NBA 2020-21: Top 5 moments from the season so far

The first month of the new NBA season is coming to an end and we have witnessed some great performances so far. The New York Knicks are surprising everyone with their victories while their crosstown rivals, Brooklyn Nets, have formed a new 'Big 3' in the NBA with Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant, and James Harden.

Meanwhile, the Golden State Warriors' days of dominance seem to be behind them as they continue to suffer from injuries, and the reigning champions, LA Lakers, led by LeBron James, are on the top of the table as expected.

Top 5 moments in the first month of NBA action

The NBA is filled with excitement and glamor, there are thunderous dunks, deep threes, and nasty blocks. We have witnessed some career-high performances, blowout victories, and some amazing comebacks in the first few weeks. So without further ado, let's look at the top 5 moments in the NBA thus far.

#5 Dallas Mavericks leading the LA Clippers 77-27 at halftime

Dallas Mavericks v Los Angeles Clippers

A rematch of last season's first round of the playoffs, the Kawhi-less LA Clippers hosted the Dallas Mavericks on 27th December 2020 and faced a defeat of magnificent proportions. The Mavericks led the Clippers by 50 points at the half as their players were shooting lights out and the Clippers had no answer to their runs.

It was the largest halftime deficit in NBA history as Paul George went 4-13 from the field including 0-6 from the three-point line. The LA Clippers as a whole shot just 4-33 from the three, a mere 12.2% with 8 players shooting 0% in that game. The game ended 124-73 and what makes this defeat worse is that it was at the LA Clippers' home.

#2 James Harden's triple-double in Brooklyn Nets debut

Orlando Magic v Brooklyn Nets

After being at the center of NBA trade rumors for months and publicly acknowledging that he is unhappy in the Houston Rockets, James Harden finally got traded to the Brooklyn Nets. Harden's Nets debut was much anticipated as it would ensure we would see him and Kevin Durant play together for the first time since their days in Oklahoma City Thunder.

James Harden soon became the first player to drop a 30-point triple-double in a new team debut. He also had 4 steals and a block in that game. Kevin Durant had 42 points that game but his performance was overshadowed by Harden's debut triple-double.

#3 Stephen Curry dropping a new career-high 62 points

Portland Trail Blazers vs Golden State Warriors

The man regarded as the greatest shooter of all-time, Stephen Curry has been nothing short of spectacular in the first month. He is averaging almost 30 points per game despite getting double and triple-teamed on most possessions. But the highlight of his early season was his 62-point monster performance against the Portland Trail Blazers which helped him set a new career high.

Stephen Curry's 62 points is the highest-scoring performance by any player since Devin Booker's 70-points in 2017. Curry shot 8 threes on 50% shooting that game but he touched the 50-point mark with just 6 threes, the least threes he's made in a 50-point performance. Curry attempted a career-high 19 free throws in that game and made 18 of them, the one he missed ended a streak of 80 consecutive free throws.

#4 LaMelo Ball records a triple-double at age 19

Atlanta Hawks v Charlotte Hornets

Brother of New Orleans Pelicans guard Lonzo Ball, LaMelo Ball's debut was much anticipated by the NBA fraternity. LaMelo went scoreless in his debut but quickly redeemed himself next game dropping 13 points in 9 minutes. However, he made history on January 9th as he became the youngest player ever to record a triple-double in NBA history.

The 2020 Draft's no. 3 pick posted a 20-point triple-double on 69% shooting from the field and 75% from the three-point range against the Atlanta Hawks. Ball had a steal and only one turnover that game in 31 minutes of action.

#5 Collin Sexton dropping 42 points in 2OT against the Brooklyn Nets' Big 3

Brooklyn Nets v Cleveland Cavaliers

It was supposed to be the Brooklyn Nets' special game, Kyrie Irving's return marked the first time the Nets' Big 3 were going to play together. Little did they know that the worst offensively rated team in the NBA would spoil the party. Collin Sexton dropped a career-high 42 points in a 147-135 win and exposed the Brooklyn Nets' lackluster defense.

What was more impressive in the 42-point performance was the fact that 22 of those points came in the overtime period. Sexton caught fire and scored 20 straight points in overtime outscoring the Nets' Big 3 combined.