GAMES OF EXCELLENCE: TOP PLAYERS OF THE MODERN ERA, 1979-ONWARD

GAMES OF EXCELLENCE

Top Players of the Modern Era, 1979-Onward

This system redefines statistical dominance by creating Games of Excellence, extending the traditional triple-double into a truly exclusive feat. Why? Because simply hitting double digits in points—which can be achieved with just one three-pointer, three two-pointers, and a free throw—doesn't truly reflect offensive excellence.

The Multi-Tiered System

TIER 1 (TRIPLE THREAT)

10+ / 10+ / 10+

TIER 2 (DUAL DOMINANCE)

15+ / 15+

TIER 3 (SINGLE MASTERY)

20+ Single / 60+ Points

Special Scoring Rules (Points / P)

  • Tier 1: If Points are one of the three required categories, the Points total **must be $\mathbf{\ge 25}$**.
  • Tier 2: To use Points as one of the two qualifying categories, the Points total **must be $\mathbf{\ge 40}$** (otherwise, both stats must be $\ge 15$).
  • Tier 3: Points alone qualifies if the total is **$\mathbf{\ge 60}$**.

The Philosophy: Excellence Across All Functions

The multi-tiered system ensures we recognize brilliance across different court functions. It's crucial to stress that this system is designed to offer equal paths to "excellence."

This approach includes specialized players like Dennis Rodman or Dikembe Mutombo (who could qualify via Tier 3 dominance in Rebounds or Blocks), and high-volume scorers like Patrick Ewing, whose 284 games of 25+ points and 10+ rebounds often qualify under Tier 2 criteria. Excellence must be inclusive of all forms of on-court dominance.

Historical Context and Data

We begin comparisons from the 1979-80 season (the Modern Era), marking the introduction of the 3-point line, which fundamentally changed the game. It is simply not possible to make fair, direct statistical comparisons to vastly different eras before this date.

Data is primarily sourced from Basketball-Reference. Data prior to the 1985-86 season was obtained via NBA ABA NBL FIBA Basketball Statistics (except for Magic Johnson's records, provided by the Lakers organization).

Tier 1 Achievers (Regular Season Totals)

  • LeBron James: 31 times so far.
  • Michael Jordan: 22 times.
  • Kobe Bryant: 10 times.
  • Kevin Durant: 5 times so far.

Illustrating Diverse Paths to Excellence (Tiers 2 & 3 Focus)

  • Specialist Dominance (Tier 3): Tim Duncan, Shaquille O'Neal, and Moses Malone. These Hall of Famers often qualify through sheer mastery in a single non-scoring category (Rebounds/Assists/Steals/Blocks $\ge 20$).
  • High-Scoring Dual Excellence (Tier 2): Dirk Nowitzki, Dwyane Wade, and Tracy McGrady. Their excellence typically came from hitting the Dual Dominance threshold (e.g., Points $\ge 40$ \& 15+ in another stat).

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