The 202526 NBA season is just around the corner and it is an ideal moment to revisit the plotlines, talent, and statistical performances that characterized 202425. Last year had it all: superstars to new levels, up-and-coming players taking their spots, and teams surpassing expectations. Records were shattered, stories were changed and the fans were experiencing a historic, as well as transformative, season.
We should go back to the players and the clubs who made the most impact on the most important categories in the whole league.
Scoring Leaders
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was the leader of the scoring lists last year, accumulating a staggering 2,484 points, a feat that James Harden had not hit previously. His attack was historic in character. Immediately below him, Anthony Edwards was still surging to become a superstar, and Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jayson Tatum were still constants in the top positions.
Top Scorers
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: 2,484
Anthony Edwards: 2,177
Nikola Jokić: 2,071
Giannis Antetokounmpo: 2,036
Jayson Tatum: 1,932
Team Scoring Leaders
Cleveland Cavaliers: 9,999
Memphis Grizzlies: 9,980
Denver Nuggets: 9,902
Rebounding Leaders
Ivica Zubac inscribed his name on the history of Clippers on the glass. The 1,010 rebounds he had were the first time a Clipper reached the 1,000 mark since DeAndre Jordan did in 201718. That’s dominance. Domantas Sabonis, Karl-Anthony Towns, Nikola Jokic and upcoming force Jalen Duren were also too tenacious in the paint.
Top Rebounders
Ivica Zubac: 1,010
Domantas Sabonis: 972
Karl-Anthony Towns: 920
Nikola Jokić: 892
Jalen Duren: 807
Team Rebounding Leaders
Houston Rockets: 3,974
Memphis Grizzlies: 3,875
Chicago Bulls: 3,760
Assist Leaders
Trae Young planned the Atlanta attack with surgical perfection, serving 880 assists, and broke the Hawks’ franchise record. Jokic was again reminded that he was not only a scorer or rebounder, but one of the greatest passing big men that the game had ever witnessed.
Top Playmakers
Trae Young: 880
Nikola Jokić: 716
James Harden: 687
Tyrese Haliburton: 673
Cade Cunningham: 638
Team Assist Leaders
Denver Nuggets: 2,542
Atlanta Hawks: 2,426
Indiana Pacers: 2,398
Steal Leaders
Defensively, Dyson Daniels had produced one of the best seasons in recent times. His 229 steals were the most in the last four years since Gary Payton made his legendary 199596 campaign. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander demonstrated his two-sided brilliance, and Kris Dunn, Nikola Jokic, and Keon Ellis were also disruptive.
Top Defenders (Steals)
Dyson Daniels: 229
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: 131
Kris Dunn: 128
Nikola Jokić: 127
Keon Ellis: 121
Team Steal Leaders
Oklahoma City Thunder: 847
Atlanta Hawks: 798
LA Clippers: 773
Block Leaders
Victor Wembanyama has soon become the ultimate rim protector of the NBA. Only in his second year, he became the leader in the league in terms of blocks (176), which again established his status as a defensive anchor of the generation. Other players that guarded the paint with power were veterans such as Brook Lopez and Myles Turner Walker Kessler, and Evan Mobley.
Top Shot-Blockers
Victor Wembanyama: 176
Brook Lopez: 148
Myles Turner: 144
Walker Kessler: 138
Evan Mobley & Jaren Jackson Jr.: 113
Team Block Leaders
Orlando Magic: 488
Oklahoma City Thunder: 465
Memphis Grizzlies: 462
Three-Point Leaders
The 202425 season was a history maker outside the arc. It was the first time that three players had 300+ threes in a single season: Anthony Edwards, Malik Beasley, and the always-dependable Stephen Curry. Edwards made it to the top of the list in a close, which indicated that he was coming with one of the best scorers of the league on a deep level.
Top 5-Point Shooters
Anthony Edwards: 320
Malik Beasley: 319
Stephen Curry: 311
Derrick White: 265
Payton Pritchard: 255
Team 3-Point Leaders
Boston Celtics: 1,457
Cleveland Cavaliers: 1,303
Chicago Bulls: 1,266
Final Take
The 202425 season of the NBA was not just another season in the history of the league, but it was a demonstration of the way basketball is developing. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Victor Wembanyama, and Trae Young transcended limits, and players such as Dyson Daniels and Ivica Zubac provided a thorough performance that reminded the fans of the beauty in effort, hustle, and defense.
Maybe the greatest lesson learned? The NBA is deeper than ever. The current All-Stars are still playing at an MVP level, and the new generation is not waiting to get the limelight; they are taking it away. With the 202526 season just near, the one thing that is fitting is the fact that the future of the league is as exciting as the present.
