Here are the top performers on April 18 and the stats to highlight their impact.
BEST PLAYER OF THE DAY:
Jalen Green PHX SG 36 PTS | 6 REB | 3 BLK | 62.2 FPS (vs. GSW)
Green has really struggled with injuries throughout his first year with the Suns. Still, he has showcased his caliber back in March when he averaged 21.8 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists in 16 games. However, he has taken his play to a completely different level in the Play-In Tournament. Not only did he fill the stat sheet today, but he also knocked down eight threes to post his second straight 35-point performance. The Suns will continue to need this level of production from him in the first round of the playoffs against the defending champions.
BREAKOUT:
Franz Wagner ORL SF 18 PTS | 7 REB | 6 AST | 36.4 FPS (vs. CHA)
The forward has remained on a minutes restriction due to an ankle problem he has dealt with all year. Despite that, he still excelled on offense, shooting 50% from the field and converting 8-of-10 from the line while also matching the team highs in both rebounds and assists. Wagner should see an even bigger role in the playoffs, and the team will certainly need him at his best against the Pistons.
SLEEPER:
Oso Ighodaro PHX PF 10 PTS | 6 REB | 1 BLK | 23.7 FPS (vs. GSW)
The second-year forward returned to the starting lineup today with Williams sidelined and made a positive impact across the board. In 24 starts this season, he has averaged 8.0 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 3.1 assists. Though the Thunder’s frontcourt will likely be a difficult matchup for him, this provides a perfect opportunity for Ighodaro to show what he’s capable of.
ELITE ASSET:
Devin Booker PHX SG 20 PTS | 6 REB | 8 AST | 41.2 FPS (vs. GSW)
It has been a solid year for Booker, who averaged 26.1 points and 6.0 assists, becoming one of just seven players to reach those marks this season. However he has seen a bit of a struggle offensively in the Play-In Tournament, shooting 41% in each outing while missing all six of his attempts from three. Booker should continue to carry a heavy offensive load in the playoffs, and he will need to be more efficient for them to have a chance of upsetting the Thunder.
CATEGORY SPECIALIST:
Desmond Bane ORL SG 13 PTS | 7 REB | 3 STL | 29.4 FPS (vs. CHA)
Bane couldn’t match his 34-point performance from the Sixers game, shooting just 4-for-14. However, he compensated in other ways, leading the team in rebounds while also making his mark on defense. He’s been a dependable two-way contributor this year, ranking 16th in scoring while also placing in the top 40 in steals, and it will be even more crucial for the team in the first round.
PLAYER TO WATCH:
Paolo Banchero ORL PF 25 PTS | 5 REB | 6 AST | 47.0 FPS (vs. CHA)
Coming off a disappointing performance against the Sixers, Banchero bounced back today, contributing strongly across the board while also leading both teams in scoring. Including the final stretch of the regular season, Banchero has now scored at least 20 points in five of his last seven games. The Magic will need him to maintain that production and possibly more against the Pistons in the first round.
STREAMER:
Jordan Goodwin PHX SG 19 PTS | 9 REB | 6 STL | 49.8 FPS (vs. GSW)
The veteran guard stepped up in a big way to help the Suns advance to the playoffs. He was sharp from all ranges offensively and finished with his best scoring performance in over two months. But his biggest impact came on defense, where he led the team in rebounds and also recorded a season-best in steals.
FLOPPER:
Stephen Curry GSW PG 17 PTS | 4 REB | 4 AST | 29.8 FPS (vs. PHX)
Curry couldn’t maintain his previous level offensively, struggling for most of the game. While he found some rhythm in the fourth quarter, it wasn’t enough to lead the team to a win. He finished the night with as many turnovers as field goals. Despite the team missing the playoffs, it was still another outstanding season for Curry, finishing 12th in the league in scoring at 26.6 points per game while adding 4.7 assists. However, injuries limited him to just 39 games, cutting into both his production and overall impact.
