NBA Small Sample Size Awards

SHANGHAI, CHINA - OCTOBER 08: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors celebrates with Andre Iguodala #9 of the Golden State Warriors during the game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Golden State Warriors as part of 2017 NBA Global Games China at Mercedes-Benz Arena on October 8, 2017 in Shanghai, China. (Photo by Zhong Zhi/Getty Images) /

2 of 17

MIAMI, FL – OCTOBER 20: Kemba Walker #15 of the Charlotte Hornets speaks to the media after the game against the Miami Heat on October 20, 2018 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Oscar Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Points

Stephen Curry (297), Kemba Walker (262), Joel Embiid (257)

It’s not surprising to see Curry on this list, with the former MVP mixing a 51-point performance in with five 30-point games. He’s going to appear in a lot of these awards because he’s likely been the MVP of the season so far. He’s the number one reason why the Warriors are 8-1 on the season, and he’s been great.

Walker has followed a similar road on his way to second here, launching 10.6 3-point attempts per game. His previous career high for 3-point attempts per game was 7.6, so while he’s definitely improved on his own, part of the credit for his bump needs to go to their new coach, James Borrego, who has installed a system that has unlocked the Hornets offense.

Embiid has followed up his All-Star season last year with a dominant stretch to begin this season. He’s a matchup nightmare, capable of dominating big men with his speed and agility or powering through smaller defenders after a switch. It’s nearly impossible to defend him without fouling, and he’s a good enough free throw shooter to be productive from the charity stripe.

Home/NBA