Here are the top performers on April 24 and the stats to highlight their impact.
BEST PLAYER OF THE DAY:
Scottie Barnes TOR PF 33 PTS | 5 REB | 11 AST | 60.5 FPS | (vs. CLE)
It has been an excellent year for the two-time All-Star, who established himself as one of the most versatile players in the league, finishing inside the top 30 in points and placing 11th in assists. He maintained that strong form in the playoffs, averaging 23.5 points and 6 assists in his first two games before setting playoff career highs in both categories today. Given his caliber, he should be poised for similar performances in the games ahead.
BREAKOUT:
RJ Barrett TOR SF 33 PTS | 5 REB | 5 AST | 53.5 FPS (vs. CLE)
Offensively, Barrett has been putting in the work, shooting efficiently from the floor and posting consecutive 20-point outings in their first two games. But he took it up another notch today, hitting 6-of-8 from deep to match the game-high in points and also set a new playoff career high. With Ingram struggling, he will need to carry a heavier load on offense throughout the series.
SLEEPER:
Jonathan Kuminga ATL PF 21 PTS | 4 REB | 1 BLK | 30.8 FPS (vs. NYK)
Since moving to the Hawks, Kuminga has been producing solidly, averaging 12.3 points on 47% shooting with 5.3 rebounds across 16 regular-season games. He has carried that into the playoffs, averaging 20.0 points on 61.5% shooting over his last two outings. This production will be significant for the team if they go deeper in the playoffs.
ELITE ASSET:
Nikola Jokic DEN C 27 PTS | 15 REB | 2 STL | 51.5 FPS (vs. MIN)
Joker turned in another well-rounded performance, though the negatives were glaring. So far in the series, the three-time MVP has shot poorly from deep, averaging 1.7 makes on 8.0 attempts per game. But he was even more off today, shooting a dismal 7-for-26 overall for his worst scoring game of the series. He was also less productive as a playmaker, posting his lowest assist total in over two months. Still, he’s been filling up the stat sheet, leading all players in the series in total points, rebounds and assists.
CATEGORY SPECIALIST:
OG Anunoby NYK SF 29 PTS | 9 REB | 3 BLK | 53.3 FPS (vs. ATL)
In the first two games of the series, the forward has been a reliable offensive contributor, averaging 16.0 points on mostly solid percentages. But he took it a step further today, knocking down four threes and making all seven of his attempts from the line to lead both teams in scoring. While he is undeniably capable of producing at this level, he hasn’t been consistent enough to do so. Defensively, however, he’s been elite, grabbing at least eight rebounds in every game.
PLAYER TO WATCH:
Collin Murray-Boyles TOR PF 22 PTS | 8 REB | 1 BLK | 38.6 FPS (vs. CLE)
The rookie forward has emerged as a valuable asset for the Raptors in the playoffs, steadily increasing both his scoring and rebounding production over the last three games. He is now averaging 17.7 points on a highly efficient 72.7% shooting from the field, along with 6.3 rebounds and 1.4 stocks.
STREAMER:
Donte DiVincenzo MIN SG 15 PTS | 7 AST | 4 STL | 41.3 FPS (vs. DEN)
For three consecutive games, the guard has delivered on the scoring end, posting double-digit points and at least three triples in every outing. He has been just as impactful defensively, averaging 5.0 rebounds and totaling a series-high seven steals. Furthermore, he has added a new element to his game recently, averaging 6.5 assists in his last two outings.
FLOPPER:
Donovan Mitchell CLE SG 15 PTS | 5 REB | 3 AST | 22.5 FPS (vs. TOR)
Through the first two games of the series, Mitchell has been especially hot, averaging 31.0 points and 4.0 threes on 55.8% shooting from the field. But he cooled off today, hitting just 1-of-7 from deep and posting his worst scoring output of the month. Still, Mitchell has been superb throughout the season and he should be able to find his rhythm back in their next game.
