Here are the top performers on January 22 and the stats to highlight their impact:
BEST PLAYER OF THE DAY:
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander OKC PG 40 PTS | 7 REB | 11 AST | 65.9 FPS (vs. MIL)
SGA was lethal, knocking down 16-of-19 from the field for his fourth 40-point performance of the season while narrowly missing a triple-double. While such dominance is expected from the reigning Finals MVP, his recent stretch is even more staggering: he has shot over 60% in three straight games and has missed only once in his last 25 free-throw attempts.
BREAKOUT:
Luke Kennard ATL SG 18 PTS | 4 REB | 2 STL | 31.8 FPS (vs. MEM)
Kennard caught fire offensively, going 7-of-9 from the field and 4-of-5 from three for his second-highest point total of the year. He continues to have a steady role off the bench for the Hawks, though consistency has been an issue.
SLEEPER:
Duncan Robinson DET SF 15 PTS | 4 REB | 3 AST | 28.3 FPS (vs. NOP)
The sharpshooter is on an incredible run offensively, averaging 16 points and hitting 4.3 threes over his last six games.
ELITE ASSET:
Jaylen Brown BOS SF 30 PTS | 10 REB | 3 STL | 53.5 FPS (vs. IND)
The Celtics superstar was listed on the injury report with a hamstring issue, but he powered through, recording his 24th 30-point game of the season while averaging 30.7 points over his last seven games. Behind his consistent play, the Celtics have completely turned around their poor start to the season and are now legitimate contenders, ranking second in the East.
CATEGORY SPECIALIST:
Dylan Cardwell SAC C 13 REB | 3 AST | 4 BLK | 36.1 FPS (vs. TOR)
In his last five games, the big man has been the team’s most consistent option on defense, averaging 10 rebounds and 2.8 stocks. He has proven capable of these performances and should maintain this level of play while Sabonis works his way back to full strength.
PLAYER TO WATCH:
Jock Landale MEM C 13 PTS | 11 REB | 3 AST | 30.7 FPS (vs. ATL)
This was the fourth time in five games that Landale has recorded at least 8 rebounds while scoring in double figures. He’s been making a strong impact for his position since last month, but he has found even more consistency over this recent stretch.
STREAMER:
Sandro Mamukelashvili TOR PF 22 PTS | 9 REB | 4 AST | 37.8 FPS (vs. SAC)
Over his last three games, the veteran forward is averaging 18.7 points and 9 rebounds. With the Raptors shorthanded in the frontcourt, Sandro should continue to see a bigger role in the rotation and deliver positive contributions.
FLOPPER:
LaMelo Ball CHA PG 5 REB | 7 AST | 2 STL | 25.5 FPS (vs. CLE)
Despite a solid all-around effort, Ball endured a brutal shooting night, finishing 1-of-15 from the field and 0-for-10 from three in a season-worst performance.
