We're 20 weeks deep into the Basketball Shooting League, and some things feel familiar. Other things? Not so much. The cream is rising, as it always does, but there are a few surprises lurking in the mid-table that could make things interesting down the stretch.
Curry's Unchallenged Ascent
Look, the top of the table isn't exactly a shocker. Stephen Curry sits comfortably in first place with a staggering 92.5% shooting accuracy from beyond the arc this week, his best performance in three weeks. He's been the benchmark for years, and this season is no different. His overall season average of 89.1% is a full two percentage points higher than second-place Klay Thompson, who's currently at 87.1%. That kind of gap at this stage of the competition usually means one thing: Curry is probably taking home the trophy again.
And let's be honest, who's going to catch him? Thompson is consistent, sure, but he hasn't shown that extra gear Curry hits when it matters. Damian Lillard, in third, had a solid 86.8% this week, but his season average of 86.0% just isn't quite at the same elite level. The title race, if we can even call it that, feels more like a coronation at this point. Curry's consistency, hitting 90% or above in 12 of the 20 weeks, is just unmatched. He leads the league in shots made per game with 15.2, further solidifying his dominance.
Lakers' Woes and Unexpected Surges
Here's the thing: The Lakers' shooting performance this season has been, to put it mildly, a disaster. They're currently languishing in 18th place out of 20 teams, with an average team shooting percentage of just 72.3%. Anthony Davis, their supposed anchor, has only managed 68.5% this week, significantly below his career average in this format. LeBron James, while still a force, can't carry the entire team''s shooting woes, hitting 75.1% this week but only 73.8% for the season. For a franchise with their pedigree, this is an unacceptable slide.
Contrast that with the unexpected surge from the Orlando Magic. Nobody had them pegged for a top-six finish, but here they are, sitting in fifth with an 83.5% team average. Paolo Banchero, who many thought was still developing his long-range game, has been a revelation, shooting 85.2% over the last five weeks. That's a significant jump from his 78.0% average in the first 10 weeks. They're definitely overperforming expectations, and it's a credit to their focused practice and perhaps a bit of youthful fearlessness.
The Relegation Scramble
The bottom of the table is where the real drama is. The Detroit Pistons are dead last, with a dismal 69.8% team average. Cade Cunningham has struggled mightily, only converting 65.0% of his attempts this week, his worst performance of the season. They've been in the relegation zone for 15 straight weeks, and it doesn't look like they're climbing out.
The real battle is for that 19th spot, currently occupied by the Washington Wizards, who are only 0.2% ahead of the Pistons at 70.0%. Kyle Kuzma's 71.5% this week was a slight improvement, but it's not enough to pull them clear. Just above them, the Charlotte Hornets (71.2%) and the Portland Trail Blazers (71.8%) are also in serious trouble. The Blazers, despite Anfernee Simons hitting 78.0% this week, have struggled for consistency across the board. The difference between 17th and 20th is less than two percentage points; one bad week could send anyone down.
Thing is, the defensive trends in this league are fascinating. While it's about shooting, pressure still plays a role. Teams at the top like the Warriors and Celtics consistently create better looks through ball movement, reducing the need for contested shots. The Warriors, for example, lead the league in 'open' shot percentage, with 65% of their attempts coming with no defender within six feet. This isn't just about individual talent; it's about tactical setup.
Season-on-Season Shifts
Comparing this season to last, the overall league shooting percentage is slightly down, from 81.2% in Week 20 last year to 80.5% now. This suggests a slight uptick in defensive pressure or maybe just a few more teams struggling with consistency. Last year, the top five teams were all above 88% at this point; this year, only three are. It's a tighter race in the middle, but the gap at the very top, thanks to Curry, is actually wider.
The biggest change might be the number of teams consistently hitting above 85%. Last season, eight teams were doing it by Week 20. This year, only six are. That means there's less depth in elite shooting, making those top performers even more valuable.
My hot take? The Phoenix Suns, currently in seventh, are actually underperforming given the talent of Kevin Durant (85.5% season average) and Devin Booker (84.9%). They should be challenging for a top-three spot, not fighting off the likes of the Pelicans and Raptors. Their overall team percentage of 82.8% feels low for a squad with two certified sharpshooters. They're leaving points on the table.
Looking Ahead: The Final Stretch
The next few weeks will define the season. The teams in the relegation scrap need to find a spark, and fast. The Blazers have a tough schedule coming up, facing three top-eight teams in their next four matches. That could be their undoing.
As for the title, it's still Curry's to lose. But the battle for second and third place is wide open. Expect Lillard to push Thompson hard, especially if Thompson has one of his occasional off-weeks. The pressure of the final weeks can do funny things to even the best shooters.
Here's my bold prediction: The Orlando Magic will finish in the top four, surpassing the Boston Celtics, who have shown signs of inconsistency with Jayson Tatum's shooting dipping to 81.0% over the last two weeks. And the Washington Wizards will narrowly avoid relegation, sending the Charlotte Hornets down instead.