Here are the top performers on February 24 and the stats to highlight their impact.
BEST PLAYER OF THE DAY:
Victor Wembanyama SAS C 21 PTS | 17 REB | 6 BLK | 65.4 FPS (vs. DET)
It was a tough offensive game for Wemby, but he still did enough to finish with at least 20 points for the 29th time this year. Defensively, however, he remained elite, averaging 5 blocks and posting three straight double-digit rebounding performances since the break.
BREAKOUT:
Jabari Smith Jr HOU PF 31 PTS | 9 REB | 3 BLK | 55.8 FPS (vs. UTA)
The former 3rd overall pick has been reliable this month, averaging 17.0 points, 2.5 threes, 7.3 rebounds, and nearly 2 stocks. But he reached a new level today, knocking down 6 threes for his second 30-point game of the season, while also racking up big defensive numbers.
SLEEPER:
Javon Small MEM PG 21 PTS | 6 REB | 9 AST | 40.7 FPS (vs. SAC)
Injuries continue to be a problem for the Grizzlies, allowing Small to step into a bigger role in recent games. The rookie has yet to find consistency, but he’s already shown what he’s capable of. He averaged 4 stocks over his previous two games and came through on offense today, with his second 20-point game of the month.
ELITE ASSET:
Cade Cunningham DET PG 16 PTS | 6 REB | 10 AST | 50.2 FPS (vs. SAS)
Since his 42-point explosion against the Knicks, Cunningham has gone cold offensively, scoring under 20 points in his last two games. However, he has compensated in other areas, recording double-digit assist performances in three consecutive games while averaging nearly 3 blocks.
CATEGORY SPECIALIST:
Precious Achiuwa SAC C 22 PTS | 12 REB | 1 BLK | 40.4 FPS (vs. MEM)
Precious has been producing lately, averaging close to 17 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 3 stocks over his last three games. With the Kings lacking depth at his position, he should have no trouble maintaining his minutes and this level of production.
PLAYER TO WATCH:
Kyle Filipowski UTA C 13 PTS | 5 REB | 5 STL | 37.0 FPS (vs. HOU)
Over his last three games, Filipowski has been on another level, averaging 16.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 4.3 steals and a block per game. While he’s unlikely to sustain this defensive production, he should remain a significant part of the rotation for the rest of the season.
STREAMER:
Nique Clifford SAC SG 12 PTS | 6 REB | 6 STL | 42.7 FPS (vs. MEM)
The Kings have already shut down most of their core players, so Clifford should continue to see a significant role for the remainder of the season. The rookie has capitalized on this opportunity lately, flashing his upside as an all-around contributor. However, his offensive game remains a work in progress.
FLOPPER:
Dylan Harper SAS SG 5 PTS | 3 AST | 1 STL | 14.9 FPS (vs. DET)
Harper slowed down today after shooting over 50% and reaching double figures in six of his first seven games of the month. Maintaining consistency has been a challenge for the rookie, but he is still having a solid first season, averaging 11/3/3 off the bench.
