The league is pacing toward a historic moment, averaging 117.7 points per team per game and 101.9 possessions per 48 minutes, with 114.3 points per 100 possessions, signaling a record-setting pace and efficiency trajectory.

Victor Wembanyama is taking 61% of his shots in the paint, paired with a rising free-throw rate and favorable offensive rebounding trends as the Spurs start 5-0 for the first time in franchise history.

The New York Knicks rank third in the league with a 3-point attempt share of 49.4%, reflecting a notable shift in shot selection even as overall league 3-point share declines, while their offense adjusts to a new system.

Through early play, the Western Conference leads the East 12-6 in interconference games, with early-season West dominance—highlighted by Thunder and Spurs wins—evoking memories of the 2003-04 period and suggesting an imbalance that could shape standings.

The 76ers sit last in shot quality despite leading offensive efficiency, as Tyrese Maxey drives a 4-0 start and strong perimeter shooting, potentially unsustainable amid dynamics favoring paint-weighted scoring.

Defenses are applying more backcourt pressure on 18.2% of possessions, contributing to higher turnovers and signaling a league-wide trend toward tougher ball-pressure defense.

The Miami Heat are pushing the pace with the fastest offensive possessions at 12.6 seconds, employing high transition rates and unusually low ball-screen usage for a faster, transition-focused attack.

The piece offers a data-driven snapshot of the early 2025-26 season, highlighting pace, efficiency, foul trends, defensive pressure, and team-specific patterns as of October 30, 2025.

Fouls and free-throw rates are elevated, averaging 45.7 fouls per game and 29.8 free-throw attempts per 100 shots, marking the highest foul rate in 30 years and a rise in drive fouls that fuel scoring and FT reliance.

Giannis Antetokounmpo is averaging 26.5 points in the paint per game, continuing a trend of interior scoring dominance and approaching modern-era records for points in the paint.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads with clutch performance, totaling 46 clutch points and a high clutch usage rate as the Thunder open 6-0 and rely on late-game execution.