Orchestrate the offense in NBA 2K25 with a trio of skilled ball-handlers who can score at a high clip: James Harden, Desmond Bane, and Austin Reaves. The trio of playmaking guards each received bumps to their player rating this week, thanks to some standout performances. Hit the court in Play Now with the Los Angeles Clippers, Memphis Grizzlies, and Los Angeles Lakers to put the new-and-improved stars to the test solo or with friends. 

James Harden, Guard, Los Angeles Clippers

90 OVR (+2)

At 35 years old, the Beard is still going strong. Despite a down season in 2023-2024, James Harden has his swagger back and is delivering vintage performances on a nightly basis. On March 5, Harden erupted for 50 points against the red-hot Detroit Pistons, and since then he’s averaging 29.1 points per game. Throughout his career, Harden’s found myriad ways to score; whether it’s behind the arc, at the charity stripe, or slashing to the basket. Spectators wondered if the old days of James Harden were over, but the 11-time All-Star is back to scoring at an elite level.

Desmond Bane, Guard, Memphis Grizzlies

 87 OVR (+2)

Desmond Bane started the season a little slower than usual, but the brawny guard is hitting his stride ahead of the NBA Playoffs as the Grizzlies fight for a higher seed. With Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. hampered by injuries, Bane’s been forced to carry the load the last couple of weeks, and he’s done so in every major statistical category, especially rebounds, averaging 22.1 points, 8.1 rebounds—up from his season average of 6.3—and 5.3 assists per game. If Memphis hopes to make noise in the postseason they’ll need their starting five at full strength, but Bane has the talent to keep them afloat in the Western Conference standings. 

Austin Reaves, Guard, Los Angeles Lakers

87 OVR (+2)

AR is the talk of the town right now. Watch any mainstream sports talk show and you’ll likely see a segment about “Who’s the best third-option in the league?” with Reaves as a source of debate. Not only are pundits including the former undrafted player in the discussion, but many are stamping him as the third-best option on any team in the league.

Under the mentorship and coaching of Los Angeles Lakers Head Coach J.J. Redick, Reaves has taken a considerable step forward in his development. With or without his Lakers co-stars, LeBron James and Luka Dončić, Reaves has blossomed into a shifty guard with a deep bag and limitless range. Over the last four games, Reaves is averaging 30.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 7 assists per game. Capable of playing off the ball or on the ball, the Lakers found a gem in the 26-year-old.