As the 2024-25 NBA season progresses, several players and teams are making headlines with standout performances that could shape the championship race. This season, spectators and analysts alike are noticing key contributions from stars and role players who are elevating their game to new heights.
Denver Nuggets Soar with Jokic and Braun
Nikola Jokic, already a two-time MVP, is having a season many are considering the apex of his illustrious career. As the linchpin of the Denver Nuggets, Jokic's consistent excellence has established the team as a formidable contender this year. While much of the spotlight is on Jokic, Christian Braun has emerged as an invaluable asset. Scoring 15 points per game with an impressive shooting split of 57% from the field and 40% from the three-point line, Braun's presence on the court is considerable. The Nuggets outperform their opponents by over 27 points per 100 possessions during his time in the game.
The Efficient Scorers: Powell, Hunter, and Herro
Norman Powell is making a significant impact this season, averaging 23 points with a stunning shooting split of 50/48/83. His efficiency is remarkable, hitting 48% of his shots from beyond the arc on eight attempts per game. Powell himself remarked, "I saw it as addition by subtraction. ... More guys getting opportunities, including myself." This mindset is clearly translating into success on the court.
Similarly, De'Andre Hunter is proving his mettle as a sharpshooter, making 45% of his three-point shots on six attempts per game and averaging 19.3 points per game. Tyler Herro stands out as well, scoring 24 points along with 4.8 assists per game, showcasing an efficiency of 128.3 points per 100 shot attempts.
Strategic Changes and Team Dynamics
Among strategic team shifts, Dennis Schroder's recent trade to the Golden State Warriors is paying dividends, with Schroder contributing nearly 19 points per game. His game boasts a true-shooting percentage nearly reaching 60%, providing the Warriors with the backcourt depth they've been seeking.
Meanwhile, the Cleveland Cavaliers have significantly benefited from Caris LeVert's transformation in playing style, making the team 13.9 points better per 100 possessions during his floor time. LeVert's impressive 49% shooting from the three-point line underscores his contribution. Reflecting on LeVert's new role, Kenny Atkinson shared, "I failed in Brooklyn, or we failed in Brooklyn trying to get him to change his shot profile... It's changing his value to our team."
Emerging Stars and Milestone Achievements
Andrew Wiggins of the Golden State Warriors and Payton Pritchard continue to demonstrate their shooting prowess. Wiggins is averaging 44% from beyond the arc on over five attempts per game, while Pritchard sports an effective field goal percentage of 68.1%, notching over 16 points per game with 43.5% success from the three-point line on nine attempts.
AJ Green’s performance also deserves recognition, achieving a staggering effective field goal percentage of 71.3% on his three-point attempts, marking him as a highly efficient player for his team.
Milwaukee Bucks' Strong Finish
The Milwaukee Bucks have been a force to reckon with as they closed the regular season with an impressive track record. Winning 12 of their last 15 games—and further extending their success with a victory in the NBA Cup title game—the Bucks have shown resilience and strong team dynamics as the season progresses.
The 2024-25 NBA season continues to captivate fans with its remarkable performances and strategic team shifts. As players excel and teams adjust their strategies, the landscape of the NBA is as thrilling and unpredictable as ever, promising a season full of surprises and high-stakes basketball.