The NBA season is at its halfway point, a pivotal moment where teams and players emerge as contenders for titles and awards. As The Rolling Stones sang, “time waits for no one … the dreams of the nighttime will vanish by dawn.” The message is clear: seize the moment and minimize regrets.
The question now is, which players will make their mark in NBA history? Will we see another international player clinch the MVP title? Could Victor Wembanyama start a streak of Defensive Player of the Year awards? Is a second-round pick poised to win Rookie of the Year? Might a coach with a new team earn Coach of the Year honors?
USA TODAY presents the midseason awards for the 2024-25 NBA season:
MVP: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, guard for the Oklahoma City Thunder, has been instrumental in leading his team to the best record in the Western Conference at 33-6. With impressive offensive and defensive skills, he is among the league’s top scorers, averaging 31.4 points per game. Gilgeous-Alexander also contributes 6.0 assists, 5.5 rebounds, 2.0 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game. His stellar performance has the Thunder ranked first offensively and sixth defensively, making him a key factor in the team’s success.
Rookie: Jaylen Wells, forward for the Memphis Grizzlies, leads all rookies in scoring with 11.7 points per game. Despite being a second-round pick, Wells has shown promise with solid shooting percentages and contributions in rebounds and assists. He aims to become only the second second-round pick in the lottery era to win Rookie of the Year.
Sixth Man: Payton Pritchard, guard for the Boston Celtics, has become a vital player off the bench, averaging 14.6 points along with solid rebounds and assists. Pritchard’s strong shooting numbers make him a valuable asset to the team, on pace to potentially break the record for most 3-pointers off the bench in a season.
Most Improved Player: Cade Cunningham, guard for the Detroit Pistons, is having a breakout season with career highs in points, assists, rebounds, and shooting percentages. Cunningham’s impressive performance has propelled Detroit towards a potential postseason appearance, showcasing his significant improvement and growth.
Defensive Player: Victor Wembanyama, forward-center for the San Antonio Spurs, is on track to secure the Defensive Player of the Year award in just his second season. Wembanyama’s defensive prowess has been a standout feature, positioning him as a formidable force on the court.
As the NBA season progresses, these players are making their mark and shaping the narrative of the league’s future.
The NBA midseason awards are always a hot topic of debate and reflection, shedding light on the outstanding performances across the league. One player who has been making a significant impact is Wembanyama, showcasing his defensive prowess by leading the league in blocks with an impressive average of 3.9 per game. Standing tall at 7-foot-3, Wembanyama’s ability to guard both inside and out is a rare asset, further highlighted by his average of 1.1 steals per game. His intimidating presence on the court is evident in his fourth-ranking for contested two-point attempts per game. The impact he has on the San Antonio Spurs’ defense is undeniable, as they allow just 107.2 points per 100 possessions with him on the floor, trailing closely behind the league’s top defensive teams. Additionally, Wembanyama’s versatility is evident in his presence among the top 20 in deflections per game, solidifying his status as a defensive force in the league.
In the realm of clutch performances, Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland has stood out as a key player in critical moments. Defined by the NBA, clutch games are those within five points in the final five minutes of the fourth quarter or overtime, and the Cavaliers have excelled in these scenarios with a remarkable 14-2 record. Garland’s efficiency and effectiveness in clutch situations have been exceptional, as evidenced by his 65.5% shooting from the field, including 50% from beyond the arc, and a perfect 100% from the free-throw line in 47 minutes of clutch play. While the competition for this award was fierce, Garland’s standout performances ultimately earned him the recognition as the clutch player of the season.
Turning to coaching excellence, Cleveland Cavaliers’ Kenny Atkinson has orchestrated a remarkable transformation for the team. From a playoff team in the previous season to boasting the Eastern Conference’s best record at 34-5, Atkinson’s leadership has been instrumental in the team’s success. Despite having a similar roster to the previous year, Atkinson has elevated the Cavaliers to the top of the league offensively, ranking No. 1, while also bolstering their defensive prowess to No. 10. The team’s impressive net rating of No. 2 reflects Atkinson’s ability to maximize the talents of key players such as Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Jarrett Allen, and Evan Mobley. Atkinson’s impact on the team’s performance cannot be understated, with the Cavaliers emerging as a formidable force under his guidance.
In the realm of executive excellence, Sam Presti of the Oklahoma City Thunder emerges as a deserving candidate for recognition. A respected figure in the league, Presti has masterfully constructed a championship-caliber roster featuring standout talents like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren. Despite the intricate process of roster building taking time, Presti’s recent moves have further solidified the Thunder
