**HISTORIC: Kyrie Irving Becomes the Only Point Guard in the 50-40-90 Club After the 2020s**
The NBA’s 50-40-90 club is one of the most exclusive fraternities in basketball history, reserved for players who achieve the remarkable feat of shooting at least 50% from the field, 40% from three-point range, and 90% from the free-throw line in a single season. This statistical trifecta is a testament to a player’s elite efficiency, shooting mastery, and overall offensive brilliance. Over the years, only a handful of players have joined this prestigious club, with legends like Larry Bird, Steve Nash, Dirk Nowitzki, and Stephen Curry etching their names into its annals. However, in the 2020s, Kyrie Irving accomplished something unprecedented—he became the first and only point guard in NBA history to achieve a 50-40-90 season after the turn of the decade, solidifying his place among the greatest shooters and offensive maestros the game has ever seen.
Kyrie Irving’s journey to this historic milestone was anything but conventional. Known for his mesmerizing handles, clutch shot-making, and unorthodox playing style, Irving has always been a scoring savant. Yet, his ability to balance volume scoring with hyper-efficiency was often overshadowed by narratives surrounding his off-court decisions and team dynamics. However, during the 2022-23 season with the Brooklyn Nets, Irving silenced all doubters by delivering one of the most efficient campaigns ever by a guard. Playing alongside Kevin Durant and later as the focal point of the offense, Irving posted averages of 27.1 points per game while shooting 51.0% from the field, 41.8% from three, and 91.5% from the free-throw line. In doing so, he joined the 50-40-90 club—a feat made even more impressive by the fact that no other point guard had achieved it in over a decade.
What makes Irving’s accomplishment even more remarkable is the context in which it occurred. The modern NBA is faster, more perimeter-oriented, and defensively sophisticated than ever before. Guards, especially primary ball-handlers, face intense defensive pressure, double teams, and complex schemes designed to limit their efficiency. For a point guard to maintain such pristine shooting splits in this era speaks volumes about Irving’s skill level. Unlike traditional floor generals who prioritize playmaking over scoring, Irving blends both with an artistry rarely seen. His ability to create his own shot from anywhere on the floor, finish acrobatically at the rim, and knock down contested threes with ease makes him a nightmare for defenders. The fact that he did this while also maintaining a high usage rate and being the primary offensive engine for stretches of the season underscores his historic efficiency.
To fully appreciate Irving’s achievement, it’s essential to examine the rarity of the 50-40-90 club itself. Before him, only eight players had ever accomplished the feat, with Steve Nash (four times) and Larry Bird (twice) being the most frequent members. Stephen Curry, widely regarded as the greatest shooter of all time, only came close once (2015-16) but narrowly missed the free-throw threshold at 90.8% (the cutoff is 90.0%). Dirk Nowitzki, Kevin Durant, and Malcolm Brogdon (the only other guard besides Nash to do it before Irving) rounded out the list. However, none of them were traditional point guards tasked with both orchestrating the offense and scoring at an elite level. Irving’s ability to join this group while shouldering the responsibilities of a lead guard—handling the ball, creating for others, and navigating defensive traps—makes his season one for the ages.
Another layer to Irving’s historic season was the adversity he faced. The 2022-23 campaign was tumultuous for the Brooklyn Nets, marked by injuries, roster changes, and off-court distractions. James Harden had been traded the previous season, Ben Simmons struggled with injuries and form, and Kevin Durant eventually requested a trade mid-season. Through it all, Irving remained a constant offensive force, adapting to different roles and maintaining his efficiency despite the chaos. His ability to stay locked in and deliver night after night, even as the team’s playoff hopes fluctuated, demonstrated his mental toughness and professionalism—a side of his game often overlooked in mainstream narratives.
Statistically, Irving’s season was a masterclass in shot selection and execution. He shot a career-high 60.5% on two-pointers, showcasing his elite finishing around the rim and mid-range prowess. His three-point shooting (41.8%) placed him among the league’s best snipers, and his free-throw percentage (91.5%) was second only to Damian Lillard among high-volume shooters. What’s more, he did this while taking nearly 20 shots per game, proving that his efficiency wasn’t a product of low volume or selective shooting. Whether it was step-back threes, floaters in the lane, or impossible layups through traffic, Irving’s bag of tricks was on full display, and defenders had no answer.
Beyond the numbers, Irving’s 50-40-90 season cements his legacy as one of the most skilled players ever. While debates about his impact on winning and leadership will persist, there’s no denying his place among the game’s offensive pantheon. His handles are unmatched, his shooting is pristine, and his ability to perform under pressure is legendary. Joining the 50-40-90 club—especially as the only point guard to do so in the 2020s—adds another layer to his Hall of Fame résumé. In an era dominated by three-point shooting and analytics, Irving’s season stands out as a reminder that artistry and efficiency can coexist at the highest level.
As the NBA continues to evolve, Kyrie Irving’s 2022-23 campaign will be remembered as a historic benchmark for point guards. The 50-40-90 club is already exclusive, but Irving’s entry into it as the only pure point guard of the decade makes it even more special. Whether fans love or question his career choices, one thing is undeniable: when it comes to pure basketball skill and offensive mastery, Kyrie Irving is in a class of his own. And this milestone—forever etched in the record books—proves it.
