NBA season performance ratings so far: Thunder A+++ leading by a wide margin, Rockets A, Lakers B, Warriors C

As of December 12, the 2025-26 NBA regular season is nearly one-third complete, delivering countless thrilling matchups for fans. According to US media B/R, now is the perfect time to grade each team's performance.

The Thunder remain the league's "top student," while teams like the Clippers, Kings, and Pelicans resemble underperforming students stuck in school due to poor results this season.

It's time to reveal the season-to-date "report cards" for all 30 NBA teams, with the following grades assigned—

A+++: Thunder

A+: Pistons

A: Celtics, Nuggets, Rockets, Spurs

A-: Knicks

B+: Hawks, Magic, Suns, Raptors

B: Lakers, Timberwolves, Jazz

B-: Heat

C+: 76ers

C: Warriors, Grizzlies

C-: Hornets, Cavaliers, Mavericks, Trail Blazers

D: Nets, Bulls, Bucks

D-: Pacers, Wizards

F+: Pelicans

F: Clippers, Kings

Here are analyses of some of the more closely watched teams—

Thunder rated A+++

At the start of this season, the Thunder posted the best record in the league with 24 wins and only 1 loss. Seven players on the roster average 12 points or more per game, and the team's net efficiency has set a new NBA record.

After winning the NBA championship last season, the Thunder are on track to possibly create another legendary season in franchise history.

Forward Jalen Williams, selected for the All-NBA team, has only played 5 games so far this season, yet the team’s outstanding performance is truly remarkable. The Thunder’s defensive level is among the best the league has seen in years, and their roster depth is unmatched across the NBA.

Thanks to an agreement involving the Clippers, the Thunder still have a chance to secure the No.1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. This season, everything seems to be going smoothly and momentum is strong for the Thunder.

Rockets rated A

The Rockets currently rank second in the league with a net efficiency of 10.4, and their 16-6 record might even underestimate their true strength.

This team has become elite on both offense and defense. At 37, Durant continues to prove he can still lead the offense. He isn’t alone though; Sengun, Amen, Smith Jr., and Shepherd have all set career-high scoring averages this season, providing ample support.

Eason leads the league with a 50.9% three-point shooting percentage; Adams also impresses, averaging 4.7 offensive rebounds in just 21.6 minutes per game, the best in the NBA.

Even with starting guard VanVleet sidelined for the season due to an ACL tear, the Rockets maintain strong momentum and impressive results. So far, everything is progressing steadily according to plan.

Lakers rated B

Considering LeBron James has played only 8 games this season and is averaging a career-low 16.5 points, the Lakers’ 17-7 start is quite impressive.

The reason behind this success is clear—Luka Doncic’s dominant play. The 26-year-old star leads the league with 35.0 points per game and draws more fouls than anyone else. Reaves, soon to be an unrestricted free agent, is also playing at an All-Star level, shooting 50.3% from the field and averaging 27.8 points.

So why hasn’t this Lakers team earned an A grade?

The answer lies in their net efficiency, which is only +1.6, ranking 14th in the league and even trailing the 13-12 Warriors (+1.8). Their defensive efficiency is 21st, and their three-point shooting is weak, making just 12 threes per game, 23rd in the NBA.

Despite a solid record, the Lakers’ impressive stats feel somewhat superficial, like a counterfeit "purple and gold" currency.

Clippers rated F

Last season in the playoffs, the Clippers were just one step away from eliminating the Nuggets, but this year they have fallen into a complete nightmare.

They started with a dismal 6-19 record, far worse than anyone expected. Their defensive efficiency ranks 25th at 119.2; Beal played only 6 games before season-ending hip surgery, and Paul has officially parted ways with the team.

The Clippers now show signs of aging and sluggishness on both ends. The most critical issue is that due to the 2019 trade acquiring Paul George, they do not own their 2026 first-round pick, which is projected to be the 4th overall and belongs to the Thunder.

There is absolutely no sign of positivity from this season’s Clippers.

Warriors rated C

The Warriors’ defense has been impressive this season, ranking 2nd in the league with a defensive efficiency of 111.9. Unfortunately, their offense has struggled, ranking 22nd, far from the high-scoring team they were a decade ago.

The roles of Kuminga and Pogemski remain uncertain. Pogemski’s position seems more secure, but with the trade deadline approaching, Kuminga’s future is unclear.

Stephen Curry still scores efficiently, averaging 27.9 points per game, but for the first time in his career, his three-point percentage has fallen below 40% for two consecutive seasons.

Overall, the Warriors have been mediocre this year and, with their current roster, will likely only reach the play-in tournament.

Trail Blazers rated C-

After head coach Billups was arrested at the end of October, the Trail Blazers’ season has been full of turmoil. Henderson has yet to play due to a hamstring injury, and new addition Jrue Holiday has been sidelined after just 7 games.

Playing point guard and taking on heavy playmaking duties, Avdija has delivered All-Star level performances, averaging 25.4 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 6.2 assists; Shai Sharp has also posted a career-best 21.1 points per game.

However, the Trail Blazers shoot only 32.8% from three-point range, the worst in the league, with offensive efficiency ranked 20th and defensive efficiency 22nd.

Injuries combined with the sudden coaching change make it difficult to evaluate the rebuilding progress. The team holds a 9-16 record, barely hovering around the play-in spot in the Western Conference. Notably, the Trail Blazers are the only team to have beaten the Thunder this season, though the significance of that achievement is open to interpretation.