Here are the top performers on March 12 and the stats to highlight their impact.
BEST PLAYER OF THE DAY:
Kawhi Leonard LAC SF 45 PTS | 5 REB | 5 AST | 63.5 FPS (vs. MIN)
The superstar wing has been on top of his game this year, scoring at least 28 points in six of his previous eight games. But he was even more impressive today, hitting 15-of-20 from the field and 6-of-9 from the three-point area to record his fifth 40-point game of the season. The Clippers will remain very reliant on Leonard moving forward, which could result in more of these performances.
BREAKOUT:
DeMar DeRozan SAC SF 39 PTS | 6 AST | 2 STL | 57.8 FPS (vs. CHA)
It has mainly been a down year for Derozan, who’s averaging 18.1 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 3.8 assists – his lowest marks in the last 12 seasons. While inconsistency has been an issue all year, he remains a capable scoring option, finishing with a season-high today and scoring at least 29 points for the ninth time this season.
SLEEPER:
Cameron Johnson DEN PF 17 PTS | 2 STL | 2 BLK | 37.4 FPS (vs. HOU)
For most of the year, Johnson has really struggled to find his rhythm, averaging 11.2 points and 3.7 rebounds per game. But today’s performance could be a positive turning point for a player who’s expected to play an important role in the team’s campaign this season.
ELITE ASSET:
Desmond Bane ORL SG 35 PTS | 6 REB | 6 AST | 54.2 FPS (vs. CLE)
This marked Bane’s 12th 30-point game this season and his 23rd with at least 10 rebounds and assists. He’s really capable of contributing solid numbers across the board, but consistency has been an issue. This month alone, he’s scored more than 25 points thrice and also failed to reach the 20-point mark three times.
CATEGORY SPECIALIST:
Wendell Carter Jr. ORL C 11 PTS | 11 REB | 1 BLK | 33.2 FPS (vs. CLE)
The big man continues to be a reliable contributor, averaging 9.8 points, 7.6 rebounds, 1.2 steals and 1.0 blocks this month. But his biggest impact remains in rebounding, where he ranks inside the top 20 in total boards this season.
PLAYER TO WATCH:
Keon Ellis CLE SG 20 PTS | 1 STL | 1 BLK | 32.3 FPS (vs. ORL)
This was the fourth time in his last five games that Ellis has made a significant impact. He continues to stand out on defense, averaging 3.2 stocks in that span, but he has also made his mark on the offensive end lately, scoring at least 19 points and hitting at least four threes in each of his last two games.
STREAMER:
Brice Sensabaugh UTA SF 29 PTS | 5 REB | 5 AST | 41.5 FPS (vs. NYK)
The third-year wing continues a very productive stretch offensively, now averaging 20.3 points and 3.3 threes over his last four games. He clearly has the potential of a high-level offensive player, reaching the 20-point mark for the 16th time this season. With another key player sidelined, he should see an even larger role moving forward.
FLOPPER:
Kevin Durant HOU PF 11 PTS | 4 REB | 5 AST | 20.3 FPS (vs. DEN)
The Nuggets dominated the Rockets today, limiting KD to just three quarters of play and tying his lowest scoring game of the season. It marked the 11th time he has failed to reach 20 points this year, though he has otherwise been solid and should bounce back in the coming games.
