With the 2022–2023 NBA season now past the halfway point, teams and players are setting new benchmarks and breaking long-standing records across the league. From scoring eruptions to rebounding dominance and everything in between, there is plenty of history being made on the hardwood this year.
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Content Highlights
- Franchise cornerstones like Luka Doncic, Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo are putting up stats on par with all-time great seasons.
- Young stars such as Ja Morant, Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball earned first or second All-Star selections amidst breakout years.
- Veterans like Chris Paul, Kevin Durant and LeBron James continue to amaze despite their age, cementing historic legacies.
- The Rookie of the Year race looks extremely tight, with Paolo Banchero, Benedict Mathurin and Jaden Ivey all impressing.
Let’s take a look at some of the key stats and records already achieved or within reach for every franchise as the second half of the campaign gets underway.
Atlanta Hawks
- Trae Young is averaging 27.3 points and 9.9 assists per game, keeping pace for new career highs in both categories.
- Young is also shooting 46.6% from the field and 38.2% from 3-point range, significantly improving accuracy over last season.
- With five triple-doubles so far, Young could challenge his career-best of seven in a single season.
Boston Celtics
- Jayson Tatum is averaging career-highs of 31.2 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per contest.
- His scoring average of 31.2 ppg puts Tatum on pace to beat Larry Bird’s franchise record of 29.9 ppg, set in 1987-1988.
- Jaylen Brown is averaging 26.8 points while shooting 49.8% from the field and 36.3% on 3-pointers, all career-best marks.
Brooklyn Nets
- Despite the drama surrounding the team, Kevin Durant is putting up MVP-caliber numbers of 29.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 1.5 blocks per game.
- Durant’s scoring average keeps him in line to join an exclusive club of players who have averaged at least 25 points per game in their age-34 season or later.
Charlotte Hornets
- LaMelo Ball made his first All-Star team selection in just his third NBA season, cementing his status as a franchise cornerstone.
- Ball is averaging 23.3 points, 8.4 assists, and 6.4 rebounds per game while shooting 45.7% from the field and 37.5% from deep.
- Terry Rozier is scoring 21.0 points per contest on 47.8% shooting, both career-best marks.
Chicago Bulls
- Zach LaVine earned his second career All-Star selection and first as a member of the Bulls after being named an injury replacement.
- DeMar DeRozan is averaging 25.9 points on 50.8% shooting, keeping pace to set a new franchise record for field goal percentage in a season.
- Nikola Vucevic’s double-double average of 17.5 points and 11.1 rebounds has him on track to be just the fourth player in Bulls history to post those numbers for a full season.
Cleveland Cavaliers
- Donovan Mitchell is averaging 28.4 points per game in his first season in Cleveland, the highest scoring average by a Cavaliers player since LeBron James in 2009–2010.
- If he maintains his current average, Mitchell would set a new single-season scoring record after never topping 26.4 points per game previously in his career.
- Darius Garland earned his first All-Star selection in his third NBA season, taking another leap to cement his status as part of Cleveland’s new star backcourt.
Dallas Mavericks
- Luka Doncic is making a strong MVP case by averaging 33.8 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 8.6 assists per game while shooting 50.3% from the field.
- With 13 triple-doubles to his name already, Doncic has a chance to break his own franchise record of 17 set during the 2019–2020 campaign.
- Doncic’s scoring average of 33.8 ppg puts him on pace to be the first player since Michael Jordan in 1986–1987 to average at least 33 points, 8 rebounds and 8 assists for a full season.
Denver Nuggets
- Despite missing two-time MVP Nikola Jokic for several games due to injury, the Nuggets remain firmly in the Western Conference playoff picture.
- With averages of 24.7 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 10.1 assists, Jokic is nearly averaging a triple-double for the second straight season, should he maintain that pace.
- Jamal Murray bounced back after a severe ACL injury cost him all of 2021-2022, regaining his All-Star form by averaging 20.8 points and 5.4 assists per game.
Detroit Pistons
- With averages of 23.2 points and 7.9 assists per game, guard Cade Cunningham is building a strong case to be named the NBA’s Most Improved Player in just his second pro season.
- Cunningham has boosted his shooting accuracy across the board, making 48.6% from the field, 36.2% on 3-pointers, and 84.9% from the free throw line.
- Saddiq Bey set a new franchise record when he made 10 three-pointers as part of a 51-point outburst against the Golden State Warriors on December 30th.
Golden State Warriors
- Despite injuries and inconsistent play plaguing their title defense, Stephen Curry continues to put up MVP-worthy numbers, averaging 29.3 points per game to go along with 6.3 rebounds and 6.1 assists.
- Klay Thompson has rebounded from three injury-marred seasons to average 21.4 points while shooting 45.6% from the field and 41.3% from beyond the arc.
- With Curry and Thompson clicking, the Warriors lead the NBA in both three-point makes and attempts per game once again.
