Single-Season Paint Scoring Rankings: O'Neal Owns 6 Spots, Zion Ranks Third
10/09/2026 01:00:12 NeNaZavode
Data website Clutch Numbers posted the top 10 single-season NBA rankings for points per game in the paint since the 1996-97 season today, with O'Neal alone occupying six spots.
O'Neal Dominates the Paint
The top two spots on the list both belong to O'Neal: 22.5 points per game in the 1999-00 season and 20.8 points per game in the 1997-98 season. In addition, he also appeared on the list four more times: 20.1 points in the 2001-02 season, 20.0 points in the 2000-01 season, 19.6 points in the 1996-97 season, and 19.6 points in the 2002-03 season.
Zion and Giannis Close Behind
Zion averaged 20.3 points per game in the 2020-21 season, tying Giannis from the 2023-24 season for third place. Giannis also ranks ninth and tenth with 19.5 points in the 2024-25 season and 18.8 points in the 2022-23 season.
This ranking only counts data since the 1996-97 season, and O'Neal's scoring ability in the paint remains unmatched.
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