5 biggest surprises at the halfway mark of the 2018-19 NBA season

DALLAS, TX - DECEMBER 16: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks handles the ball against De'Aaron Fox #5 of the Sacramento Kings on December 16, 2018 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. 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 Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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As teams reach the halfway point of the 2018-19 season, it’s time to look back at some of the most surprising storylines the NBA has given us so far.

It seems like just a couple weeks ago the NBA was set to begin the 2018-19 season, when the reality is that we have rung in the new year with most teams having reached (or soon to exceed) their 41st game of the year, marking the halfway point.

The beauty of this league is that it is never short on storylines at any point in time. Both players and teams can exceed the expectations placed on them, while some tend to underperform. It’s an ever-changing game with plenty of highs and lows for everyone involved.

In the early months of October and November, it’s difficult to decipher between trends which will simply come and go and those that should now be considered the norm. Only now, with more data at our fingertips, we can more easily make certain claims with substantial proof to back them up.

Whereas before, a team may have struggled out of the gate, now there may be legitimate questions surrounding the makeup of the roster. And a player who came out swinging may be considered for a spot on the All-Star team.

There are still plenty more games left to play, but to suggest all has gone according to plan would be a big lie, for better or worse, and it’s those surprises that give the NBA the intrigue it thrives off of. Here are the five biggest surprises so far.