Here are the top performers on April 9 and the stats to highlight their impact.
BEST PLAYER OF THE DAY:
Chet Holmgren OKC C 30 PTS | 14 REB | 4 BLK | 70.3 FPS (vs. LAC)
The Clippers had no answer for Holmgren, who delivered robust numbers across the board. Offensively, he was highly efficient from all ranges, finishing with his best scoring game since November. Defensively, he further solidified his case for DPOY honors with his 25th 10-rebound game of the season while also racking up steals and blocks. Despite operating on limited minutes recently, Chet just keeps dominating.
BREAKOUT:
Jericho Sims MIL C 11 PTS | 11 REB | 10 AST | 43.2 FPS (vs. DET)
Sims put together one of the most productive games of his career. He not only recorded a career-best in assists but also made history, becoming the only center in the franchise to record a triple-double in the last 14 years. The veteran center has really stepped up this month, recently recording a 20-rebound game against the Rockets while averaging 11.7 points, 7.7 rebounds and 6.3 assists over his last three games.
SLEEPER:
Naz Reid MIN C 15 PTS | 3 STL | 2 BLK | 38.0 FPS (vs. ORL)
The big man continues to be a reliable bench contributor this season. However, with the Wolves missing key players in the frontcourt today, he stepped into the starting lineup and made a huge impact on the defensive end. Offensively, he has been mostly steady, scoring in double figures in 14 of his 18 games since last month.
ELITE ASSET:
Devin Booker PHX SG 37 PTS | 5 REB | 9 AST | 52.5 FPS (vs. DAL)
Booker was on another level offensively, leading all players in both points and assists. This was his 24th game of the year scoring at least 30 points, and his fifth in the last six games. Over his last three games, he’s also been lethal at the line, knocking down 33-of-35.
CATEGORY SPECIALIST:
Goga Bitadze ORL C 14 PTS | 15 REB | 6 AST | 46.0 FPS (vs. MIN)
The big man has been making his mark on the defensive end, averaging 6.0 rebounds, 1.0 steals, and 2.5 blocks in his last two outings. But he took his game a step further today, delivering his best performance of the season. With his recent play, he has definitely made a case for a larger role in the coming games and the playoffs.
PLAYER TO WATCH:
De’Aaron Fox SAS PG 25 PTS | 7 AST | 3 STL | 46.5 FPS (vs. POR)
This was just his second 20-point performance in the last nine games, during which he averaged only 14.7 points. Despite the decline, he has remained a strong contributor with consistent production in both assists and steals. With Wemby possibly missing the final games of the season, Fox will have to shoulder a larger offensive load for the meantime.
STREAMER:
Marvin Bagley DAL PF 20 PTS | 8 REB | 1 BLK | 33.6 FPS (vs. PHX)
The last two games have shown what the former second-overall pick is capable of, as he posted back-to-back 20-point, 8-rebound performances. Injuries have really slowed him down this season, but his upside as an interior contributor remains evident. With key players sidelined, Bagley should continue producing at this level in the remaining games.
FLOPPER:
Benedict Mathurin LAC SF 10 PTS | 2 AST | 1 STL | 16.4 FPS (vs. OKC)
Since joining the Clippers, the wing has been a vital part of their system, posting at least 20 points eleven times. However, he’s hit a bit of a wall lately, averaging just 8.0 points over his last three games. Despite a few subpar offensive performances this season, it has otherwise been an excellent year from him.
