Tic tock the NBA season clocks tics away as the playoffs edge ever closer. It’s not yet confirmed who will make the cut and who will fall short of what is required but one thing is for certain; any team with their point guards in good form will give themselves a chance.
With that in mind, we’re looking at the best point guards in the NBA right now.
Number 5. Russell Westbrook, Washington Wizards
When someone has broken Wilt Chamberlain’s 58-year-old triple-double record it’s time to take notice. That’s exactly what Westbrook did against the San Antonio Spurs – he now tops the list of the most-triple doubles of all time.
The Wizards’ man has long been earmarked for this list and now there shouldn’t be too many arguments. His points per game average (21.6) sits well below the other names on this list but he makes the cut for the sickening assists and rebounds he’s producing – that’s a game average of 11.0 in both categories for what it’s worth.
If the Wizards are to make a play for the post season then Westbrook’s form will be massive.
Number 4. Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers
It wasn’t too long ago that done so-called experts were suggesting that Lillard should be taken out of the firing line as the Trail Blazers suffered a losing streak of five matches. We’d like to suggest that perhaps people should consider the wider picture before making such claims.
Lillard is a phenomenal point guard playing a very good season and it’s of little surprise that he’s been a big part of recent back to back wins over the Pacers and Grizzlies.
He’s currently meeting or exceeding his career averages in every meaningful stat with the only exception steals where he is 0.9 compared to 1.0.
Number 3. Kyrie Irving, Brooklyn Nets
The Nets are already assured of their playoff spot after a 116-103 victory over the Raptors earlier in the week; it’s testament to the good season they’re having with plenty topping them to go all the way.
The key cog in that well-oiled machine is Irving – albeit he benefits from a host of talent to share the court with. Even so, leading the team on points (26.9), assists (6.4) and steals (1.3) is some achievement. It’s his second year in Brooklyn and his consistency is proving rather impressive.
Number 2. Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks
In any other season it’s completely plausible that Doncic would have been topping this list. The Mavericks currently sit sixth in the Western Conference, which is fine at the stage of the season. It does, however, beg the question where they would be without Doncic.
He’s been sensational this season. He tops the franchise in all the key statistics with the exception of blocks. It’s not all poor team mates inflating him though; 28.6 points, 7.9 rebounds, 8.7 assists and 1.0 steals is just a seriously good output.
Number 1. Steph Curry, Golden State Warriors
When you consider the fact that it’s completely feasible we see the NBA playoffs without Steph Curry in them it’s enough to bring a tear to your eye. The guy is a genius and this season has been no different as he’s broken record after record.
His performances are driven by points of 31.2 with his 5.1 three pointers making him one of the best three point shooters the NBA has ever seen. Throw in the fact he’s posted averages of 5.5 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 1.2 steals this season too and he is well and truly deserving of topping this list.
Curry and Westbrook are the only 2 active NBA players that figure in TwinSpires Edge list of the Top 10 Greatest NBA Point Guards of All Time. Check it out.