Here are the top performers on March 8 and the stats to highlight their impact.
BEST PLAYER OF THE DAY:
Giannis Antetokounmpo MIL PF 27 PTS | 9 REB | 8 AST | 59.8 FPS (vs. UTA)
Despite his struggles at the line, this was Giannis’ best overall game since returning from injury. He recorded his 22nd game this season, scoring at least 25 points while adding four steals and coming close to a triple-double. With the Bucks struggling this year, Giannis will continue to shoulder a bigger load, though he’ll likely remain on a minutes restriction for now, which could limit his overall impact.
BREAKOUT:
Quentin Grimes PHI SG 26 PTS | 6 REB | 3 AST | 36.7 FPS (vs. ATL)
It looked like a career year for Grimes at the start of the season, but he struggled to sustain that level of play. Despite his inconsistency, he remains a key part of the Sixers’ campaign and finally broke through today, recording his first 20-point game in three months.
SLEEPER:
Ziaire Williams BKN SF 23 PTS | 4 REB | 1 STL | 28.8 FPS (vs. DET)
It’s been a down season for the forward overall, but he’s starting to find his rhythm, averaging 18.0 points, 1.7 steals and 3.0 triples while shooting 13-for-27 from the field and 19-for-20 from the line over his last three games.
ELITE ASSET:
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander OKC PG 27 PTS | 5 REB | 5 AST | 42.5 FPS (vs. GSW)
In four games since returning from injury, SGA has continued to dominate, averaging nearly 30 points, seven assists and two steals per game while going 38-for-41 from the free-throw line.
CATEGORY SPECIALIST:
Jalen Suggs ORL PG 14 PTS | 4 REB | 4 AST | 32.8 FPS (vs. MIN)
Suggs has dealt with many injuries this season, but he’s stayed highly productive whenever he’s available. Over his last four games, he is averaging 13.8 points, 2.8 threes, 6.0 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.3 blocks.
PLAYER TO WATCH:
Gui Santos GSW PF 22 PTS | 11 REB | 2 STL | 44.7 FPS (vs. OKC)
Santos has emerged as one of the Warriors’ best players lately, averaging 14.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 1.6 steals over the last 13 games. With the Warriors still missing several key players, he should continue to handle a significant role for the time being.
STREAMER:
Cody Williams UTA SG 13 PTS | 11 REB | 2 STL | 34.2 FPS (vs. MIL)
The sophomore guard has been a significant part of the rotation lately and has contributed strongly in multiple areas. Since the Jazz are likely out of the playoffs, he should continue to have a similar role and could deliver even bigger performances moving forward.
FLOPPER:
Myles Turner MIL C 8 PTS | 3 REB | 2 BLK | 17.6 FPS (vs. UTA)
Turner continues to struggle, posting his fourth straight game under 10 points and third straight with fewer than five rebounds. His season averages are currently the lowest he’s had in four years.