[Video Credit:@Golden State Warriors]
Houston Rockets
- Jalen Green has taken a big step forward in his sophomore season, increasing his scoring average by over 7 points from his rookie campaign to 21.0 per game.
- The second-year guard is shooting much more efficiently as well, with field goal, three-point and free throw percentages all significantly up.
- With Eric Gordon likely on his way out via trade, Green will have even more opportunities to develop as a primary scoring threat moving forward.
Indiana Pacers
- Tyrese Haliburton has cemented himself as a franchise building block after arriving from Sacramento last season, making his first All-Star team while averaging 20.2 points and an NBA-best 10.2 assists per game.
- Myles Turner is averaging 16.4 points, 7.9 rebounds, and a career-best 2.4 blocks, earning recognition as one of the best defensive big men in the league.
- Buddy Hield set a new franchise record with 11 three-point makes in Indiana’s December 23rd loss against the Brooklyn Nets.
Los Angeles Clippers
- Paul George has returned from injury with vengeance, averaging 23.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game while getting named an All-Star starter.
- At just 22 years old, Ivica Zubac earned the first All-Star nod of his career (as an injury replacement) during a breakout season as the Clippers’ starting center.
- Despite missing all of last season rehabbing an ACL injury, Kawhi Leonard has returned to an All-Star level by averaging 21.1 points, 8.1 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.2 steals per contest.
Los Angeles Lakers
- Despite massive struggles for his Lakers, LeBron James continues to make history, most recently becoming the NBA’s all-time leading scorer and reaching 38,000 career points faster than anyone ever.
- Anthony Davis proved why he’s still one of basketball’s most dominant forces when healthy, averaging 26.3 points during an eight-game stretch before being sidelined once again by injury.
- Should they qualify, the Lakers would become the first defending champions in NBA history to miss the playoffs the following season.
Memphis Grizzlies
- Ja Morant has taken yet another leap in his fourth season, averaging 27.3 points and 8.2 assists for the Western Conference-leading Grizzlies.
- Morant was named an All-Star starter for the second straight year and also earned the first two Western Conference Player of the Week honors this season.
– Center Steven Adams set a new franchise record with 23 total rebounds against the Philadelphia 76ers on November 4th.
Miami Heat
- Jimmy Butler earned his seventh All-Star selection and sixth in the past seven seasons amid another impressive campaign, averaging 21.7 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game.
- At just 20 years old, Tyler Herro has become a dynamic scorer off the bench, averaging 21.4 points per game to lead the Heat in that category.
- Bam Adebayo has heated up after a slow start, stringing together nine straight double-doubles in January while averaging 21.8 points, 10.9 rebounds, and 5.0 assists during that stretch.
Milwaukee Bucks
- Two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo continues to put up absurd stat lines on a nightly basis, averaging 31.1 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per contest.
- If he keeps up this pace, Giannis would join elite company as one of only five players in NBA history to average at least 31 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists over a full season.
Jrue Holiday earned the third All-Star selection of his career, steadily guiding Milwaukee’s offense with averages of 19.4 points and 7.2 assists per game.
Minnesota Timberwolves
- Anthony Edwards became the third-youngest player ever to be voted an All-Star starter, being recognized as a rising superstar in his third NBA season.
- Karl-Anthony Towns was averaging 21.4 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 5.3 assists before a severe calf strain ended his season prematurely.
- Rudy Gobert leads the NBA with 14.9 rebounds per game in his first season in Minnesota after arriving via blockbuster trade from the Utah Jazz.
New Orleans Pelicans
- Zion Williamson has retuned from missing all of last season with a vengeance, garnering All-Star starter honors while averaging 26.3 points on sensational 60.5% shooting from the field.
- With averages of 11.9 rebounds and 6.3 assists to go along with his scoring, Zion joins Giannis as the only player currently averaging at least 26 points, 11 rebounds and 6 assists.
- Brandon Ingram earned his first All-Star selection since arriving in New Orleans, putting up 20.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game.
New York Knicks
- Julius Randle has bounced back from a down season, regaining his All-Star form by averaging 24.7 points, 10.9 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game.
- Randle also upped his three-point shooting substantially to a career-best 41.5% accuracy from deep.
- Jalen Brunson has thrived as the Knicks’ new starting point guard, posting 21.0 points and 6.2 assists per contest in the first season after arriving via free agency.
Oklahoma City Thunder
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander earned career-bests across the board and his first All-Star selection, putting up 30.7 points (6th in the NBA), 6.1 assists, 4.9 rebounds, 1.6 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game.
- Josh Giddey became the youngest player in NBA history to record a triple-double at 19 years and 349 days old on November 12th against the Knicks.
- Lu Dort is averaging 14.7 points while shooting 38.9% from three-point range and 86.7% from the free throw line, substantial increases in efficiency from past seasons.
Orlando Magic
- Number one overall draft pick Paolo Banchero has dazzled since Day 1, leading all rookies in scoring (20.7 ppg) while showcasing his versatile offensive skillset.
