Here are the top performers on February 26 and the stats to highlight their impact.
BEST PLAYER OF THE DAY:
Alperen Sengun HOU C 26 PTS | 13 REB | 11 AST | 71.1 FPS (vs. SAC)
Sengun shouldered a much larger offensive role today and delivered, posting solid numbers across all major categories. The performance also marked his 25th double-double, his 3rd triple-double of the season and the 11th of his career. If Thompson remains out, expect another big performance from him.
BREAKOUT:
Will Richard GSW SG 21 PTS | 5 REB | 6 AST | 44.0 FPS (vs. MEM)
The rookie stepped into a bigger role today and made the most of it, recording his third 20-point game of the season. While his offensive upside is evident, his role is likely to remain limited for the time being.
SLEEPER:
GG Jackson II MEM PF 24 PTS | 8 REB | 2 BLK | 40.6 FPS (vs. GSW)
The third-year big man has been incredible as of late, putting up 21.8 points, 2.4 threes, 6.4 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game over his last five. He should be able to maintain this level of production as one of the team’s primary contributors for the remainder of the season.
ELITE ASSET:
Derrick White BOS SG 20 PTS | 6 REB | 3 BLK | 40.7 FPS (vs. DEN)
D-White delivered another strong all-around performance, finishing with at least 5 rebounds for the fourth straight game, notching 3 blocks for the third time in his last four while posting a steal in six of his last seven games. While he failed to reach at least 8 assists after doing so in his last four, he made up for it on offense with his second straight 20-point and 4-threes performance.
CATEGORY SPECIALIST:
Ausar Thompson DET SF 11 PTS | 7 AST | 3 BLK | 38.3 FPS (vs. OKC)
Thompson continues to make his mark on the defensive end, posting at least 5 stocks for the fourth time this month and recording 3 steals in three of his last four games. While his offense remains a weakness, his versatility helps make up for it.
PLAYER TO WATCH:
Devin Vassell SAS SG 21 PTS | 5 REB | 2 STL | 34.0 FPS (vs. TOR)
The wing has caught fire in his last two games, averaging 24.5 points and 6 threes. This was a big step forward after struggling recently, finishing with 12 points or fewer in six of his previous seven games.
STREAMER:
Jaylin Williams OKC PF 30 PTS | 5 3PM | 11 REB | 51.2 FPS (vs. DET)
Despite some inconsistency, Williams remained a steady part of the Thunder’s rotation this month. He took it up a notch today, erupting for a career-high in scoring along with his fourth 10-rebound game of the year. He should continue to see more chances to deliver while most of their core players are still sidelined.
FLOPPER:
Payton Pritchard BOS PG 3 PTS | 4 AST | 2 STL | 18.6 FPS (vs. DEN)
The last two games were rough for Pritchard as he went 3-for-19 from the field, totaling just 11 points after an explosive start to the month in which he scored 24 points or more six times. Regardless, Pritchard has been solid this season and should eventually regain his offensive rhythm.
