The 2025-26 NBA season is shaping up to be a thrilling ride, with several players on pace to break records and etch their names in the league's history books. Here's a breakdown of 14 key individual milestones and team achievements to watch for in the second half of the season. But here's where it gets controversial... Some of these records might be broken by players who aren't traditionally considered among the all-time greats, sparking debates among fans and analysts. And this is the part most people miss... Keep an eye on these players, as they could surprise you with their performances in the coming months.
Kevin Durant: The Scoring Machine
Kevin Durant is on fire, and his scoring prowess is putting him on track to surpass Michael Jordan's all-time scoring record. With 31,862 points, Durant needs just 431 more to tie Jordan for fifth place. He's averaging 25.8 points per game, and with 16 more games, he could surpass Jordan. But it's not just about points; Durant is also on pace to break records for field goals and free throws, further cementing his legacy.
LeBron James: The King of Records
LeBron James is already the NBA's all-time leading scorer, but he's not done yet. Before the season ends, he could break records for games played, field goals, assists, rebounds, and steals. James needs just 15 more games to tie Robert Parish for the most games played, and 55 field goals to tie Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the most field goals made. He's also on track to surpass Abdul-Jabbar in assists and pass several other legends in rebounds and steals.
Stephen Curry: The Point Guard Extraordinaire
Stephen Curry is a scoring machine, and his 26,071 points already place him ahead of several Hall of Famers. With 50 more points, he'll tie Tim Duncan for 18th place. Curry is also within striking distance of Dominique Wilkins, Oscar Robertson, and Hakeem Olajuwon, further solidifying his place in NBA history.
DeMar DeRozan: The Scoring Average
DeMar DeRozan's scoring average has dipped slightly, but he's still on pace to move into the Top 20 all-time scorers. He needs just 57 more points to tie John Havlicek for 21st place and 59 more to tie Paul Pierce for 20th. DeRozan's journey to the top 20 is an inspiring tale of consistency and determination.
Andre Drummond: The Rebounding Dominator
Andre Drummond, now a backup big man, is still a force on the boards. He needs just 25 more offensive rebounds to tie Charles Oakley for 10th place and 111 more to pass Hakeem Olajuwon for 9th. Drummond's rebounding prowess is a testament to his physicality and determination.
Russell Westbrook: The Point Guard's Journey
Russell Westbrook is on the cusp of breaking into the all-time top 12 scorers. He needs just 314 more points to tie Elvin Hayes for 13th place and 409 more to tie Moses Malone for 12th. Westbrook's journey to the top 12 is a testament to his resilience and skill.
Team Milestones: Boston Celtics and Beyond
Several teams are also on the cusp of breaking records. Jaylen Brown of the Boston Celtics is on track to move into the Top 15 all-time scorers, while Nic Claxton of the Brooklyn Nets is aiming for 100 blocks this season. Miles Bridges and LaMelo Ball of the Hornets are closing in on field goal and 3-pointer milestones, respectively.
The Controversial Interpretations
Some of these records might be broken by players who aren't traditionally considered among the all-time greats. For example, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander could pass Jack Sikma in free throws made and attempted, while Victor Wembanyama could break Billy Paultz's block record. These achievements might spark debates among fans and analysts, as they challenge traditional notions of greatness.
As the 2025-26 NBA season unfolds, keep an eye on these players and teams, as they strive to break records and etch their names in the league's history books. The second half of the season promises to be thrilling, with several milestones within reach. Will Durant surpass Jordan? Will James break more records? And who will emerge as the season's surprise stars? The answers are coming soon, and the NBA world is watching with bated breath.
