5 crazy NBA Stats at the halfway point of the season

TORONTO, ON - NOVEMBER 30: Fred VanVleet #23 of the Toronto Raptors tries to dribble as Jaren Jackson Jr. #13 of the Memphis Grizzlies defends during the first half of their NBA game at Scotiabank Arena on November 30, 2021 in Toronto, Canada. 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. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images) /

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Jan 19, 2022; San Antonio, Texas, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) drives in for a shot in front of San Antonio Spurs guard Dejounte Murray (5) in the second half at the AT&T Center, 5 crazy NBA Stats at the halfway point of the season. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-USA TODAY Sports /

5 crazy NBA Stats at the halfway point of the season: Shai Gilegeous-Alexander tops the NBA with 24.4 drives per game

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is leading the league in drives, and it’s not particularly close. The Oklahoma City standout is averaging 24.4 drives per game. In a distant second place is Luka Doncic at 20.6

Why he’s driving so much is simple – he’s fantastic at it. The guard is making 47.7 percent of his attempts that come off his attacks. His drives account for 13.3 of 23.0 points per game average.

He also uses that as a way to set up his teammates, passing out of the drive 40.8 percent of the time. His assist totals (currently 5.5 per night) would likely be much higher if the Thunder surrounded him with more talented shooters.

5 crazy NBA Stats at the halfway point of the season: Brooklyn’s catch-and-shoot excellence

Speaking of drive-and-kick scenarios, the Nets are incredible in that refard. Joe Harris leads the league in three-point makes off catch-and-shoot looks (2.7). In second place? Patty Mills (2.6).

When James Harden, Kevin Durant, and/or Kyrie Irving drive into the lane, they have a pair of elite kick-out options. Given how much those three demand double and even triple teams, this stat makes complete sense. Harris and Mills are almost always open on the perimeter and have the sweet stroke needed to down their shots.