The NBA is now fast approaching the business end of the season, with many notable highlights and stand out player performances in 2023. Looking at the current NBA finals odds, the Milwaukee Bucks are the Eastern Conference team with the best chances, while the Denver Nuggets are the favorites on the Western side.
One of the most difficult positions on the court, the point guard is often the best ball handler and passer on the team and must be extremely quick on their feet. These are some of the best point guards from the top teams set to finish in the playoffs this season, and potentially the final.
Tyrese Haliburton – Indiana Pacers
First up is Pacers’ point guard Tyrese Haliburton, who is currently second in the league in assists with 10.4 per game. The 23 year old previously played for the Sacramento Kings until 2022 when he was traded to the Pacers alongside Tristian Thompson and Buddy Hield for Domantas Sabonis, Justin Holiday, Jeremy Lamb.
Tyrese understands that expectations for him are high, In a recent game with the Rockets, the player accomplished a career-high of 19 assists in his team’s overtime win over Rockets. This isn’t the only record he has achieved this season, Haliburton also became the first player in the history of the NBA to record more than 40 assists and zero turnovers in a three game stretch.
However, even if the Pacers are to make it to the playoffs, Haliburton may miss any future games in the season due to being hampered by injuries. On March 15, he sprained his ankle during practice and missed games. Earlier in the year he was also forced to miss ten games due to an elbow sprain, which required a brace for a short time.
Hopefully the young point guard can stay in tip top condition for the games ahead, the Pacers really need him to perform if they are to stay in this season.
Trae Young – Atlanta Hawks
Trae Young has played for the Hawks his entire professional career, he is now in his fifth NBA season and has proven himself as a point guard in recent years.
Young has tried his best from the offset, this his first game of the season he put up 23 points and 13 assists against the Houston Rockets. Then, he scored a season high score of 44 points in a 128–122 loss against the same team.
While he has always been regarded as a top point guard, some are questioning whether now is the time for a trade. His current average of 26.5 points and average 10 assists is not as impressive as previous seasons.
However, should the option come about, Miami Heat are in desperate need of a point guard and would likely snap him up without hesitation.
Stephen Curry – Golden State Warriors
One of the more experienced point guards in the NBA is Stephen Curry, the 35 year old was listed as the 13th greatest basketball player of all time by ESPN in 2020. This season he was chosen to be the starter for the Western Conference in the NBA All Star game.
He has now surpassed NBA legend Michael Jordan as the player with the most 50 plus point games after the age of 30. Last month the player also became the very first in NBA history to score more than 10,000 career points off of three pointers.
He is well known for his offensive skills, being just what the Golden State Warriors need to make their way to another NBA final.
James Harden – the Philadelphia 76ers
Now a point or shooting guard for the Philadelphia 76ers, 33 year old James Harden is currently the highest all-time left handed scorer in the game. He has the NBA lead in unassisted three point makes.
The player resigned with Philadelphia in 2022 in a two year, $68.6 million deal. However there are now rumors that he could soon be looking to return to the Houston Rockets.
For the 76ers this season, Harden last month scored his second 20 assist game of his entire NBA career with a near triple-double. This led to their win over the Indiana Pacers.
While he is perhaps most comfortable as a shooting guard, having someone so experienced and also confident in the point guard position gives the 76ers a good amount of flexibility with the team roster.
