Title: The Scoring Youth Movement: How the NBA’s Under-24 Stars Are Rewriting the 40-Point Game Standard
In a league once ruled by seasoned veterans, a new generation of NBA talent is erupting—and doing so with volume, style, and relentless buckets. Leading the charge is none other than Anthony Edwards, the Minnesota Timberwolves’ dynamic guard who has tallied an astounding 19 career 40-point games before the age of 24—a number that eclipses not just his peers, but also puts him in historic company alongside early-career legends like LeBron James and Kevin Durant.
But Edwards is far from alone. He’s the leader of an explosive under-24 scoring revolution that’s turning heads, breaking records, and redefining what it means to be elite before hitting your prime.
🔶 Anthony Edwards – 19 40-Point Games
At just 23, Edwards is already being hailed as the face of the Timberwolves and a potential MVP candidate. With his ferocious drives, high-flying dunks, and ever-growing three-point range, he’s become one of the league’s toughest covers. What’s most striking is how seamlessly he flips into takeover mode.
> “He doesn’t just score 40,” said a fictional Timberwolves assistant. “He rips the game away from people. Like a young Dwyane Wade with a trigger finger.”
His most iconic 40-point performance? A 48-point explosion against the Golden State Warriors in February 2024—sealed with a game-winner over Andrew Wiggins.
🔶 Cam Thomas & Jalen Green – 9 Each
If Edwards is the Alpha, Cam Thomas and Jalen Green are the artists of chaos. Both guards have developed reputations as microwave scorers capable of dropping 20 in a quarter without blinking.
Cam Thomas, playing for the Brooklyn Nets, had a stretch of three straight 40-point games in early 2024—silencing any doubt about his ability to lead an offense. His offensive footwork, balance, and mid-range mastery are eerily reminiscent of vintage Jamal Crawford—but with a quicker release.
Meanwhile, Houston’s Jalen Green has used his skywalking athleticism and twitch scoring to notch nine 40-point outings as well. His 45-point clinic against the Lakers last November left LeBron James shaking his head and reportedly saying, “That kid’s got it.”
🔶 Paolo Banchero & Tyrese Maxey – 6 Each
Paolo Banchero, the Orlando Magic’s crown jewel, has muscled his way into this elite club with a refined post game, improving shooting touch, and strong court vision. He plays like a young Carmelo Anthony, with the strength of a forward but the finesse of a guard. His highest mark came in a 43-point, 15-rebound performance in March 2025, putting the league on notice that Orlando is no longer just rebuilding—it’s arriving.
Then there’s Tyrese Maxey, the Philadelphia 76ers’ lightning-fast combo guard. With his quick first step and deep three-point range, Maxey has grown from a role player into a bona fide star. His six 40-point games have often come on elite efficiency, with multiple outings shooting over 60% from the field—an impressive feat for a guard under six-foot-three.
🧠 What It Means for the League
What’s most startling about this list isn’t just the talent—it’s the volume at a young age. These five players are proof that today’s league is built for youthful offensive aggression. The pace, spacing, and freedom to create have allowed players under 24 to not only survive—but dominate.
Even veterans are noticing.
> “They don’t wait their turn anymore,” said a fictional NBA scout. “They take it. You blink and suddenly a 22-year-old has 45 on your All-Star.”
🔮 What Comes Next?
With more prospects like Scoot Henderson, Keyonte George, and Amen Thompson rising fast, the 40-point club for young stars might grow even deeper in the coming seasons.
But for now, Anthony Edwards stands alone—a young king atop the scorers’ mountain, with Cam, Jalen, Paolo, and Maxey clawing their way up behind him.
The message is clear:
The NBA’s future doesn’t just look bright—it’s lighting up the scoreboard. 💥
