As December arrives, a quarter of the 2025-26 NBA season has wrapped up, with just over three weeks remaining until the season officially kicks off on Christmas, the most anticipated time of the year. Yahoo’s new fantasy basketball format, High Scores, spotlights a player’s best weekly performance. Over time, many standout players have emerged with remarkable showings. Below is the ideal lineup featuring November’s top six performances.
Top Performers Breakdown:
Cade Cunningham, Guard: The Detroit Pistons currently hold the best record in the Eastern Conference, boosted by Cunningham’s season-best fantasy score. He achieved an impressive triple-double with 46 points, 12 assists, and 7 steals, totaling 101 fantasy points in an overtime victory over the Wizards on November 10. Though his performances have varied, Cunningham’s high assist count ensures he frequently produces strong numbers, ranking second in the league with an average of 9.4 assists per game.
Tyrese Maxey, Guard: With Joel Embiid sidelined for half the season, Maxey has taken command of the Philadelphia 76ers, averaging 32.2 points per game—ranking third behind Luka Doncic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander—and pushing toward his first NBA scoring title. Maxey’s standout moment came with a career-high 54 points and 95 fantasy points in an overtime win against Milwaukee on November 20. Despite being a first-round draft pick, Maxey is proving he merits a top-five selection.
Jalen Johnson, Frontcourt: A surprising but impressive entry, Johnson has stepped up amid Trae Young’s knee injury to lead Atlanta’s charge. On November 13, he posted 98 fantasy points, thanks to a 31-18-14 triple-double and seven steals against Utah, marking one of his season’s best performances. Though such standout games may be rare, Johnson is making a strong case for himself.
Nikola Jokic, Frontcourt: The three-time MVP dominates the high-scoring fantasy format, leading all players with an average of 70 fantasy points per game. Jokic has consistently scored above 55 fantasy points each game, hitting 80 or more on four occasions—including two peaks of 89—and shows no signs of slowing down.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Frontcourt: Returning recently from a groin injury, Giannis has shown flashes of brilliance despite the Bucks’ struggles this season. With his scoring ability, rebounds, assists, and steals, he maintains a high floor for fantasy points, nearly achieving a triple-double with 41 points and 15 rebounds against Chicago on November 7, earning 86 fantasy points.
Luka Doncic, Utility: Despite starting the season injured and missing early matches, Doncic has come back strong. His highlight was a 91-fantasy-point game featuring 35 points, 8 rebounds, and 13 assists in a close victory against the Spurs on November 5, proving he remains a dominant force with LeBron James back on the court.
Fan Take: This rundown of top fantasy performances highlights the changing dynamics and emerging stars shaping the NBA this season. For basketball fans, it underscores the exciting blend of established superstars and rising talent, signaling an evolving landscape that promises thrilling competitions ahead.
