Visualization 03

Higher Scoring

Before the chart

What does “higher scoring” actually mean?

This page looks at the average NBA team, not one specific player or franchise. Each dot is one regular season. When the line rises, the typical team is scoring more, taking more of a certain kind of shot, or creating more chances to score.

Possession One trip down the court where a team has the ball and tries to score.
3PA Three-point attempts. These shots are worth more, so taking more of them can raise scoring.
Per team game The average for one team in one game, which keeps seasons comparable.

Explore the trend

Points per team game

NBA higher scoring trend chart Line chart showing league-wide team scoring metrics by season.

Then vs now

What is driving the scoring jump?

Bar sizes may not be to scale.

Season markers

Where the trend changes