As the 2025‑26 NBA season approaches the All-Star break, the league’s steals leaders are showcasing just how impactful defense can be in the modern game. These players combine quick hands, elite anticipation, and relentless energy to disrupt opponents and ignite fast-break opportunities. Watching the top SPG performers highlights how turnovers can swing momentum and define team identities, even before the season’s midpoint.
1. Cason Wallace
1. Cason Wallace
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Cason Wallace (22) drives past Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) during the first half at Paycom Center. Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
— 2.1 steals per game
Wallace has become one of the league’s most disruptive perimeter defenders, using quick hands and relentless anticipation to rack up steals without gambling. His instincts allow him to cut off passing lanes effectively, and he’s shown steady improvement in off‑ball defense, making life difficult on opposing ball‑handlers. At only 2.1 STLG, he’s tied for the top rate in the NBA, highlighting his growth as a defensive cornerstone for the Thunder.
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2. Kawhi Leonard
Kawhi Leonard
Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) reacts after a play during the third quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
— 2.1 steals per game
Even with a limited schedule this season, Kawhi’s defensive fundamentals are elite — his large hands and timing are perfectly suited for generating turnovers. He pairs his steals with physical on‑ball pressure and excellent positioning, often forcing opponents into uncomfortable decisions. Leonard’s presence on the perimeter still shifts game plans for ball‑handlers who know he’s lurking for deflections and jump‑cuts.
3. Tyrese Maxey
Tyrese Maxey
Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (0) on the court against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena. Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
— 2.0 steals per game
Maxey’s athleticism and quick lateral feet allow him to close out on shooters and strip ball‑handlers in transition. His steal rate reflects his growth into a two‑way star: not only does he score efficiently, but he also brings high‑octane defensive energy. Maxey’s anticipation of screens and aggressive hands have helped the 76ers convert defense into fast‑break offense.
4. Ausar Thompson
Ausar Thompson
Detroit Pistons guard Ausar Thompson (9) dunks the ball against the Denver Nuggets in the fourth quarter at Little Caesars Arena. Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images
— 1.9 steals per game
Thompson’s combination of length and lateral mobility makes him a natural at disrupting passing lanes. He plays with high defensive IQ, often baiting opponents into mistakes and then converting them into turnovers. His steal numbers are a testament to his hustle and activity level, contributing significantly to Detroit’s defensive identity.
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5. Dyson Daniels
5. Dyson Daniels
Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels (5) passes the ball against the Utah Jazz in the first quarter at State Farm Arena. Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
— 1.9 steals per game
Daniels continues to showcase the defensive prowess that made him a breakout star last season, blending sharp instincts with tenacious on‑ball pressure. While his current rate doesn’t eclipse his historic 3.0‑spg season, he remains a disruptive force, particularly in help‑side rotations and blitz packages. Opponents have to be crisp with their dribble and decision‑making when Daniels is nearby.
6. O.G. Anunoby
O.G. Anunoby
New York Knicks forward Og Anunoby (8) drives to the basket in front of Washington Wizards forward Marvin Bagley III (35) during the third quarter at Capital One Arena. Credit: Rafael Suanes-Imagn Images
— 1.7 steals per game
Anunoby is one of the league’s most versatile defenders — capable of guarding multiple positions and creating turnovers with precision timing. His reads on passing lanes and ability to switch seamlessly make him a constant threat to poke the ball loose. While not at the very top of the SPG leaderboard, he’s still among the most effective steal generators across rotations.
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7. Donovan Mitchell
Donovan Mitchell
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) during the second quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
— 1.5 steals per game
Mitchell’s athletic approach to defense combines quick hands with aggressive hedge and recover tactics that generate steals. He has a knack for reading screens and fighting through them to disrupt dribble penetration. Even as a primary scorer, Mitchell’s defensive contribution in turnover creation adds significant value to his two‑way role.
8. Trey Murphy III
Trey Murphy III
New Orleans Pelicans forward Trey Murphy III (25) dunks against Sacramento Kings center Dylan Cardwell (32) during the first half at Smoothie King Center. Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images
— 1.5 steals per game
Murphy attacks passing lanes with acute awareness, often capitalizing on loose balls from the weak‑side. His length and anticipation accelerate his steals despite being known more for shooting. This blend of offense and opportunistic defense makes him a strong two‑way wing threat.
9. VJ Edgecombe
VJ Edgecombe
Philadelphia 76ers guard Vj Edgecombe (77) is defended by Los Angeles Lakers forward Jarred Vanderbilt (2) in the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
— 1.51 steals per game
Edgecombe’s energy on defense shows up in his active hands and pursuit angles, especially in transition situations. While playing fewer minutes than some ahead of him, his SPG total reflects how quickly he can create turnovers when he’s on the floor. His steal ability adds a valuable dimension to his overall backcourt impact.
10. Jordan Goodwin
Jordan Goodwin
Phoenix Suns guard Jordan Goodwin (23) celebrates a three-point shot in the first half of the game against the Dallas Mavericks at Mortgage Matchup Center. Credit: Arianna Grainey-Imagn Images
— 1.50 steals per game
Goodwin shows how high defensive activity can offset lesser name recognition. He gets to the ball with speed and tenacity, creating multiple opportunities for his team by forcing mistakes. Whether through quick hands or smart positioning, ha has carved out a role as a capable leak‑out defender generating steady steals.
Conclusion
Conclusion
Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) drives with the ball as Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. (10) defends during the second quarter at Toyota Center. Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Heading into the All-Star weekend, the steals-per-game leaders demonstrate that defensive excellence isn’t just about raw stats—it’s about timing, anticipation, and reading the game. Their ability to generate turnovers consistently has already shaped outcomes for their teams and set a tone for the second half of the season. Fans can expect these defensive playmakers to remain game-changers, turning small opportunities into major momentum shifts as the league heads toward the playoffs.
* as of February 10, 2026
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