When discussing the best shooters in NBA history, one cannot ignore the top all-time field goals records held by various teams. Imagine watching Michael Jordan’s perfect mid-range jumper or Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s skyhook. These moments give you goosebumps and make me wonder how many of those shots were made in iconic arenas like Madison Square Garden or Staples Center. The thrill is indescribable, almost like watching a masterpiece being painted stroke by stroke.
Take, for example, Michael Jordan, who made 12,192 field goals during his career. Each basket he scored was a testament to his incredible skill and relentless work ethic. The crazy thing is, he did this with a field goal percentage of 49.7%, which is mind-blowing for a guard. His precision was unparalleled, and honestly, it just made watching basketball that much more enjoyable.
Now, let’s talk about Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. His record is phenomenal, standing tall with 15,837 field goals made. Not only does he hold the record, but he also played in the league for 20 seasons. Think about that for a moment—20 seasons of dominance. His skyhook was nearly unguardable, and opponents often looked helpless against his crafty moves. When it comes to longevity and consistency, Kareem sets the gold standard.
Of course, you can’t leave out Karl Malone, who made 13,528 field goals. I always appreciated how Malone could score from pretty much anywhere on the court. Whether it was a quick post-up move or a jump shot from just beyond the free-throw line, he was deadly. Honestly, 80% of the game plan against him involved figuring out how to slow him down. His partnership with John Stockton is the stuff of legend, with Stockton dishing out assist after assist, making Malone’s life that much easier.
A quick shout-out to LeBron James, who continues to rise on this list. As of now, LeBron has made over 13,000 field goals, and he is still playing. Watching him is like watching a freight train with the finesse of a ballerina. His blend of power and skill is something I don’t think we’ll see again for a long time. And to think he’s been active for over 18 seasons makes it even more impressive. Can he surpass Kareem? Perhaps!
The arenas themselves play a significant role here. Madison Square Garden, for example, is often described as the Mecca of Basketball. The energy in the Garden during a big game is electric, and one can feel the history seeping through the walls. Players often mention how special it is to play there. Fans go wild when their team scores key baskets, and that creates a unique atmosphere you don’t find in many other places.
Staples Center is another iconic venue, home to the Lakers and Clippers. It’s like a modern-day Coliseum where legends are made. Kobe Bryant made 11,719 field goals, most of them in this very building. You can almost feel his presence in every Lakers game. His fadeaway jumpers were mesmerizing and left fans in awe. He was LA’s king, and Staples was his court.
Speaking of awestruck, earlier in the season, Stephen Curry, a master of the three-pointer, became the fastest player to hit 2,000 three-pointers. Although his field goals aren’t as high as the traditional scorers, his efficiency from behind the arc separates him. His influence has changed how teams play the game, shifting focus more towards three-point shooting. There’s a rise in ‘stretch fours’ and ‘stretch fives’ today because of guys like Curry.
Then we have TD Garden, home to the Boston Celtics, one of the oldest and most storied franchises in NBA history. Historically, players like Larry Bird, who made 8,591 field goals, turned this arena into a shooting gallery. Bird’s unmatched competitive spirit and clutch performances are the stuff of legend. It’s no wonder that games at TD Garden often feature nail-biting finishes that leave both fans and players on the edge of their seats.
The modern era has introduced some incredible shooters too. Look at Kevin Durant, who shows that versatile scoring isn’t a lost art. As of now, he has made over 9,000 field goals. His height and shooting ability make him an anomaly. Imagine trying to block a 7-footer who shoots like a guard—it’s nearly impossible.
And let’s not forget Dirk Nowitzki who’s up there with 10,000+ field goals made. His one-legged fadeaway was his trademark, a thing of beauty that defenders could only hope to contest. Playing for the Dallas Mavericks, his name will forever echo in the American Airlines Center.
In conclusion, while statistics provide a tangible measure of greatness, the allure of the arenas and the legends who graced them is what truly enriches the NBA experience. Each player’s journey, each field goal made, and every arena erupted in cheer culminates into the beautiful tapestry that is basketball. For a comprehensive look into arena experiences and more, check out arena plus.