By: Salil Karkhanis
With the 2024-2025 NBA season almost a month in, there have been plenty of ups and downs and plenty of contenders and pretenders. Let’s dive into the season and pick apart the best moments.
Same Faces, New Places
So far, the 2024-2025 season features plenty of returning superstars, although some have suited up for different teams. Let’s just name the big one right away, as 34-year old, four time NBA champion Klay Thompson signed with the Dallas Mavericks this offseason, leaving the Golden State Warriors. He has had a solid season so far, averaging 28 minutes, 14.8 points, 2.1 assists, and 3.7 rebounds on 41 FG%. On November 12, he made his return back to the Bay and dropped 22 points; however, fellow Splash Brother Steph Curry put him in his place by dropping 37 points in a narrow 3 point win for the Warriors (120-117). Klay Thompson’s replacement, Buddy Hield, has been outperforming Klay by averaging 17.6 points and 4 rebounds on 49.6 FG%. Next up, we have Paul George signing with the Philadelphia 76ers. This move hasn’t worked out nearly as well as Philly would have hoped seeing that they have a 2-9 record. George has had to miss multiple games due to knee problems, and fellow superstar Joel Embid has also been sidelined by injury.
Next up, let’s analyze the blockbuster Minnesota Timberwolves & New York Knicks trade. The Knicks have been underperforming after acquiring Karl Anthony Towns, as their 5-6 record doesn’t reflect their talent. Last night, they played the Bulls in an epic finish where teams exchanged the lead and Jalen Brunson’s last second shot swirled out of the basket, handing them the loss. KAT dropped 46 points, and it feels as if the team lacks chemistry and has already suffered their share of close losses. They will need to step up to replace Donte DiVincenzo’s three-point shooting. Speaking of shooting 3s, Anthony Edwards leads the league in 3-pointers made at 58. However, the Timberwolves have also hit a rough spot at 6-6. Without Karl Anthony Towns, their defense has dropped significantly, something they will have to correct if they want to push forward.
East vs. West Disparity
This season has quite a large disparity between the quality of teams in the East compared to the West. Aside from the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Boston Celtics, the rest of the East is struggling. If you don’t include the aforementioned teams and the Orlando Magic, EVERY OTHER TEAM IS BELOW.500. This is a shock as a lot of contenders, such as the Knicks, Bucks, and the 76ers, are all down in the slumps. The West is far better as 11 teams are .500 or better. The West is a brutal bloodbath as teams are scrapping to make the play-in. The East has a lot of trash teams making the playoffs, such as the Bulls (5-7), Pistons (5-8), and the Nets (5-7).
Greatest Moments
Some of the most notable players this season have been under the radar. Nikola Jokic has somehow averaged 29.7/13.7/11.7, which puts him 1st for assists, 1st for rebounds, and 5th for scoring. This might be his fourth MVP season as he has been carrying an injured Nuggets team to a 7-3 formula. The Thunder features an all-star level starting lineup led by their front-runner for MVP, Shai-Gilgeous Alexander. The Thunder do have the #1 seed in the West, an impressive feat. Shai has 27.9 points/1.8 steals on 49.8% FG. My pick for MVP would have to go to Nikola Jokic as he is shooting at an absurd 56.4% from 3. This probably won’t last the whole season, but if I had to pick someone to win today, my pick goes to Nikola Jokic.
Power Rankings
- Cleveland Cavaliers (13-0)
- Boston Celtics (9-3)
- Oklahoma City Thunder (10-2)
- Golden State Warriors (9-2)
- Denver Nuggets (7-3)
- Phoenix Suns (9-3)
- Minnesota Timberwolves (6-6)
- Memphis Grizzlies (7-5)
- Dallas Mavericks (5-7)
- Houston Rockets (7-4)
