Here are the top performers on January 23 and the stats to highlight their impact:
BEST PLAYER OF THE DAY:
Peyton Watson DEN SF 35 PTS | 8 REB | 4 BLK | 66.1 FPS (vs. WAS)
While Watson’s most reliable impact has come on the defensive end—where he’s averaging 4.7 stocks over his last three games—he continues to flash upside offensively. He posted his third 30-point performance of the month, while averaging 22 points. With Jokic and other key players still out, Watson should be able to sustain his offensive surge while continuing to contribute across the board in the coming games.
BREAKOUT:
Naji Marshall DAL SF 30 PTS | 7 REB | 9 AST | 47.9 FPS (vs. GSW)
Marshall was on fire offensively, hitting 10-of-12 from the field and converting a flawless 8-for-8 at the line to finish with his second 30-point game of the season. He has completely risen to the occasion for the shorthanded Mavs, putting up improved all-around numbers and leading the team into a four-game win streak.
SLEEPER:
Keldon Johnson SAS SF 21 PTS | 5 AST | 1 BLK | 35.7 FPS (vs. UTA)
Despite some offensive ups and downs, Johnson’s overall impact remained positive. The veteran forward also had a strong game today, finishing with his second 20-point outing in his last four while also consistently making his presence felt on defense in that stretch.
ELITE ASSET:
Keyonte George UTA PG 23 PTS | 4 REB | 5 AST | 43.3 FPS (vs. SAS)
One of the most improved players in the league, George continues to turn heads, following up his 43-point explosion against the Wolves with his 30th 20-point game of the season—and his sixth in the last seven. However, with the Jazz possibly heading toward tanking, he may start seeing less minutes and also miss some games soon.
CATEGORY SPECIALIST:
Ivica Zubac LAC C 18 PTS | 19 REB | 1 STL | 42.8 FPS (vs. LAL)
Despite missing a number of games this year due to injury, Big Zu remains among the league leaders in rebounding, ranking fifth in total rebounds. His dominance was on full display today, as he recorded 10 offensive rebounds, while the Lakers had 6 as a team.
PLAYER TO WATCH:
Jusuf Nurkic UTA C 17 PTS | 11 REB | 14 AST | 56.2 FPS (vs. SAS)
The big man recorded another robust stat line, finishing with back-to-back triple-doubles to become one of just five centers in the league to accomplish the feat in the last 25 years. While he’s been on a solid run since his return, sustaining this performance might still be a problem with the team’s inconsistent rotations.
STREAMER:
De’Anthony Melton GSW SG 22 PTS | 3 REB | 2 STL | 36.6 FPS (vs. DAL)
Over his last five games, the veteran guard has been highly inconsistent, scoring 20+ points three times while being held to six or fewer in the others. However, with the Warriors lacking consistent scoring options and hampered by injuries, he is expected to remain a key part of the rotation and should have plenty of more opportunities to deliver again.
FLOPPER:
Anthony Black ORL PG 4 PTS | 2 REB | 2 AST | 11.4 FPS (vs. CHA)
Following a four-game stretch of 19+ points and solid all-around production, Black went cold, finishing 1-for-11 from the floor with minimal impact in other areas.
