NBA stat leaders 2022-23: Luka Doncic and Domantas Sabonis top major categories | January 14, 2023
This week was a pretty big one for the NBA. In the Eastern Conference, the Boston Celtics increased their lead over the second-place Brooklyn Nets. Out West, the Denver Nuggets remain atop the Conference standings, just half a game ahead of the Memphis Grizzlies in second place.
With another week behind us, let's look back at the NBA's season leaders for each of the five major categories.
NBA Scoring Leader: Luka Doncic (34.3 points per game)
Luka Doncic had a big week. Although the young superstar struggled in the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers, Doncic managed to increase his lead over Joel Embiid. With an average of 34.3 points per game, Doncic has managed to continue his MVP-caliber year. Thanks to his play, the Dallas Mavericks remain in fifth place.
Joel Embiid currently sits in second place behind Doncic with 33.5 points per game.
NBA Rebounding Leader: Domantas Sabonis (12.5 rebounds per game)
Domantas Sabonis once again remains the league leader in rebounds. The Sacramento Kings big man increased his season average this week to 12.5 rebounds per game as the Kings sit in fourth place in a stacked Western Conference.
After starting the week with just 10 rebounds in the team's win over the Orlando Magic, he closed out the week strong with 15 boards against the Rockets. With his play, he now sits .5 ahead of Rudy Gobert, who is in second place.
NBA Assists Leader: Tyrese Haliburton (10.2 assists per game)
Tyrese Haliburton has managed to once again hold on as the league leader in assists with 10.2 assists per game. Haliburton had a big game in the Pacers' win over the Charlotte Hornets this week, where he dished out 13 assists. Thanks to his play, he remains ahead of Trae Young, who sits in second place with 9.8 assists per game.
With the Pacers teetering on the brink of playoff contention and play-in contention, Haliburton's consistent play has been immense.
NBA Blocks Leader: Nic Claxton (2.6 blocks per game)
Nic Claxton officially broke his tie with Brook Lopez for the league leader in blocks per game. Claxton has continued to prove himself as an absolute unit in the paint this season, swatting away shots game after game. With three blocks in the Nets' win over the Heat on Sunday and four blocks in the Nets' loss to the Celtics on Thursday, he overtakes Brook Lopez.
Of course, Lopez is not far behind. With 2.5 blocks per game, both men must keep up their dominant play if they want to pull ahead in the race.
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NBA Steals Leader: O.G. Anunoby (2.3 steals per game)
It was another big week for O.G. Anunoby as he increased his lead over second-place De'Anthony Melton for the league leader in steals. Anunoby has continued to be an absolute menace on the defensive end of the floor this year, shining despite the Raptors' ongoing struggles.
As the team decides whether they will throw in the towel and begin the rebuilding process or stay the course, Anunoby's play has been a joy to watch.
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