MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE – FEBRUARY 08: Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies goes to the basket against … [+]
This is a Western Conference edition to the write up focused on the Eastern Conference from the other day. Make sure to check it out if you haven’t read it yet!
Oklahoma City Thunder
Stat: The Oklahoma City Thunder have the highest average margin of victory in NBA history (12.93).
It’s interesting that the only real flaw for the Thunder is a lack of experience. They should easily be the favorites coming out of the Western Conference, and should be primed to capture their first NBA Championship.
Memphis Grizzlies
Stat: The Memphis Grizzlies are on pace to become the 2nd team in nearly 30 years to average over 16.5 turnovers per game while winning more than 55 games.
Part of this is due to the fast pace nature of the squad this year. Still, it’s not often that you see such a successful team cough the ball up this frequently.
Denver Nuggets
Stat: The Denver Nuggets are on pace to become the 3rd team in NBA history to average over 31 assists per game.
It helps to have one of the best passers in NBA history on your team. Nikola Jokic is dishing out over 10 assists per game, which is spearheading the gaudy team number.
Houston Rockets
Stat: The Houston Rockets are the 2nd best team in the NBA at limiting 3-point attempts.
The variance with 3-point shooting can truly sink a season. The ability to limit these opportunities has helped the Rockets climb to the 4th best ranked defense in basketball.
Los Angeles Lakers
Stat: Austin Reaves is the only teammate LeBron James has ever had that has averaged at least 18 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists on 59 percent true shooting in a season.
This obviously will change when Luka Doncic gets to play a full season with James, but it is wild to think no other player was able to hit these numbers while playing with LeBron. Reaves has been a huge plus for the Lakers, and it’ll be interesting how he fits next to the other two stars the rest of the season.
Los Angeles Clippers
Stat: James Harden is one of only four players to have six seasons or more averaging at least 20 points, 8 assists and 6 rebounds.
Harden has been an indispensable piece to the Clippers this season as they’ve performed well above expectations. Kawhi Leonard’s return last month should ease some of the burden off of his shoulders as the team looks to secure a playoff spot down the stretch.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Stat: Rudy Gobert’s career true shooting percentage of .672 is the best in NBA history.
Gobert is still not considered a gifted offensive player, but his efficiency continues to be off the charts. It’s his 9th season in a row with a true shooting percentage above .650.
Dallas Mavericks
Stat: Kyrie Irving is on pace to become the 3rd player in NBA history to have at least six seasons of averaging over 24 points per game while shooting at least 40 percent from deep.
Irving is an underrated 3-point shooter. He can get off his shot in a variety of ways and has a chance to have his name join the likes of Steph Curry and Kevin Durant, if he can keep up the efficiency.
Sacramento Kings
Stat: Domantas Sabonis is on pace to lead the league in rebounds for the third consecutive season.
This might be one of the best seasons of his career. His efficiency has been jaw dropping and he’s gobbling up rebounds at a prodigious rate. Even after trading De’Arron Fox to the San Antonio Spurs they look likely to make the playoffs.
Golden State Warriors
Stat: Steph Curry is the only player in NBA history to have at least 11 seasons where he shot over 90 percent from the free throw line.
The magic continues with Curry. He has lost a bit of his fastball, but he is still one of the most talented offensive players in the NBA. He’s still the player you’d most want at the free throw line with the game hanging in the balance.
Phoenix Suns
Stat: Kevin Durant has been the best isolation scorer in the NBA this season.
Durant has had a couple of minor health issues, but he continues to be one of the best players in the NBA. His ability to score in a number of different ways separates him from the pack.
San Antonio Spurs
Stat: Victor Wembanyama has the highest defensive estimated plus minus in the NBA this season (for those that meet the minutes threshold).
The man continues to be a complete wrecking ball on defense as he is, once again, leading the NBA in blocks. Hopefully he recovers soon and can make it back on to the court next season for the Spurs.
Portland Trail Blazers
Stat: The Portland Trail Blazers have overachieved by five games based on their point differential, which is the highest mark in the NBA.
This is simply a statistical benchmark that doesn’t technically mean anything. It could be indicative of luck or true talent level. Sometimes it’s a sign that an organization is able to outpace the margins. Typically it does signify a regression to the mean, though.
Utah Jazz
Stat: Walker Kessler is leading the NBA in field goal percentage with a 71.8 mark.
“The Sheriff” has had a very nice bounce back season with some strong rim protection numbers. This level of offensive efficiency should make him a nice piece to build around for a franchise that is looking for some lottery luck.
New Orleans Pelicans
Stat: Elfrid Payton had the 2nd most assists in a game this season with 21.
This is incredibly impressive when you consider that Payton only played in seven games for the Pelicans. The 30-year-old now plays with the Charlotte Hornets, but made his mark during his short stint in New Orleans.
