because we saw both established superstars and emerging talents dominating the offensive end. Let me walk you through what made this scoring race so memorable from my perspective as someone who watches way too many games and probably needs to reconsider my life choices during playoff season.

When we talk about scoring leaders, the conversation has to start with Joel Embiid. The Philadelphia 76ers center put up absolutely ridiculous numbers last season, averaging 33.1 points per game while shooting over 54% from the field. What impressed me most wasn’t just the volume but the efficiency – he was getting his points within the flow of the offense while still carrying the scoring load night after night. I remember watching one game where he dropped 52 points against Boston, and what stood out was how he adapted his game throughout different stretches. This reminds me of something coach Uichico once said about learning players: "But he is such learning player na makaka-adopt naman siya as the conference goes along." That philosophy perfectly describes how elite scorers like Embiid adjust their approaches as seasons progress, figuring out new ways to score even when defenses are specifically designed to stop them.

Right behind Embiid was Luka Dončić, who averaged 32.4 points for the Dallas Mavericks while somehow also dishing out 8.6 assists per game. The thing about Luka that blows my mind is how he manages to control the entire offense while still being the primary scoring threat. I’ve noticed that his game has evolved significantly – he’s become more selective with his three-point shooting and has developed this incredible ability to draw fouls while maintaining his balance for difficult finishes. The way he reads defenses and adapts reminds me again of that concept of being a "learning player" who can adjust as the conference progresses. Honestly, if the Mavericks had a better supporting cast last season, I genuinely believe Luka might have challenged for the scoring title – his offensive arsenal is just that diverse and unpredictable.

Then we have the perennial contenders like Giannis Antetokounmpo, who finished third with 31.1 points per game. What makes Giannis special in my view is how he dominates without relying heavily on outside shooting. His game is built around relentless drives to the basket and transition opportunities. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve seen him grab a defensive rebound and be at the opposite rim in like three dribbles – it’s almost unfair how quickly he covers the court. The evolution of his post game has been remarkable to watch, and it demonstrates that quality Uichico mentioned about players who can adapt and learn throughout the season. Personally, I think Giannis could average even more if he wanted to, but his unselfish nature and commitment to team basketball sometimes limits his scoring explosions.

The 2023 scoring race also featured some surprises further down the list. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander emerged as a legitimate scoring threat with 31.4 points per game, which honestly shocked me given how much he’s improved over the past couple of seasons. Damian Lillard, despite Portland’s struggles, put up 32.2 points with his deep range and clutch performances. As someone who’s watched Dame since his rookie year, I’ve never seen a player so comfortable shooting from 30+ feet consistently. Jayson Tatum, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant all averaged between 29-30 points, maintaining their status as elite scorers even as they’ve gotten older. What’s interesting to me is how different each player’s approach is – Curry’s movement without the ball, Tatum’s isolation scoring, Durant’s mid-range mastery – yet they all find ways to put up numbers night after night.

Looking at the complete list of top scorers from last season, what stands out to me is how the game has evolved. We’re seeing big men like Embiid who can shoot threes and handle the ball, guards like Dončić who play like point forwards, and wings like Tatum who can score from all three levels. The diversity of scoring methods today is far beyond what we saw even a decade ago. Every player in the top ten has had to adapt and learn new ways to score as defenses have become more sophisticated. That concept of being a "learning player" that Uichico described is more relevant than ever – the ability to adjust your game as the season progresses separates good scorers from great ones.

Reflecting on who led the NBA in scoring in 2023, it’s clear that we’re witnessing a golden era of offensive talent. The league has never had this many players capable of dropping 40 points on any given night, and the scoring title race has become more competitive than ever. From my perspective as a fan, what makes following these scoring leaders so compelling isn’t just the numbers themselves, but the stories behind them – how players develop new moves, adjust to defensive schemes, and constantly evolve their games. The complete list of top players from last season reads like a who’s who of basketball excellence, and I can’t wait to see how the 2024 scoring race unfolds with these incredible athletes continuing to push the boundaries of what’s possible on the basketball court.