How Many NBA Players Have Had A 50-40-90 Season
As of the 2022-23 season, only nine players in NBA history have recorded a 50-40-90 season. These include Larry Bird, who accomplished the feat twice, and Steve Nash, who achieved it four times.
A select few have achieved an impressive feat known as a 50-40-90 season. This rare accomplishment signifies a player's exceptional shooting efficiency across three key areas: field goals, three-pointers, and free throws.
Understanding the 50-40-90 Club
The term "50-40-90" refers to a player hitting more than 50 percent of their field-goal attempts, over 40 percent from the three-point line, and above 90 percent from the free-throw line in a single season. This achievement highlights a player's scoring efficiency and versatility, making it a coveted milestone in the NBA.
The Exclusive Members of the 50-40-90 Club
As of the 2022-23 season, only nine players in NBA history have recorded a 50-40-90 season. These include Larry Bird, who accomplished the feat twice, and Steve Nash, who achieved it four times. Other members of this exclusive club are Mark Price, Reggie Miller, Dirk Nowitzki, Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, Malcolm Brogdon, and most recently, Kyrie Irving.
Kevin Durant's 2022-23 season was particularly noteworthy as he not only joined the 50-40-90 club but also became the first player to record a 55-40-90 season in NBA history.
The Rarity of a 50-40-90 Season
Achieving a 50-40-90 season is no easy task. It requires a player to maintain high shooting accuracy throughout the season, which is challenging given the intense competition and pressure in the NBA. The fact that only nine players have managed to achieve this feat in the league's history underscores its rarity and the exceptional skill required.
The Near-Misses
While nine players have successfully achieved a 50-40-90 season, several others have come close. Steve Nash, for instance, would have recorded five consecutive 50-40-90 seasons from 2005 to 2010 if he hadn't been one free throw shy in the 2006-07 season.
The Future of the 50-40-90 Club
As the game continues to evolve and players become more skilled and versatile, it's likely that we'll see more players join the 50-40-90 club in the future. Stephen Curry, for example, is on the verge of recording his second 50-40-90 season.