Khari Arnold of NBA.com published a statistical analysis of the best fourth-quarter scorers in the NBA last season. The ranking consisted of players who averaged the most points in the fourth quarter with at least 41 games played during the year. Despite all the chatter about a “down year” from the “washed King,” no player in the NBA averaged more points in the final period last season than LeBron James.
While LeBron topped the list of the most prolific fourth quarter scorers at 8.6 points per game during the 2018-19 campaign, James Harden finished second at 8.3 with Kemba Walker rounding out the top three at 8.0 points in the final period. NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo finished fourth on this list (7.7) and Lou Williams occupied the fifth spot (7.6).
Being a dominant scorer over the course of a game — an average of 27.4 points — in season No. 16 is one thing. Maintaining that pace throughout the game’s most important frame is another. LeBron’s been a consistent force in the fourth quarter, ranking top 10 in points per game during each of the last seven seasons. His late-game numbers alone should dispel beliefs that he’s slowed down or is coming off a mediocre (for him) campaign.
The bottom half of the top-10 included Paul George (7.1), Devin Booker (6.8), fellow Los Angeles Laker Anthony Davis (6.8), Donovan Mitchell (6.8) and Bradley Beal (6.7).
Lining up together with two of the best crunch-time scorers in the Association in LeBron and A.D., the Lakers project to be a difficult team to close out down the stretch next season. If Kyle Kuzma takes a step forward alongside those two superstars, Los Angeles could be as difficult a team as any to put away in the closing minutes that ultimately determine winning or losing.
