Here are the top performers on March 23 and the stats to highlight their impact.
BEST PLAYER OF THE DAY:
Nikola Jokic DEN C 22 PTS | 14 REB | 14 AST | 63.8 FPS (vs. POR)
Despite struggling from three-point range and failing to produce at the free-throw line, the Joker still finished with a solid scoring performance. This marked his 50th 20-point game this season, which is the ninth-most in the league and the most by any center. In other areas, he’s been even more dominant, leading the league in both rebounds and assists.
BREAKOUT:
Bones Hyland MIN PG 23 PTS | 3 REB | 3 AST | 33.1 FPS (vs. BOS)
The guard was instrumental in today’s win, leading the team in scoring while finishing with his fifth 20-point game of the year. Since Edwards was sidelined with a knee issue, Hyland has taken over on the scoring end, averaging 20.0 points and 3.3 threes over four games.
SLEEPER:
Malik Monk SAC SG 32 PTS | 6 AST | 1 BLK| 42.4 FPS (vs. BKN)
Monk was locked in offensively, tying a season best 7 threes while going 9-for-9 at the line to record his second 30-point game of the week and his ninth game this season scoring at least 20 points. He’s undeniably capable of these performances, but inconsistent minutes has been a major issue. But with several key players unavailable, he’s in a strong position to finally sustain this level of production.
ELITE ASSET:
Karl-Anthony Towns NYK C 26 PTS | 16 REB | 1 STL | 50.7 FPS (vs. WAS)
The star center is on an elite run, averaging 24.6 points on 56% shooting to go along with 12.7 rebounds over his last seven games. He now has 50 double-double performances this year, which is the most in the league.
CATEGORY SPECIALIST:
Rasheer Fleming PHX PF 11 PTS | 7 REB | 2 STL | 28.9 FPS (vs. TOR)
Over his last three games, Fleming has averaged 9.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.3 steals, 1.3 blocks and 2.0 threes per game. With several core players out, he should be able to keep the momentum going for the time being.
PLAYER TO WATCH:
Maxime Raynaud SAC C 22 PTS | 10 REB | 1 BLK | 41.0 FPS (vs. BKN)
Offensively, the rookie big man has been on another level lately, posting elite scoring outputs in four of his last five games. Overall, inconsistency remains a weakness for Raynaud, but his potential is evident. This month alone, he has scored at least 20 points six times and grabbed double-digit rebounds in as many games.
STREAMER:
Ayo Dosunmu MIN SG 17 PTS | 8 REB | 6 AST | 42.6 FPS (vs. BOS)
Since moving to the Wolves, Dosunmu has proven his scoring upside, registering multiple double-digit scoring performances. But he’s been more impressive lately, scoring at least 17 points in five consecutive contests. He’s also elevated his play in other areas, averaging 9.0 rebounds, 6.7 assists and 2.0 stocks in his last three games and should continue to produce at this level while Edwards is still out.
FLOPPER:
OG Anunoby NYK SF 9 PTS | 2 REB | 4 TO | 7.4 FPS (vs. WAS)
After struggling to maintain consistency for most of the year, Anunoby appeared to have finally found a rhythm, averaging 19.5 points over 11 games this month. However, he turned in another poor offensive showing today while also providing little in other areas.
