When discussing the legacies of two of the greatest players in NBA history—Stephen Curry and LeBron James—there are numerous stats and accolades that highlight their greatness. However, one statistic that stands out in an astonishing way is the number of single-digit scoring games each has had throughout their careers. This statistic speaks volumes about their consistency, reliability, and ability to perform under pressure.
LeBron’s Unparalleled Consistency
LeBron James, often regarded as one of the most complete players in basketball history, has demonstrated an incredible level of consistency over his 20-plus year career. From his rookie season in 2003 to the present, LeBron has been a dominant force on the court. He has played through multiple eras, adjusted to rule changes, and evolved his game while still maintaining an elite level of performance.
One of the most mind-blowing aspects of LeBron’s career is the rarity of single-digit scoring games. In over 1,400 career regular-season games, LeBron has only had a handful of games where he failed to score at least 10 points. In fact, most of those occurred in his early years or in games where he was injured or played limited minutes. This speaks to his ability to contribute offensively at an elite level night in and night out, regardless of circumstances.
Even in the playoffs, where defenses tighten and superstars are put under immense scrutiny, LeBron has maintained a ridiculous level of scoring consistency. His ability to avoid single-digit scoring nights in high-stakes games has been one of the defining aspects of his greatness.
Steph Curry’s Unique Style and Rare Off-Nights
Stephen Curry, the greatest shooter in NBA history and a transformative figure in the game, has built his career on his ability to score in ways never seen before. His deep-range three-point shooting, off-ball movement, and quick release have revolutionized the way basketball is played. Despite his undeniable greatness, Steph has had more single-digit scoring games than LeBron—though this is largely a result of his style of play and the way defenses approach him.
Unlike LeBron, who is a physical force capable of scoring inside at will, Curry’s game is more dependent on perimeter shooting. When his shot isn’t falling or when he’s swarmed by aggressive defenses, he can have occasional off-nights. Additionally, Curry has had stretches of his career where he played limited minutes due to injuries or because his team was blowing out opponents, leading to a few single-digit games where he wasn’t needed to contribute heavily.
That being said, when Curry gets hot, he can put up numbers that make up for any rare scoring struggles. His ability to go off for 40 or 50 points in a game is what makes him one of the most explosive scorers in history.
The Numbers Tell the Story
When looking at the raw numbers, the difference between the two is staggering. While LeBron has had fewer than 10 single-digit scoring games in over 1,400 career outings, Curry has had dozens. However, context is key.
- LeBron’s low single-digit game count is a testament to his versatility. Even when he’s not shooting well, he can drive, post up, or get to the free-throw line to ensure he puts up double digits.
- Curry’s occasional struggles are largely a result of his three-point heavy approach. When a shooter has an off-night, they don’t have as many easy fallback scoring options as a player like LeBron.
Final Thoughts
Both LeBron James and Stephen Curry are legendary players, but their approaches to scoring and their consistency in putting up points differ dramatically. LeBron’s ability to avoid single-digit games throughout two decades in the league is nearly unprecedented, while Curry’s rare off-nights are simply a reflection of the difficulty of his shot-making style.
At the end of the day, both players are among the greatest of all time, and their impact on the game extends far beyond any single statistic. But if you’re looking for a truly wild stat that highlights the contrast between their styles, the gap in single-digit scoring games is one of the most mind-blowing numbers in NBA history.
