Introduced last season and received as a rousing success, the Emirates NBA Cup is back for the 2024-2025 NBA regular season and it’s added a palpable intensity over the first month of action. We’re roughly two games through Group Stage competition in the knockout-style tournament and the heightened competition has provided fans with some awe-inspiring performances from players around the league, which are reflected in the latest NBA 2K25 ratings update. 

From Nikola Jokić’s effortless dominance and De’Aaron Fox’s electrifying highlights to rookie Jared McCain’s sensational scoring, these three headline a long list of players to receive boosts to their overall rating. Let’s discuss what’s transpired on the court.

Nikola Jokić, Center, Denver Nuggets

98 OVR (+1)

It seems inconceivable, but three-time MVP winner Nikola Jokić appears to be getting even better. His scorching stretch over the last two weeks has been superhuman—even by his standards—averaging 30 points, 16.3 rebounds, and 15 assists per game. Few players can affect each facet of the game like the Joker; whether it’s rebounding, scoring, or facilitating, the Serbian superstar does it all with excellence. In the second ratings update of the season, Jokić gets a 1-point boost to his rating and is approaching rare air with 99 overall within reach.

De’Aaron Fox, Guard, Sacramento Kings

90 OVR (+2)

The Sacramento Kings' star point guard is playing at a historic level this season; Fox recently scored a combined 109 points in back-to-back games, joining Kobe Bryant as the only players in the last 50 years to score at least 109 combined points in consecutive games. Any time you can share a record with Kobe Bryant you’re in good company. Over the last week, Fox is averaging a robust stat line with 41.5 points and 8.3 assists per game, while applying pressure defensively with 2 steals per game. The former first-round pick is only 26 years old, giving Kings fans confidence he’ll continue to blossom as a superstar in this league.

Jared McCain, Guard, Philadelphia 76ers

83 OVR (+10)

Selected with the No. 16 pick of the 2024 NBA Draft, McCain entered the league as a sharpshooting guard with exceptional speed who can thrive with or without the ball in his hands, and over the last few games he’s put all of his strengths on display. With Tyrese Maxey, Paul George, and Joel Embiid banged up with injuries, McCain has stepped up as a primary scorer, finishing with at least 20 points in five straight contests, including a 34-point and 10-assist outing against a stout Cleveland Cavaliers defense.