Have you checked out the nba leaderboard this year? It's been full of shocks and surprises that have left fans like me both excited and puzzled. Let's dive into some of the biggest ones together.
First off, the sudden rise of Ja Morant stands out. Morant is tearing up the court with an average of 27.5 points per game, a significant uptick from his previous seasons. At just 23 years old, his performance has defied what most expected. Watching his games feels like witnessing the birth of a new era for the Memphis Grizzlies.
Then there's Stephen Curry, who, despite being 35, is delivering one of his best seasons yet. His three-pointers are as unstoppable as ever. He's averaging 30.1 points per game and maintaining a shooting percentage that many younger players only dream of. Remember last season when everyone thought he might start declining? Yeah, that didn’t happen.
Moving on, Kevin Durant’s efficiency shocked everyone. He’s averaging an impressive 28.8 points per game while shooting at a 55% clip. This high efficiency at his age and with the mileage he has on those knees is nothing short of incredible. Durant, at 35, seems to be playing smarter and more strategically than ever, utilizing every bit of his experience.
Now, let’s talk about something no one saw coming – the extraordinary performance of LaMelo Ball. His average of 23.2 points per game and 8.4 assists makes him one of the most versatile players on the court this season. Compared to last season, this is a dramatic improvement and definitely not something the experts predicted. Think about it, he’s only in his early twenties, and he’s already making headlines with these stats.
One more surprise worth mentioning is Rudy Gobert. Yes, his defensive prowess remains top-notch, but his offensive game has surprisingly improved. He’s now averaging double-digits in points per game, something that wasn’t typical in previous seasons. His enhanced offensive stats, combined with his already dominant defensive play, place him as a crucial component for the Timberwolves.
Now, how about Luka Dončić? This guy has been a revelation. Averaging a whopping 29.7 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 8.8 assists per game, he’s almost averaging a triple-double. For someone just 24-years old, his stats are beyond impressive. It's difficult to recall any player in recent history making such an impact at such a young age, perhaps aside from LeBron James.
The collective performance of the Oklahoma City Thunder has also been something to talk about. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, in particular, has stood out by averaging 24.9 points per game and steadily climbing the leaderboard. The Thunder, who are in a rebuilding phase, find themselves propelled by his stellar play. You remember how everyone was sure they would be bottom feeders this season? Clearly, that's not the case.
Speaking of rising, Jalen Green of the Houston Rockets has shown significant growth. At just 21, he’s averaging 22.1 points per game. His scoring ability has been one of the most pleasant surprises this season. Watching his explosive drives and dunks, you can’t help but think back to James Harden’s early days with the Rockets.
On the other side of age spectrum, Chris Paul continues to be an assist machine. Averaging 9.2 assists per game at 38, he’s proving that age is just a number. While his scoring might not be what it once was, his court vision and leadership remain as sharp as ever. It’s fascinating to see how players like him adapt their game as they age.
Have we mentioned Joel Embiid yet? Because his stats this season are mind-blowing. He’s averaging 31.9 points and 10.8 rebounds per game, making him one of the top performers in the league. His ability to dominate in both scoring and rebounding makes him a nightmare for any opposing team. What’s more, his durability has improved, addressing one of the main concerns throughout his career.
Let's not forget about LeBron James, even at 38, he's still putting up 29.3 points per game. His longevity and ability to perform at an elite level are unprecedented in NBA history. For comparison, Michael Jordan was 40 when he played his last game, and he averaged 20 points per game that season. LeBron's numbers at a similar age are just on another level.
Another noteworthy point this season is the unexpected dominance of OG Anunoby on the defensive end. Leading the league in steals with an average of 2.4 per game, his defensive instincts have become a critical asset for the Toronto Raptors. His improvement in this area has helped the team significantly in clutch situations.
Finally, the recent breakout of Tyrese Haliburton has caught many fans off guard. At 23 years old, he’s averaging 20.9 points and 10.2 assists per game. His court vision and decision-making are well beyond his years, making the Indiana Pacers a team to watch closely. You know how everyone thought trading him was a mistake for his previous team? Looks like they were right.
Each of these players and their unexpected performances has added an exciting layer to this season. The surprises make following the league more compelling, pushing us to keep an eye on every game as the season unfolds. So, keep coming back to check the leaderboard for more twists and turns!