In 1972, Los Angeles Laker Jerry West captured the scoring title by notching 2,309 points in 74 games (31.2 points per game average). The same year, West was voted the All-Star MVP despite being on the losing playoff team. West also set the record for the most highest points per game average during a playoffs at 46.3. West, nicknamed Mr. Clutch, was known for making key plays under pressure. He played his entire 14-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers. In 1980, West was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. He was voted as one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA history in 1996. After his playing career, West became head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers and led the team to six championships. He became general manager of the Memphis Grizzlies in 2002 and led the team to their first-ever playoff appearance. He was awarded NBA Executive of the Year in 1995 and 2004.
Today in Sports History: March 24
HONOLULU, HI - OCTOBER 12: Jerry West of the Los Angeles Lakers signs a basketball against the Denver Nuggets during a preseason game on October 12, 1996 at the Stan Sheriff Center in Honolulu, Hawaii. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1996 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)