US media ranks today's top 10 one-on-one masters: Doncic surpasses Durant at number one, Harden sixth, Curry tenth

On September 14th Beijing time, McGrady recently disclosed that a one-on-one event may take place during All-Star Weekend. So, who stands as the strongest one-on-one player in today’s league? US media combined players’ skills, steadiness, and scoring effectiveness in isolation to rank the top 10 one-on-one players currently in the league, all of whom are formidable "nightmares" for defenders. Here is the specific order and breakdown—

1. Doncic

Considering Doncic is in the prime of his career, he is arguably the most well-rounded one-on-one player in the NBA right now. This Lakers star perfectly blends his physical advantages, ball-handling skills, and control of pace, making him nearly unstoppable in isolation matchups.

His step-back three-pointer has become a signature weapon, and his ability to slow down, spin, and manipulate defenders makes every defensive play uncertain. Beyond technique, Doncic’s uniqueness lies in his ability to make the smartest decisions even when heavily guarded. If forced near the rim, he uses strength to finish through contact; if defenders overcommit, he punishes them with precise passes.

Last season, Doncic averaged 6.6 points on 6.2 isolation possessions per game. Even alongside LeBron James, this Slovenian star remains the core offensive focal point of his team.

2. Durant

Although approaching 37 years old, Durant is still considered one of the purest one-on-one scorers in basketball history. His second-place ranking mainly reflects his age. Standing 2.11 meters tall, Durant possesses guard-level ball-handling skills and can shoot over any defender. His mid-range stop-and-pop jumper is among the hardest shots to block in league history.

Durant’s dominance in isolation lies in the inevitability of his scoring. Even when defenders execute perfect defense and push him out of his comfort zone, he still manages to sink shots cleanly. Last season, despite playing on a struggling team, Durant scored 5.2 points on 4.5 isolation possessions per game with an elite shooting percentage of 55.8%.

3. Alexander

By mastering techniques to overpower defenders, Alexander has risen to superstar status. His one-on-one style is distinctive, relying less on pure speed to blow by opponents. While he frequently draws fouls, his mid-range stop-and-pop jumper has become highly effective; once he drives to the paint, his long strides and choice of finishing angles make him nearly impossible to contain. As last season’s regular season MVP, he rightly ranks among the top three.

Alexander’s biggest difference compared to others on the list is his patience—he never rushes his attack but carefully breaks down defenses. As the core of the defending champion Thunder, he averaged 7.7 points on 7.0 isolation possessions per game last season, shooting a steady 46.4%.

4. Edwards

Edwards approaches one-on-one battles with explosive power and fearless mentality. His first step is lightning quick, and once he accelerates, few defenders in the league can stop his drive to the rim. This aggressive attacking ability, combined with his improving ball-handling and shooting skills, makes him one of the most dangerous scorers in spacing-based offense. However, Edwards often opts for three-point attempts rather than attacking the basket more, which is somewhat regrettable.

What truly makes Edwards threatening is his mindset—he excels under pressure, especially enjoying taking over games in clutch moments. Last season, his shooting percentage on isolation possessions was 39.5%, but we expect this rising star, poised to become the league’s future face, to climb significantly in the rankings next season.

5. Brunson

Though Brunson does not fit the traditional one-on-one superstar mold, his mastery of footwork and technique makes him a top isolation weapon. Standing just 1.88 meters tall, Brunson uses spins, pivots, and body control to consistently create space for his shots.

Brunson’s ability to keep defenders guessing is remarkable, and he skillfully changes offensive tempo with fluid moves, relying on fundamentals rather than flashy tricks to succeed.

As the Knicks’ offensive leader and 2025 "Clutch Player of the Year," Brunson has proven that pure skill and sharp decision-making can place a player among the league’s best one-on-one scorers. Considering his impressive 49.3% shooting on isolation plays last season, he might deserve even more one-on-one opportunities next season.

6. Harden

Last season, no player attempted more isolation possessions than Harden—averaging 8.5 per game, scoring 9.0 points with a 48.0% shooting rate. Despite these outstanding numbers, why is he not in the top five? The main reason is Harden is about to turn 36, and a slight decline in performance is expected, which is almost inevitable. Although "The Beard" can still contribute points or assists, next season he will likely create more chances for teammates like Beal.

Harden may no longer have the explosive power of his prime, but his command of one-on-one skills still secures him a spot on this list. In the future, he might even prove us wrong and climb higher in the rankings through his ability.

7. Tatum

Tatum’s one-on-one strength lies in his versatility. At 2.03 meters tall, he can score from anywhere on the floor, with his side-step three-pointer becoming a trademark move. Even when defenders anticipate this, he consistently creates space for his shot, though he might rely on this move a bit too much. Tatum’s standout quality is his ability to adjust late in games. Early in his career, his isolation game was inconsistent, but now he is a reliable finisher for the Celtics.

Today, when the Celtics need clutch points, Tatum has a wide array of offensive options, making him one of the most dependable one-on-one scorers among current superstars. We hope he recovers fully from his Achilles injury and returns to his peak superstar form.

8. Irving

Although currently recovering from an Achilles injury, Irving remains unmatched in pure one-on-one skill entertainment. His ball-handling is historically elite, and his isolation plays are always must-watch moments because he can finish against any defender. Irving’s true uniqueness is his ability to convert difficult shots. He excels in tight spaces, weaving through multiple defenders to finish with either hand off the backboard.

Last season, Irving scored 5.4 points on 5.1 isolation possessions per game, with isolation plays accounting for 22.4% of his offense, consistently delivering solid performances. Few players in NBA history combine both spectacle and efficiency in one-on-one scenarios as Irving does.

9. Antetokounmpo

Antetokounmpo’s one-on-one dominance stems from his sheer physical force. He has guard-level speed and an unmatched wingspan, bulldozing through defenders like a "bulldozer" in isolation. Given space, he can accelerate to the rim in just a few strides. Defenders often have no choice but to foul to stop him.

Because Antetokounmpo’s combination of strength and agility is so overwhelming, even though his shooting is not as refined as others on the list, his physical dominance in one-on-one matchups still makes him a "giant" in isolation battles.

10. Curry

Although Curry is famous for off-ball movement and deep threes, even nearing 38 years old, his one-on-one skills remain seriously underrated. When defenders are forced to guard Curry in isolation, his ball-handling and quick release become a nightmare for them.

Curry’s impact in isolation goes beyond personal scoring. Because defenders must stay tight, he uses fakes and crossovers to penetrate defenses, forcing defenders to collapse and opening opportunities for teammates.

Last season, this greatest shooter in history averaged 24.5 points per game. Although isolation possessions accounted for only 8.3% of his offense (mainly due to the Warriors’ system), when he has the ball, he is fully capable of dominating one-on-one matchups.