As the NBA approaches the 2025-26 season, Stephen Curry has solidified his status as a fan favorite, leading the league’s Top-Selling Jersey list. This development comes at a crucial time as teams prepare for the upcoming postseason, which kicks off with the SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament on April 18, 2026.
In a notable shift, the New York Knicks have claimed the top spot in the NBA’s Team Merchandise list, marking a significant achievement for the franchise. This surge in merchandise sales reflects the Knicks’ strong performance, with a current record of 51 wins this season.
Fourteen players on the Top-Selling Jersey list have qualified for the NBA postseason, highlighting the competitive nature of the league. Among them, rookie Cooper Flagg stands out as the only newcomer to make the list, indicating a promising start to his career.
Meanwhile, the Oklahoma City Thunder have made headlines by breaking into the top 10 in Team Merchandise sales for the first time since the 2018-19 season. This resurgence underscores the growing fan engagement and support for the team.
As the season progresses, the dynamics of gameplay are also evolving. The fastest teams in the NBA are not necessarily the most efficient, as evidenced by the Denver Nuggets, who boast the most efficient offense yet rank 20th in pace.
Interestingly, the correlation between pace and offensive rating this season is negative-0.42, suggesting that teams are finding success through slower, more calculated play. On average, the 10 slowest teams have outscored the 10 fastest teams by 3.1 points per 100 possessions.
Historically, pace has declined in the playoffs, with 27 out of the last 28 seasons showing this trend. The upcoming playoffs could see a return to a more old-school basketball approach, as slower teams are likely to dominate the postseason landscape.
Coaches are aware of these shifts. Mike Brown expressed a desire to play faster, while Billy Donovan emphasized the importance of quick shots for high percentage plays. Joe Mazzulla acknowledged the need for improvement in pace, stating, “You don’t want to be last in anything.”
As the NBA gears up for the playoffs, the focus on merchandise sales and gameplay strategies will be crucial for teams aiming to capitalize on their momentum.
