10 Statistical Milestones to Watch for in December
December brings a stretch of games that could shift several all-time lists. Many players sit on the edge of major achievements, and these next few weeks give them a real chance to secure spots that usually take entire careers to reach. These marks range from scoring, assists, steals, and coaching wins, and each milestone highlights something different about how these players or coaches have shaped their teams.
Kevin Durant Targets Multiple All-Time Lists
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Just 480 points away from passing Wilt Chamberlain, Kevin Durant could soon move into seventh on the all-time scoring list. He also sits 82 field goals behind Hakeem Olajuwon, who currently holds the tenth spot in that category. Durant’s three-point numbers are closing in, too, and he needs just nine more to enter the top ten.
James Harden Nears a New Scoring Tier
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It is possible for James Harden to break into the top ten on the all‑time scoring list by scoring 77 points, which would move him past Carmelo Anthony. That change alone shows how much ground he has covered thoughout his career. Harden also sits within reach of Shaquille O’Neal’s total, which creates a path toward another jump.
Russell Westbrook Tracks Down Magic Johnson
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As of now, Russell Westbrook is 75 assists behind Magic Johnson, one of the most recognized passers in league history. Passing him would mark a notable moment in Westbrook’s career and place him seventh all-time in assists. He’s generated high totals across different teams, lineups, and offensive systems.
Doc Rivers Nears a Significant Climb
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Closing in on George Karl’s career win total, Doc Rivers needs just five more victories to advance to sixth place all-time. That step would bring him closer to a group of coaches known for long-term success across multiple teams. Rivers has won with different rosters and systems and built a total that reflects versatility.
Nikola Jokić Closes in on Oscar Robertson
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This milestone matters because only one player—Russell Westbrook—has ever recorded 200 triple-doubles. Nikola Jokić now stands at a distance of eight from passing Oscar Robertson for second place all-time. With 10 triple-doubles in just 19 games, Jokić is producing at a pace that makes the record well within reach. Denver plays 12 games in December, which gives him a strong window.
Rick Carlisle Approaches a Rare Coaching Club
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Over the past two decades, Rick Carlisle has coached through major alterations in the NBA, which include different eras, rosters, and styles. Now, he just needs three wins to reach 1,000 career victories. Only ten coaches have reached that number, including Gregg Popovich and Phil Jackson.
Trae Young Progresses Toward Atlanta History
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Looking back at Atlanta’s scoring history, few players have climbed as quickly as Trae Young. Now just 313 points from fifth place on the franchise list, he’s nearing a mark shaped by years of standout contributors. Before his injury, Young was producing at a steady pace this season. If he returns soon, that total could fall by month’s end.
LaMelo Ball Nears Another Assist Benchmark
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Despite missing time earlier in his career, LaMelo Ball has already tallied 1,820 assists for Charlotte. He now needs 92 more to pass David Wesley for fourth on the franchise list. His 59 assists in November show he’s still the team’s top facilitator when healthy.
Zion Williamson Approaches a Spot in New Orleans Steals History
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Entering the franchise’s top ten in steals underscores Zion Williamson’s activity and timing on that end of the floor. He’s just five steals away from reaching that mark and currently averages 1.6 per game, making it well within reach this month. Though he’s best known for his scoring and physical presence, this milestone reflects growth in his defensive awareness.
Tyrese Maxey Nears Second in Three-Point Attempts for Philadelphia
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After attempting 138 three-pointers in November, Tyrese Maxey is now just two away from passing Robert Covington for second on Philadelphia’s all-time list in attempts. That volume puts him among the league leaders for the month and signals growth in his role. Maxey has taken on more of the team’s perimeter workload and stepped into responsibilities once held by veterans.