The NBA might be about systems, spacing, and ball movement, but sometimes the game comes down to one of its most basic forms: isolation. When the shot clock is winding down, teams turn to their best one-on-one players.
These are the stars who can use their dominant 1-on-1 skills to become the ultimate weapon. Now, ranking the best isolation players in the NBA isn’t just about buckets every once in a while but mainly about how consistent they are.
Regardless of position, today’s league has no shortage of elite one-on-one talent. These players are matchup nightmares who force defenses to bend, rotate, and collapse, so let's name and rank the top 10.
1. Luka Doncic
Luka Doncic has the most complete 1-on-1 game in the NBA right now, considering he is entering his prime years. The Los Angeles Lakers star blends size, craft, and pace in a way that makes him nearly impossible to contain in isolation.
His step-back three has become a signature weapon, while his ability to decelerate, pivot, and manipulate defenders keeps them guessing every possession. Beyond his skill, Doncic thrives because he makes the right read even when defenses sell out to stop him.
Force him to the rim, and he uses his strength to finish through contact. Overhelp, and he’ll punish defenses with pinpoint passes. Doncic averaged 6.6 points per game on 6.2 isolation possessions per game, and even when playing alongside LeBron James, the Slovenian is the main man.
2. Kevin Durant
Even as he approaches 37, Kevin Durant remains arguably the purest one-on-one scorer basketball has ever seen, and is in second place because of his age. At nearly seven feet tall with guard-like handles, Durant can rise up over any defender, making his midrange pull-up one of the most unstoppable shots in league history.
Durant’s isolation dominance is also mainly about inevitability. Defenders can play perfect defense, force him to his spots, and still watch the ball swish through the net. Last season, despite playing on a very bad team, Durant averaged 5.2 points per 4.5 possessions per game on an elite 55.8% field-goal percentage.
3. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has elevated himself into superstardom by mastering the art of dominating defenders. His isolation game is unique since he doesn’t need to always blow by opponents with raw speed.
Yes, he draws fouls often, but his midrange pull-up has become lethal, and once he gets into the paint, his long strides and finishing angles make him nearly unguardable. The reigning MVP has to be honored with a spot in the top three as a result.
What separates Shai from many others on this list is his patience. He doesn’t rush; he dissects. As the leader of the reigning NBA champions Thunder, SGA averaged 7.7 points on 7.0 isolation possessions again, with a strong 46.4% field-goal percentage.
4. Anthony Edwards
Anthony Edwards attacks isolation plays with raw explosiveness and fearlessness. His first step is blistering, and when Edwards gets a head of steam, few defenders in the league can keep him from the rim.
That downhill force, combined with an improving handle and jumper, makes him one of the most dangerous scorers in space. Quite frankly, it is unfortunate that Edwards tends to take threes instead of attacking more often.
Still, what makes Edwards especially lethal is his mentality. He thrives in high-pressure moments, relishing opportunities to take over late in games. Edwards only shot 39.5% from the field in isolation scenarios last season, but next season, we expect the budding face of the NBA to catapult to the top.
5. Jalen Brunson
Jalen Brunson doesn’t fit the mold of the traditional isolation superstar, but his mastery of footwork and craft makes him an elite one-on-one weapon. At just 6’2”, Brunson finds ways to create separation through pivots, spins, and body control.
It is amazing how Brunson keeps defenders off balance, and he can change pace with shifty moves perfectly. Brunson’s iso game is reminiscent of old-school guards who relied on fundamentals rather than flash.
As the engine of the Knicks’ offense, Brunson (2025 Clutch Player of the Year) has shown that sheer skill and precision can make you one of the best one-on-one players in the league. Considering he shot 49.3% in isolation scenarios, perhaps he should get even more opportunities next season.
6. James Harden
No player had the ball in his hands in isolation situations more than James Harden last season. He averaged an incredible 8.5 isolation possessions per game, posting 9.0 points with a 48.0% field-goal percentage. So why does he rank outside the top five?
Harden will be 36 years old very soon, and we predict a slight decline, which is almost inevitable. The Beard can still generate points, whether scoring or passing, but he will likely defer to players such as Bradley Beal next season.
Harden may not be as explosive as he once was, but his mastery of the one-on-one game still earns him a place on this list, and he might even prove us wrong to catapult up the rankings.
7. Jayson Tatum
Jayson Tatum’s one-on-one brilliance comes from versatility. At 6’8”, he can score from every level, but his sidestep three has become a signature move. It consistently buys him separation even when defenders anticipate it, but still, he might rely on it a little too much.
What elevates Tatum is his ability to evolve in late-game situations. Early in his career, his iso possessions could be inconsistent, but he’s grown into a reliable closer for Boston.
Now, when the Boston Celtics need a bucket, Tatum has a deep bag to pull from, making him one of the most reliable isolation scorers among today’s superstars. Hopefully, Tatum can recover from an Achilles injury and return to his superstar best.
8. Kyrie Irving
Even as he nurses an Achilles injury, when it comes to pure one-on-one artistry, no one matches Kyrie Irving. His handle is the best we have ever seen, and iso possessions are must-watch events because he can finish against anyone at any time.
What truly separates Kyrie is his ability to convert difficult looks. He thrives in tight spaces, weaving through multiple defenders before finishing with either hand off the glass.
In isolation, posted 5.4 points per 5.1 isolation possessions last season, and with a 22.4% frequency in these situations, Kyrie often delivered. Few players in NBA history have combined entertainment and efficiency in one-on-one scenarios the way Kyrie consistently does.
9. Giannis Antetokounmpo
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s one-on-one dominance is about raw force. At seven feet tall with guard speed and unmatched length, Giannis bulldozes defenders in isolation. Give him space, and he’ll launch downhill with only a few steps needed to get to the rim.
Defenders often have no choice but to foul, as Giannis’ combination of strength and agility is simply overwhelming. While his jumper isn’t as polished as others on this list, his ability to impose his will physically makes him a one-on-one juggernaut.
10. Stephen Curry
Stephen Curry may be known for his off-ball movement and deep shooting, but his one-on-one game is vastly underrated, even as he approaches 38 years old. When defenders are forced into isolation against Curry, his handle and quick release create nightmares.
Curry’s iso impact goes beyond his own scoring. Because defenders must play him so tightly, he uses hesitations and crossovers to blow by them, collapsing defenses and opening opportunities for teammates.
Last season, the greatest shooter ever averaged 24.5 PPG, and even if he only averaged an 8.3% isolation frequency (mainly due to how the Warriors play), he can certainly come through with the ball in his hands.