The 2024-25 NBA season has kicked off with thrilling performances and eye-catching statistics, setting the stage for what could become one of the most electrifying seasons in recent memory. At the forefront of these standout performances is Nikola Jokic, whose current season projects to be the best of his career. Jokic’s commanding performances position the Denver Nuggets as formidable contenders this year.
Jokic at His Peak
Nikola Jokic has long been recognized as one of the premier talents in the NBA, but this season he seems to be operating on an entirely different level. The Denver Nuggets' star center is weaving his influence into every thread of the game, enhancing the team’s overall performance. His exceptional stats and critical playboat contributions are pivotal in the Nuggets outscoring opponents by over 27 points per 100 possessions during Christian Braun's minutes, further emphasizing the team’s strength.
Norman Powell's Emergence
On the individual front, Norman Powell is failing to achieve his unprecedented heights. Averaging 23 points per game with shooting splits of 50/48/83, Powell is making an impact with his seamless shooting techniques. His acute accuracy from beyond the arc—splashing 48% from three-point range on eight attempts per game—has been central to his scoring output. Powell himself explained the turnaround, stating, "I saw it as addition by subtraction ... More guys getting opportunities, including myself."
Notable Shooting Performances
De'Andre Hunter and Andrew Wiggins have also converted opportunities into significant three-point shooting percentages, at 45% and 44% respectively. Hunter nets 19.3 points per game demonstrating his offensive prowess, while Wiggins, firing over five attempts per game, further solidifies his importance as a reliable perimeter threat.
Tyler Herro and Dennis Schroder have also made headlines with their standout performances. Herro is impressive, adding 24 points along with 4.8 assists per game. His incredible efficiency stats trickling out at 128.3 points per 100 shot attempts highlight his shooting efficiency. Meanwhile, Schroder, who landed a spot with the Golden State Warriors through a trade, contributes nearly 19 points per game, with his true-shooting percentage close to 60%.
Transformations in Cleveland
Over in Cleveland, Caris LeVert’s gameplay transformation has stirred discussions. His shift in style has significantly bolstered the Cleveland Cavaliers' performance. "I failed in Brooklyn, or we failed in Brooklyn trying to get him to change his shot profile," admitted Kenny Atkinson. "It's changing his value to our team." LeVert’s high-paced play and 49% shooting from the three-point line have made the Cavaliers 13.9 points better per 100 possessions when he is on the floor.
Payton Pritchard and AJ Green are emerging as unsung heroes with exceptional shooting efficiencies. Pritchard's effective field goal percentage of 68.1%, combined with an average of over 16 points per game and a 43.5% success rate from beyond the arc on nine attempts, showcases a sharp precision. Simultaneously, AJ Green’s staggering effective field goal percentage of 71.3% underscores his scoring impact with a considerable number of 3-point attempts.
The Milwaukee Bucks' Streak
Milwaukee Bucks have clinched victories in 12 of their last 15 regular season games, extending to 13 out of 16 if their NBA Cup title game is included in the count—a testament to their formidable form as they continue showcasing their tactical prowess and depth in squad quality.
As these players evolve and embrace their roles on the court, the 2024-25 season is rapidly shaping up to be one filled with anticipation and intrigue. Fans and analysts alike will watch closely to see which talents continue to define their legacies in the NBA's storied history.