NBA Season 2024-25: Key Player Combinations and Assist Stats
We are over five weeks into the 2024-25 NBA season, and some key player combinations are standing out. Here’s a look at the most assists from one player to a specific teammate so far this season, as of November 27, 2024:
Top Assists Between Players
| Scorer | Assisted By | AST | MIN | Per 36 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ivica Zubac | James Harden | 54 | 520 | 3.7 |
| Jalen Johnson | Trae Young | 53 | 448 | 4.3 |
| Anthony Davis | LeBron James | 52 | 414 | 4.5 |
| Victor Wembanyama | Chris Paul | 43 | 403 | 3.8 |
| Nikola Vučević | Josh Giddey | 43 | 421 | 3.7 |
| Pascal Siakam | Tyrese Haliburton | 42 | 488 | 3.1 |
| Brandon Miller | LaMelo Ball | 39 | 334 | 4.2 |
| Norman Powell | James Harden | 38 | 427 | 3.2 |
| Karl-Anthony Towns | Jalen Brunson | 37 | 413 | 3.2 |
(MIN = minutes on the floor together, Per 36 = assists per 36 minutes together)
LeBron James and Anthony Davis: A Strong Duo
LeBron James and Anthony Davis are once again proving to be a powerful combination. James is averaging 4.5 assists to Davis per 36 minutes, the duo’s highest rate in five years. This is just below their 4.6 per 36 during the Lakers’ championship-winning season in 2019-20.
The Lakers are also running new offensive plays like the “Spain” pick-and-roll under coach JJ Redick, which has helped create better opportunities for Davis. Currently ranked fourth in the league offensively, the Lakers will face the Oklahoma City Thunder, the league’s top defence, on Friday.
Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo: Better Chemistry
Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo are working well together, with Lillard averaging 3.7 assists to Giannis per 36 minutes, up from 2.8 last season. The pair is involved in more pick-and-roll and handoff plays this season, contributing to the Bucks’ recent five-game winning streak.
The Bucks will next face the struggling Washington Wizards on Saturday.
Russell Westbrook and Nikola Jokić: A New Partnership
Russell Westbrook and Nikola Jokić have formed a productive partnership. Westbrook is averaging 6.0 assists per 36 minutes to Jokić, the highest rate among all combinations with at least 25 assists. Despite Westbrook’s struggles with shooting, his playmaking is benefiting the Nuggets.
The Nuggets face a tough schedule ahead, starting with the LA Clippers on Sunday.
Additional Highlights
- James Harden has already assisted Ivica Zubac 54 times this season, more than half his total from last year.
- Trae Young has assisted four of his teammates at least 25 times, the most by any player.
- Players with at least 25 assists to three teammates include Jalen Brunson, Tyrese Haliburton, and Nikola Jokić.
The season is shaping up with exciting combinations to watch as teams continue to build chemistry.
