As we hit the halfway point of the NBA season, it’s time to take stock of where teams stand - not just in the standings, but in terms of how they’re performing relative to their own expectations. These midseason grades aren’t about who has the best record; they’re about who’s maximizing their potential, overcoming adversity, and building something sustainable. Let’s start with the Northwest Division, which has quietly become one of the most fascinating in the league.
Denver Nuggets (28-13): A
Denver’s season has been a study in resilience. With the starting five spending significant time on the injury report, the Nuggets have leaned on their depth - and it’s paid off.
The biggest revelation? Peyton Watson.
The second-year wing has exploded since the new year, putting up 23.9 points, 6.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, a block, and a steal per game. His shooting from deep (47.6%) has been scorching, and while that may cool off, his emergence as a two-way threat is very real.
Jamal Murray has also elevated his game in Nikola Jokić’s absence, posting career highs across the board - 25.8 points, 7.5 assists, and a blistering 44.6% from three. He’s playing with the confidence and control of a true lead guard. If this isn’t the year he finally gets that All-Star nod, it’s hard to imagine when it’ll come.
The only reason this isn’t an A+? The injuries. But the way Denver’s weathered the storm speaks volumes about their championship DNA.
Minnesota Timberwolves (27-14): A
Minnesota isn’t just winning - they’re doing it with balance, grit, and a clear identity. Sitting top 10 in both offensive and defensive efficiency (sixth and eighth, respectively), the Wolves are checking the boxes that usually signal a team ready to contend deep into the postseason.
Rudy Gobert has bounced back in a big way and is firmly back in the Defensive Player of the Year mix, especially if Victor Wembanyama doesn’t hit the games threshold. Jaden McDaniels has taken another step as a two-way wing, and Julius Randle is quietly putting together a strong campaign with 22.2 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per night - numbers that could land him a fourth All-Star appearance.
But the engine of this team? Anthony Edwards.
He’s blossoming into a full-blown superstar, averaging a career-best 28.9 points on elite efficiency (50/41/79 shooting splits). He’s also taken on more playmaking duties, showing growth as a facilitator.
Even with Mike Conley aging out of his prime, the Wolves haven’t missed a beat - thanks in part to the surprising emergence of Bones Hyland, who’s found new life in this system.
Oklahoma City Thunder (35-7): A+
It’s hard to overstate what the Thunder are doing this season. Even after cooling off from their red-hot start, they’re still on pace for a 70-win campaign.
That’s not a typo. And the most impressive part?
They’ve done it while weathering injuries and a shooting slump.
Since mid-December, OKC’s three-point shooting has dipped from 39.8% to 31.7%, but they keep finding ways to win. Jalen Williams is still ramping up after wrist surgery, and both Isaiah Hartenstein and Chet Holmgren have missed time. Yet the machine keeps humming.
This is the product of years of patient roster building by Sam Presti. The Thunder have size, skill, versatility, and a superstar in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander who’s playing like an MVP candidate. They’re not just ahead of schedule - they’re setting the pace for the rest of the league.
Portland Trail Blazers (20-22): A-
Portland was supposed to be in rebuild mode. Instead, they’re hanging around .500 and showing real signs of growth. That’s a testament to the culture shift under interim head coach Tiago Splitter, who’s stepped in for Chauncey Billups and brought a new level of cohesion to this group.
Veteran guard Jrue Holiday provided early-season stability before going down, and since then, Deni Avdija has taken the reins. He’s been nothing short of sensational, averaging 26.1 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 6.9 assists, while also contributing defensively with 1.5 combined steals and blocks per game. He’s grown into a primary creator, often initiating and finishing plays.
The Blazers have also continued to uncover talent on the margins - Toumani Camara being the latest example. Despite injuries and youth, they’re competing every night and building something that feels sustainable.
Utah Jazz (14-27): B-
Utah made a clear pivot this offseason, moving off veteran pieces to give the young core the keys. The results have been mixed, but that’s part of the process. Keyonte George and Brice Sensabaugh have shown real promise, flashing scoring chops and playmaking that suggest long-term upside.
Not every prospect has hit - Cody Williams and Taylor Hendricks have struggled - but head coach Will Hardy deserves credit for keeping the offense dynamic and unpredictable. His creative sets have helped mask some of the growing pains.
The defense, however, has been a major issue. That’s not unexpected with a roster full of young players and vets who aren’t known for their defensive prowess. Still, this season is about development, and in that regard, the Jazz are making progress.
Bottom Line: The Northwest Division is no longer just a battleground - it’s a proving ground. Denver’s depth is keeping them in the title hunt, Minnesota’s two-way dominance is turning heads, and Oklahoma City looks like a juggernaut in the making.
Even Portland and Utah, in different stages of their rebuilds, are finding reasons for optimism. This division is loaded - and it’s only getting more interesting as the season rolls on.