As the NBA continues to evolve into a league where offense dominates, breaking records at an unprecedented pace, all eyes are on the Celtics in the 2024-25 Season. Last season alone saw six of the seven highest offensive ratings in league history, with the top 37 all recorded within the last five years. The Boston Celtics, setting the gold standard in offense, boasted the best offensive rating ever. The burning question now is: who will rise to challenge them at the top of the scoring hierarchy this season?
Can Anyone Outgun the Celtics in the 2024-25 Season?
Philadelphia 76ers: A Comeback Story?
The Philadelphia 76ers slipped to 14th in offensive ranking last season, plagued by James Harden’s trade drama and Joel Embiid’s knee surgery. Yet, when Embiid and Tyrese Maxey shared the court, the Sixers were nothing short of spectacular, boasting a 124.2 offensive rating. Enter Paul George, a free-agent coup who averaged 22.6 points per game with the Clippers, shooting a career-high 41.3% from beyond the arc. George’s addition is set to transform Philadelphia into a scoring powerhouse, potentially restoring them to the upper echelons of NBA offenses.
Phoenix Suns: The Point Guard Problem Solved
Last season, the Suns had three of the league’s top offensive players—Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradey Beal—yet their offense faltered due to a lack of a true point guard. Tyus Jones, acquired on a veteran minimum contract, might be the steal of the offseason. His uncanny ability to distribute the ball without turning it over (7.3 assists per game, with just 1.0 turnovers) addresses the Suns’ glaring issues. With Jones orchestrating the offense, Phoenix’s scoring potential looks downright scary.
Indiana Pacers: Quietly Lethal
Despite minimal offseason moves, the Indiana Pacers remain a force to be reckoned with. Last season, they posted the second-highest offensive rating in NBA history, led by the wizardry of Tyrese Haliburton. The team’s unselfish ball movement and five-out playing style make them one of the most difficult offenses to defend. With the return of key players like Pascal Siakam and the ever-improving Andrew Nembhard, the Pacers are poised to stay near the top.
Oklahoma City Thunder: The Young Guns Ready to Rise
The Thunder finished third in offensive rating last year, and their trajectory is only pointing upward. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who was third in points per game, is evolving into an unstoppable scorer. The addition of Alex Caruso, a deadly three-point shooter, and continued development of players like Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren, position OKC as a legitimate contender to lead the league in scoring.
Boston Celtics: The Unquestioned King
After posting the highest offensive rating ever and winning the 2024 title, the Boston Celtics have no intention of relinquishing their crown. With their core intact and key additions like sharpshooter Baylor Scheierman, the Celtics’ offense is a well-oiled machine. Even without Kristaps Porziņģis for the season’s early weeks, Boston’s offensive depth ensures they remain the team to beat. The Celtics are not just aiming to dominate—they’re eyeing the record books.
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