Putting the ball in the basket in clutch situations is often the difference between winning and losing in basketball. Coaches spend much of their time in practice working on set-ups and formations that will allow top shooters the opportunity to take a good shot. Scorers, on the other hand, will find a way to come up with their own scoring opportunities.
Shooters
A top shooter can hit an important basket when he is coming off a screen set by a teammate in clutch situations. A shooter has the ability to get open, receive the ball and fire up a quick shot with accuracy and consistency. A shooter benefits from good team play because his teammates will look to pass him the ball when the game is on the line. A shooter will have a difficult time getting open when covered tightly and may not be able to create a play on his own.
Scorers
Scorers are tough-minded players who have confidence to succeed at any point in the game by taking the responsibility of putting the ball in the basket on their own. A scorer doesn't care about getting a pass or a teammate setting a screen for her. Instead, she will take the ball and drive to the basket and put it up, even if she is being double-covered. A scorer has to have the mentality that she will get the job done no matter what.
Leadership
A scorer is usually a leader who knows he can rise to the occasion when the game is on the line. He lives for the challenge and he may put up poor shots throughout the game, but he will find a way to put the ball in the basket when the game is on the line. He loves that challenge. A shooter does not have the same kind of mentality. He knows his team is counting on him and will also relish the opportunity, but he can't always create a play on his own. A shooter is dependent on his team helping him to get opportunities, while a scorer will take the responsibility for winning a game by putting the outcome on his own shoulders.
Great Scorers
From the time Michael Jordan came into the National Basketball Association as a rookie with the Chicago Bulls in the 1984-85 season, he was a big-time scorer who came through in clutch situations. However, he would miss big shots from time to time. As he improved and grew in stature, he remained a great scorer but he also became a fine shooter. Kobe Bryant has been the Los Angeles Lakers primary weapon in game-ending situations since he joined the team as a rookie in the 1996-97 season. While his career shooting percentage is 45.4 percent through the 2010-11 season, he remains one of the great scorers in league history with a career average of 25.3 points per game.
Top Shooters
Great shooters have been some of the most legendary players in NBA history. Larry Bird brought the Celtics back to the top of the basketball world with his all-around play and leadership. But his uncanny ability to hit the tough outside shot was probably his biggest asset. Ray Allen has demonstrated a similar ability throughout his career with the Milwaukee Bucks, Seattle SuperSonics and the Celtics. Dallas Mavericks sharpshooter Dirk Nowitzki has averaged 23 points per game in his 13-year career through the 2010-11 season while shooting 47.6 percent from the field.
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