- Bol Bol set a new Magic franchise record with 11 blocked shots against the Philadelphia 76ers on December 27th.
- After arriving in a draft-night trade with Denver, Terrence Ross became the fastest player ever to reach 600 three-pointers in a Magic uniform.
Philadelphia 76ers
- Despite nagging injuries all season, Joel Embiid leads the league in scoring at 33.4 points per game and ranks third in rebounding with 9.8 per contest.
- Embiid’s scoring prowess has him on pace to be the first center to average over 33 points per game since Moses Malone (31.1 ppg) in 1981–1982.
- James Harden is averaging 10.8 assists per game, which would be his highest mark since arriving in Houston in 2012.
Phoenix Suns
- In Chris Paul’s 18th NBA season, the 37-year-old continues to perform at an elite level, averaging 9.4 assists (6th in the NBA) and shooting a career-high 48.4% on two-point shots.
- Deandre Ayton is shooting a blistering 63.1% from the field, keeping pace to post the highest single-season mark ever by a Suns player.
- Devin Booker earned his fourth All-Star selection and first start, averaging 27.1 points (8th in the NBA), 5.6 assists, and 4.9 rebounds per game.
Portland Trail Blazers
- Despite uncertainty surrounding the team’s direction after trading away Damian Lillard and others from their core, Anfernee Simons and Jerami Grant are enjoying career-best seasons.
- Simons made his first All-Star team while averaging 24.2 points and 4.2 assists per game as Dame’s successor at point guard.
- Grant filled the flexibility forward role perfectly by averaging 21.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.7 assists while shooting 48.5% from the field and 41.5% on threes.
Sacramento Kings
- Domantas Sabonis earned his third career All-Star nod amidst a stellar season since arriving via trade from Indiana, averaging 18.9 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 7.3 assists per game.
- De’Aaron Fox is having a breakout year as well, putting up 24.3 points, 6.1 assists, and 4.4 rebounds, all career-highs if maintained.
- Kevin Huerter has found the perfect role after an offseason trade from Atlanta, averaging 15.9 points while shooting an uber-efficient 50.6% from the field and 46.6% from beyond the arc.
San Antonio Spurs
- Keldon Johnson continues his impressive development curve as a dynamic young wing, increasing his scoring average to 21.7 points in 2022-2023.
- veteran big man Zach Collins regained his early career form after serious foot and ankle injuries nearly derailed his career, averaging 13.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game.
- Rookies Jeremy Sochan, Malaki Branham and Blake Wesley have all shown promising flashes of potential amidst San Antonio’s rebuild.
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Toronto Raptors
- Pascal Siakam has taken his game to another level after last year’s All-NBA selection, averaging career highs of 25.6 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 6.2 assists.
- If he maintains his current averages, Siakam would become the first non-guard to average at least 25 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists since Larry Bird in 1986–1987.
- Gary Trent Jr. earned career-high marks across the board by averaging 18.4 points per game on 45.5% shooting from the field and 38.7% accuracy from beyond the arc.
Utah Jazz
- Lauri Markkanen was acquired for essentially nothing via trade from Cleveland and has been arguably the steal of the offseason, averaging 24.9 points and 8.7 rebounds per game.
- Markkanen earned his first All-Star nod amid a breakout season, anchoring Utah’s attack far better than anyone could have expected entering a rebuild.
- Jordan Clarkson continues to be an elite bench scorer, averaging 21.2 points per contest to keep pace as one of only five reserves in the past 35 years to average over 20 points off the bench.
Washington Wizards
- Despite missing significant time recently due to injury, Bradley Beal is still averaging 22.9 points and 5.2 assists, which would give him 10 straight seasons averaging at least 22 points per game.
- At just 19 years old, rookie Johnny Davis became the second-youngest player ever to record a double-double for Washington when he posted 24 points and 10 rebounds on January 2nd.
- Kyle Kuzma narrowly missed out on his first All-Star selection but is still enjoying a career year, averaging 21.8 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per contest.
Conclusion
As we pass the midway point of the 2022–2023 season, both players and teams across the association are rewriting record books with historic stat lines. From MVP candidates like Luka Doncic, Joel Embiid and Giannis Antetokounmpo putting up eye-popping numbers to young stars like Ja Morant, LaMelo Ball and Anthony Edwards announcing their arrival, jaw-dropping performances have become almost nightly occurrences.
With the playoff races heating up, players and teams will only continue raising their levels down the stretch. Buckle up for what should be a memorable second half!
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is leading the league in scoring?
As of now, Joel Embiid leads the NBA at 33.4 points per game.
How many triple-doubles does Luka Doncic have so far?
Doncic has recorded 13 triple-doubles this season, putting him on pace to break his own Mavericks single-season record of 17.
What rookie is averaging the most points per game?
Number one overall draft pick Paolo Banchero leads all first-year players at 20.7 points per contest.
