Oklahoma City Thunder
March 2025
The Thunder secured a playoff spot after defeating the Celtics 118-112, sweeping the season series against the defending champions.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led with 34 points, while Chet Holmgren added 23 points and 15 rebounds. The win marks OKC’s second straight postseason appearance, with sights set on a deep run.
James Harden, Damian Lillard
March 2025
With Harden at 3,127 threes and Lillard at 2,794, they are the closest active players to Curry’s 4,000 three-pointer milestone.
Given their playing styles and shot volume, both stars have a chance to break the barrier in the coming seasons, but Curry’s record may stand for years to come.
New York Knicks v Detroit Pistons
April 2025 (Game 4, Eastern Conference First Round)
The Knicks escaped with a 94-93 win after officials admitted a missed foul call on Josh Hart’s contest of Tim Hardaway Jr.’s potential game-winner; Knicks now lead series 3-1.
Despite a furious Pistons rally and Cade Cunningham’s triple-double, Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns combined for 59 points, overcoming Brunson’s injury scare to carry New York to victory.
San Antonio Spurs
March 2026
San Antonio are being spoken about as a genuine title threat after a dominant run since January pushed them near the top of the Western Conference. Victor Wembanyama’s two-way impact has become the centrepiece of a team now combining elite defence, strong offence and sustained winning form. The Spurs have surged behind Wembanyama’s MVP-level production and one of the league’s best net ratings, while coach Mitch Johnson has kept the focus on internal improvement rather than hype. Rick Carlisle’s endorsement added weight to the idea that San Antonio are no longer just promising, but dangerous right now.
Anthony Edwards (Minnesota Timberwolves)
2024-25 NBA Season
After last year’s Western Conference finals exit, Anthony Edwards transformed into Minnesota’s leader, both mentally and statistically, thanks in part to his Team USA experience.
Edwards learned the value of team play from Olympic vets, resulting in career highs in points (27.6), 3P% (39.5), and 3PM (320). His improved unselfishness saw assist numbers rise and team offense surge. Minnesota finished the season 17-4 to clinch the No. 6 seed and now face Oklahoma City in the West Finals.
Luka Doncic (Los Angeles Lakers, Slovenia)
September 2025
uka Doncic scored 42 points with 10 rebounds in Slovenia’s EuroBasket win over Italy, despite briefly leaving with a leg scare. Already a top-50 all-time EuroBasket scorer, Doncic is carrying Slovenia with dominant performances across the tournament. After returning from injury, Doncic led Slovenia with efficiency and resilience, easing fears of serious damage. The Lakers star recently signed a three-year, $165m extension and continues to cement his status as one of basketball’s most transcendent global figures.
Los Angeles Lakers
April 2025 (Game 4 aftermath, ahead of Game 5)
The Lakers have fallen 3-1 behind the Timberwolves after another poor fourth quarter, scoring just 19 points and missing crucial shots in Game 4. Coach JJ Redick defended his rotation decisions despite scrutiny.
Redick became the first coach since 1998 to play the same five men for an entire half. Doncic and James missed key shots late, while Redick benched his usual reserves. The Lakers are being outscored 105-69 in fourth quarters this series.
Arizona
March 2026
Arizona reached the Elite Eight for the first time since 2015 after overwhelming Arkansas 109-88 in a high-scoring Sweet 16 win. The Wildcats tied a school record for wins in a season and finally moved past a stage that had repeatedly stopped Tommy Lloyd. Brayden Burries led the charge with 23 points, while Arizona placed six players on 14 points or more to produce a historic balanced scoring display. Arkansas stayed close for a period, but the Wildcats’ offensive efficiency, depth and second-half control turned the game decisively.
Nikola Jokić (Denver Nuggets)
May 2025
Nikola Jokić became the third player in NBA history to finish top-2 in MVP voting for five straight seasons, joining legends Bill Russell and Larry Bird.
Jokić finished second in 2025 behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, adding to MVP wins in 2021, 2023, and 2024, and a second-place finish in 2022. He averaged 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists this season — one of the most statistically dominant years ever, yet not enough to claim the award.
Emirates NBA Cup
December 2025
The league has unveiled a special Las Vegas court for the Emirates NBA Cup Knockout Rounds, featuring the tournament trophy at center court, the full eight-team bracket beneath it and a 5×5 mosaic pattern carried across the floor. Designed by Victor Solomon in collaboration with the NBA and teams, the floor mirrors this season’s in-season court concepts, placing Cup trophies in both paints to give the semifinals and championship on Prime Video a distinct visual identity and reinforce the competition as a standalone marquee event.
