Top 5 NBA Offensive Performances of 2016-2017
#5 Jimmy Butler 52 points - 1/2/17
Chicago Bulls 118 vs. Charlotte Hornets 111
• Points: 52
• Field Goal Attempts: 24
• Field Goals Made: 15
• Field Goal Percentage: 62.5
• Rebounds: 12
• Assists: 6
Jimmy Buckets was not only prolific from the field, he was nearly flawless from the free throw line, going 21 for 22.
#4 Klay Thompson 60 points - 12/5/16
Golden State 142 Warriors vs. Indiana Pacers 106
• Points: 60
• Field Goal Attempts: 33
• Field Goals Made: 21
• Field Goal Percentage: 63.6
We're beginning to see a theme... High scoring 2016 performances involved sharpshooting from the free throw line. Thompson went 10 for 11 from the charity stripe. But he also completed his 60 point barrage in just three quarters of this lopsided contest.
#3 Devin Booker 70 points - 3/24/17
Phoenix Suns 120 vs. Boston Celtics 130
• Points: 70
• Field Goals Made: 21
• Field Goals Attempted: 40
• Field Goal Percentage: 52.5
• Rebounds: 8
• Assists: 6
I know what you're thinking - how does a season leading 70 point performance not top the list. Well, when it comes in a loss and for a team that isn't bound for the playoffs, it loses its luster. Plus, his efficiency was significantly below every person on this list. But he deservedly cracks the top 5 because 70 points is 70 points no matter how you slice it.
#2 Isaiah Thomas 52 points - 12/30/16
Boston Celtics 117 vs. Miami Heat 114
• Points: 52
• Field Goal Attempts: 26
• Field Goals Made: 15
• Field Goal Percentage: 57.7
In addition to draining all 13 of his 13 free throws, Thomas led the Celtics to victory in this back-in-forth matchup. Entering the second quarter, the Celtics and Heat were tied. Boston took a 4 point lead in to halftime, then held onto that lead entering the 4th. Thomas did what he does best: he made clutch basket after clutch basket down the stretch.
#1 James Harden 53 points - 12/31/16
Houston Rockets 129 vs. New York Knicks 122
• Points: 53
• Field Goal Attempts: 26
• Field Goals Made: 14
• Field Goal Percentage: 53.8
• Rebounds: 16
• Assists: 17
This New Year's Eve battle produced the single best offensive performance of the entire season. He had ten more assists than the next closest player, more rebounds than any other player, and logged more minutes than any other player. He dominated in every facet of the game like he did all season. Sadly, Harden's dominance likely won't be rewarded with the MVP award he truly deserves. Why not? Because MVP voters will struggle to overcome fans mesmerized by Westbrook's triple-double record.
Honorable Mention
Demarcus Cousins - 12/20/16
Sacramento Kings 126 vs. Portland Trailblazers 121
• Points: 55
• Field Goal Attempts: 28
• Field Goals Made: 17
• Field Goal Percentage: 60.7
• Rebounds: 14
Cousins also went 16 for 17 from the free throw line in this high scoring affair. He carried the
