S otheby’s is proud to present NBA Auctions Premier: Season highlights, from the league’s top players, including LeBron’s birthday game, James Harden’s franchise-record 55-point performance, and a multi-game worn jersey from Cooper Flagg’s record-setting rookie season.
The 2025–2026 NBA season delivered on every level, blending superstar dominance with the emergence of a new generation. Established names continued to define the league’s biggest moments, while rising stars and rookies brought fresh energy and record-setting performances. From historic scoring nights to breakout campaigns, the season was marked by unforgettable highlights, elite competition, and a constant reshaping of the league’s future.
One of the tightest MVP races in recent years has unfolded this season, centered around two of the league’s most dominant teams and two of its brightest stars. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Victor Wembanyama have emerged as leading candidates for the award, while their teams battle for supremacy at the top of the Western Conference. With the San Antonio Spurs and the Oklahoma City Thunder holding the No. 2 and No. 1 seeds respectively, their race for MVP and conference dominance has become one of the most compelling storylines heading into the playoffs.
"I let my game do the talking."
Repeated high profile matchups, national television exposure, and the sense that both franchises are rising at the same time have already begun to fuel a budding rivalry. Each organization has embraced a patient roster building strategy centered around elite, versatile superstars, making every meeting feel like an early chapter in a rivalry that could shape the Western Conference for years to come.
Beyond the head to head battles, both players have delivered phenomenal individual seasons. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has led the Oklahoma City Thunder to the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference and the best record in the NBA. In pursuit of his second consecutive MVP award, he has averaged an extraordinary 31 points and 6.6 assists per game, serving as the engine of the league’s top team. Night after night, Gilgeous-Alexander controls the pace of the game, scoring efficiently while orchestrating the offense and contributing on the defensive end. The jersey featured in this sale is a multi game worn example and includes the special edition Gold NBA Logoman patch.
On the other side is Victor Wembanyama, often referred to as “The Alien.” After his second season was cut short due to blood clots, Wembanyama returned this year with one of the most dominant starts in recent memory. The jersey offered in this sale was worn on October 26, when he delivered a remarkable performance of 31 points, 14 rebounds, and 6 blocks. With that outing, Wembanyama became the first player in NBA history to record more than 100 points and 15 blocks across the first three games of a season.
His impact has been transformative for the Spurs, who have surged from missing the playoffs last year to securing the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference. Anchoring the team on both ends of the floor, Wembanyama has quickly established himself as one of the most dominant and unique forces in the game today.
Aaron Gordon became the 6th player in NBA history to score 50 or more points in a season opener tonight!
He is the 1st Denver player to complete this feat 🤯 pic.twitter.com/NLM6iLFFhM
— NBA (@NBA) October 24, 2025
This season got off to a torrid start, with players setting records from the opening tip. On opening night, when the Golden State Warriors faced the Denver Nuggets, Aaron Gordon delivered a stunning performance. He erupted for a career-high 50 points on an incredible 17-for-21 shooting, including 10-of-11 from three. Known more for his athleticism than perimeter scoring, Gordon caught fire from deep and even hit a late go-ahead three, but Stephen Curry responded in the closing seconds to lift Golden State to a 137–131 overtime win. Despite the loss it will be remembered as one of the most efficient 50-point performances in NBA history.
Only a few weeks later, James Harden caught fire in Charlotte, hitting 10 three-pointers on his way to 55 points, breaking the franchise record. He is the only player to currently hold the single-game scoring record for multiple franchises. This marked Harden’s 25th career 50-point game, tying him with Kobe Bryant for the third-most in NBA history.
“I had to do what I had to do.”
In December, Stephen Curry and the Warriors squared off with the Minnesota Timberwolves, and Curry continued his hot start to the season, dropping 39 points, hitting six 3-pointers. With 39 points, Curry set the NBA record and passed Michael Jordan for most 35 point games since turning 30 in NBA history.
Before the 2025 draft, ESPN noted that the 2025 class stood out for its rare blend of youth and high-level skill, making the group especially appealing to NBA teams. This has already come to fruition with plenty of superstars emerging, especially, Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel who have already made an immediate impact with their teams and the NBA.
Selected first overall in the 2025 NBA Draft, Cooper Flagg entered the league with a level of anticipation rarely seen for a player his age. The basketball world had been watching him long before draft night and even before his breakout season at Duke. At just 17, he drew national attention while competing against Team USA in pre-Olympic scrimmages, going viral for holding his own against a roster filled with future Hall of Famers. It did not take long for Flagg to take the league by storm.
“He’s better than advertised, if that’s possible.”
By the time Cooper Flagg was 18, he was already rewriting the record books, becoming the youngest player in NBA history to score, 40 points in a game, record double-digit assists, and post multiple 25-point performances.
He also became the first teenager in NBA history to score 50 in a game, set the single-game scoring record for a teenager (51), and became the youngest player to record consecutive 45+ point games.
This sale features the jersey he wore in his 6th career game and first Global Games appearance.
Flagg’s main rival for Rookie of the Year is his former Duke teammate, Kon Knueppel. Averaging around 19 points and 5 rebounds per game, Knueppel has paired steady scoring with historic shooting efficiency. He has already rewritten the record books, becoming the most prolific rookie shooter in NBA history after surpassing Keegan Murray’s previous mark of 206 made three-pointers. He later set the Hornets franchise record for 3-pointers in a season, breaking Kemba Walker’s record. The jersey in this sale was worn in 2 early games from his rookie season, an important multi game jersey for this historic rookie.
no. 7 slammin’ it down
📹 @FDSN_Hornets | @Kon2Knueppel pic.twitter.com/8LsHF8D9yx
— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) December 13, 2025
In a short time, he has established himself as one of the league’s premier shooters and has drawn the attention and respect of top players and coaches across the NBA. After coaching against Knueppel for the first time, Steve Kerr was full of praise and explained why the rookie reminds him of Warriors legend Chris Mullin: “Really good size on the wing, big strong body, catch-and-shoot, but also incredible IQ, passing, making the right play over and over again. He's already a really, really damn good player,” the four-time NBA champion coach said.
Finally, Knueppel led the NBA in three pointers made this season with 273, becoming the first rookie ever to lead the league in total three-pointers. Defined by poise, efficiency, and timely shot-making, Knueppel’s debut season has already established him as one of the league’s most reliable young players.
“You’re probably one of the smartest rookies I’ve ever seen… one of the most competitive players that I’ve seen as a rookie.”
“You’re probably one of the smartest rookies I’ve ever seen.” 💯
Giannis showed love to Milwaukee native Kon Knueppel during NBA All-Star! pic.twitter.com/VV82bgtvsy
— #NBAAllStar (@NBAAllStar) February 17, 2026
Bid now on game worn jerseys from some of the highlight moments from the 2025-2026 season.
The exclusive online auction is open for bidding from April 14th to April 20th, 2026.
