The NBA's Scoring Explosion

Let me calculate the average points per game for each season across the entire dataset.

This is remarkable. In 2004, teams averaged around 86 points per game. By 2024, that's jumped to 113 points - a 31% increase. The inflection point was around 2015 when the three-point revolution really took off. The pace of play and offensive efficiency have both skyrocketed.

Great question. Let me track home team win percentage over the same 20 years.

Home court advantage has been surprisingly consistent at around 58-60% - until 2020. That massive dip to 54% was the COVID bubble in Orlando. No fans, neutral court, everyone in the same hotel. It proves that crowd noise and travel fatigue really do matter. Notice how it bounced right back to normal once fans returned.

Let me find the iron men of the NBA - players who appeared in the most total games.

LeBron James leads with 1,541 games - that's 19 full 82-game seasons worth of basketball. Vince Carter is right behind at 1,541 as well, spanning an incredible 22-year career. These numbers represent remarkable durability in a sport that punishes bodies.

Let me calculate each team's home win percentage across the full dataset.

The Spurs dominate at 72.7% - nearly three-quarters of their home games are wins. The Denver Nuggets at 67.5% benefit from altitude (5,280 feet elevation is brutal for visiting teams). The Warriors' 66.8% reflects their dynasty years. At the bottom, you'd find rebuilding franchises. Home court matters, but consistency matters more.