Vinny Curry Jersey The NBA moves at such a breakneck speed that it can be difficult to keep up with the biggest storylines on a nightly basis, let alone what happens over the course of an entire year.But before this current season reaches its halfway point and the calendar flips to 2023, let's do something crazy: hit the pause button and actually appreciate what we saw in 2022.We'll roll through the NBA year that was with a few superlatives. Some will be obvious, some will be silly and some will be oddly specific. Throw them all together, and you've got 12 wildly entertaining months of basketball action. Best performance: Stephen Curry, WarriorsThere were no other challengers. After another All-NBA regular season, Curry delivered the in Game 4 against an elite Celtics defense, scoring 43 points on 14-of-26 shooting in 41 minutes.The Warriors proceeded to win Games 5 and 6 to close out the series, and Curry took home his first Finals MVP award after averaging 31.2 points, 6.0 rebounds, 5.0 a sists and 2.0 steals per game.Whether you want to focus on Game 4 by itself or the full NBA Finals series, Curry deserves recognition for his brilliance.Biggest career swing: Andrew Wiggins, WarriorsSpeaking of the Warriors, how about the transformation of Wiggins? The 27-year-old forward emerged as a key piece of Golden State's rotation, earning the first All-Star selection of his career last season.He then took his game to another level during the Warriors' championship run. He accepted the task of defending the opponent's best player, gobbled up rebounds, and Jermaine Johnson II Jersey provided consistent secondary scoring.Wiggins was simply a different player than the one we saw in Minnesota. Perhaps he will never live up to the "Maple Jordan" moniker, but he has shown that he can thrive in the right role.Most likely to succeed: Jayson Tatum, CelticsTatum and the Celtics came up two wins short of the title, but has a bright future ahead of him.Tatum landed on the All-NBA First Team for the first time in his career last season. Now, he is looking like a legitimate MVP candidate for the Eastern Conference's best team.Boston should be a contender for years to come in large part because of Tatum's fast development into a two-way superstar. Here's the scariest part, though: What will the 24-year-old do when he hits his true prime?Best highlight: Ja Morant, Grizzlies is a nearly impo sible a signment. We went with his ridiculous dunk because Ian Eagle with a delightful one-liner."Morant... Oh! A Ja Breaker!" OH MY JA!! presented by Google Pixel on TNT NBA (@NBA) Yes, we're going to need multiple angles. Memphis Grizzlies (@memgrizz) Monster dunk. Perfect play-by-play call. Can't beat that.Most clutch performance: DeMar DeRozan, BullsDeRozan was the "King of the Fourth" last season, by nearly 100 points.He also to sink buzzer-beaters on back-to-back days, hitting tough shots against the Pacers and Wizards.DEMAR DEROZAN FOR THE WIN!! | | Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) DEROZAN DOES IT AGAIN NBA TV (@NBATV) Hail to the King!Most beloved role player: Jose Alvarado, PelicansHow do you grow into a fan favorite when you're only playing 15 New York Jets Accessories minutes per game? You turn into "Grand Theft Alvarado," obviously.The Pelicans guard is known around the league for his ability to . And even when he doesn't register a steal, he is still a relentle s pest.Listen to the excitement from the Smoothie King Center crowd when Alvarado forces Chris Paul into an 8-second violation.As Reggie Miller said, Alvarado is developing into a "cult hero" in New Orleans.Best meme: Brian Windhorst, ESPNWindhorst could have offered some routine remarks as part of a "First Take" segment and called it a day. Instead, he gave us internet gold while .New memes dropped CJ Fogler AKA Perc70 #BlackLivesMatter (@cjzero) The veteran NBA reporter inspired countle s social media posts. After going through several submi sions, we have chosen a winner... Neil Bhukta (@BhuktaNeil) Best celebration: Light the beam, KingsWhen you're trying to snap the , you have to find a way to bring positive vibes into the arena. So, really, why wouldn't you fire up a big purple beam?Earlier this year, the Kings began lighting a beam that shines brightly above the Golden 1 Center after each win. and fans quickly went all-in on the tradition, embracing the "Beam Team" nickname.Mezie does the honors and LIGHTS THE BEAM! | Sacramento Kings (@SacramentoKings) "It's always been my vision to create a spectacle," ."That's what we did. This is that fireplace we light the fire, and everyone can just gather around it."This is like a huge fire that goes into outer space."Most randomly incredible Garrett Wilson Jersey stat line: Desmond Bane, GrizzliesBane enjoyed a breakout 2021-22 season, averaging 18.2 points per game while shooting 43.6 percent from beyond the arc, so you may think this superlative exists in order to applaud him for a big scoring night.Nope. This is just weird. , Bane, a second-year guard wearing the No. 22 jersey, had...22 points, rebounds and a sists combinedTwo a sistsTwo stealsTwo blocksTwo turnoversTwo foulsOh, and he also shot 22.2 percent from the field, but he didn't make a 2-pointer.Hey, we told you that some would be oddly specific.Most respectful of fresh Jordans: Gary Payton II, WarriorsThank you, "Young Glove," for respecting the kicks. Gotta keep those white Jordan 3s in pristine condition.GP2 had to make sure the fan's Js were clean Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) Coldest cro sover photo: Kevin Durant, NetsApologies to Daniel Gafford, but this Durant move was absolutely nasty.Every angle of Kevin Durant's FILTHY cro sover! NBA (@NBA) One simple image of the play captured so much, including Durant's excellence and the sense of despair that defenders must feel when attempting to stop him. (Getty Images) "I really thought he slipped on some sweat there, so I can't take full credit for it," . "I was glad that we was able to get some momentum. I was able to get some space to do my thing, and I'm glad I finished the shot, too."It's OK, Kevin. You can take credit. That was awesome.Most 'NBA 2K' performance: Luka Doncic, MavericksLike a college student full of energy drinks, Doncic just beat the end-of-year deadline with one of the most absurd stat lines in NBA history.On Dec. 27, the Mavericks star had 60 points, 21 rebounds and 10 a sists in an overtime win against the Knicks, . Good luck trying to complete that challenge in "NBA 2K."Only making the performance more impre sive, he led Dallas to a . After trailing by nine points with 33.9 seconds remaining in regulation, the Mavs managed to make it a one-po se sion game, setting the stage for "Luka Magic."EVERY Hamsah Nasirildeen Jersey ANGLE of Luka's RIDICULOUS game-tying putback bucket! NBA (@NBA) "I'm tired as hell," . "I need a recovery beer."Don't we all. Happy New Year, everyone.