Here are the top performers on February 20 and the stats to highlight their impact.
BEST PLAYER OF THE DAY:
Cade Cunningham DET PG 42 PTS | 8 REB | 13 AST | 75.1 FPS (vs. NYK)
Cunningham delivered another outstanding effort, recording his third 40-point game and his third outing with at least five threes, along with his 28th double-double of the year. With the playoffs approaching, the Pistons will continue to look to him to keep setting the pace.
BREAKOUT:
Benedict Mathurin LAC SF 38 PTS | 4 AST | 3 STL | 56.0 FPS (vs. DEN)
Since joining the Clippers, Mathurin has been a steady all-around presence. But he took it to the next level today with a season-best scoring performance. He also continues to excel from the line, going 21-for-23 over his last two games. For a team that lacks a reliable secondary option, his improved play will make a massive difference.
SLEEPER:
Gui Santos GSW PF 17 PTS | 6 REB | 2 STL | 33.2 FPS (vs. BOS)
Santos has really stepped up for the shorthanded Warriors, averaging 14.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.7 steals over his last nine games. He should be able to maintain this level of production as long as the minutes are there.
ELITE ASSET:
Tyrese Maxey PHI PG 28 PTS | 3 REB | 3 AST | 40.1 FPS (vs. ATL)
Maxey struggled offensively but still finished with at least 28 points for the fourth consecutive game. This also marked his 38th game this season with at least 25 points which is tied for second most in the league.
CATEGORY SPECIALIST:
Anfernee Simons CHI SG 20 PTS | 4 3PM | 1 AST | 20.7 FPS (vs. TOR)
Simons has taken on a much bigger role with the Bulls and responded well, already recording his third 20-point performance. He may not be as consistent in other areas, but you can count on him offensively.
PLAYER TO WATCH:
Maxime Raynaud SAC C 17 PTS | 14 REB | 4 AST | 41.8 FPS (vs. ORL)
Now that Sabonis is out for the season and Dylan Cardwell is sidelined for at least a month, the Kings will be leaning on Raynaud for the rest of the way. He’s been up to the challenge, finishing with his 9th double-double performance of an otherwise solid rookie campaign.
STREAMER:
Grant Williams CHA PF 20 PTS | 4 3PM | 9 REB | 30.3 FPS (vs. HOU)
The wing has been producing lately, tallying five assists in two recent games and grabbing at least eight rebounds for the second straight outing, while also posting a season-high in scoring today. He should continue to see increased minutes until Bridges is back and remain an impactful contributor.
FLOPPER:
Draymond Green GSW PF 2 REB | 3 AST | 5.9 FPS (vs. BOS)
Green was productive in his previous three games, including nearly posting a triple-double against the Spurs before the break. However, he had an awful performance today, going scoreless on 0-for-7 shooting while making minimal impact in other areas.
