Here are the top performers on February 2 and the stats to highlight their impact.
BEST PLAYER OF THE DAY:
Jarrett Allen CLE C 40 PTS | 17 REB | 5 AST | 85.9 FPS (vs. POR)
Despite some inconsistencies, the big man remains an elite rebounder, ranking just outside the top 30 in the league with 8.0 rebounds per game. But he was on a completely different level today, finishing with a season-best in rebounds and a career-high in points. With Mobley still sidelined, his numbers should continue to see an uptick in the coming games.
BREAKOUT:
Cason Wallace OKC SG 27 PTS | 7 3PM | 6 REB | 40.2 FPS (vs. DEN)
The third-year guard was an absolute offensive force against the Nuggets, finishing with career-highs in both points and threes. While this performance is an outlier, his contributions on the defensive end are legit, leading the league in total steals this season.
SLEEPER:
Isaiah Collier UTA PG 19 PTS | 4 REB | 7 AST | 40.3 FPS (vs. TOR)
The sophomore guard has been a steady contributor off the bench this year, averaging close to 10 points while ranking inside the top 20 in the league with 6.7 assists per game. But he’s clearly capable of more as a starter, as he showed today, delivering his season-best scoring performance.
ELITE ASSET:
Jalen Duren DET C 21 PTS | 10 REB | 2 STL | 43.5 FPS (vs. BKN)
The first-time All-Star continued his high level of play this year, posting back-to-back-to-back 20-point, 10-rebound performances. This output also marked his 23rd double-double of the season.
CATEGORY SPECIALIST:
Sam Merrill CLE SG 22 PTS | 2 REB | 4 AST | 29.4 FPS (vs. POR)
Merrill delivered his best performance since returning from a hand injury, knocking down 6-of-8 from long range. He continues to be one of the league’s top shooters, ranking eighth in three-point percentage at 45.9% and fifth with 3.5 threes per game.
PLAYER TO WATCH:
Will Riley WAS SF 18 PTS | 6 REB | 6 AST | 36.2 FPS (vs. SAC)
Riley saw an uptick in playing time since December, but he has become a bigger part of the rotation lately with Johnson out, showing potential as an all-around contributor by averaging 15.5 points, 3.5 threes, 5.5 assists and 2.5 steals over his last two games.
STREAMER:
Sandro Mamukelashvili TOR PF 20 PTS| 6 REB | 1 STL | 26.2 FPS (vs. UTA)
While he struggled offensively in his previous three outings, averaging just 9 points, he remained productive with contributions across the board. But he got back on track today with his third 20-point performance in his last six games. He should be able to maintain this level of play as long as Poeltl remains sidelined.
FLOPPER:
Mikal Bridges NYK SF 10 PTS | 2 AST | 1 STL | 16.0 FPS (vs. LAL)
Bridges had a rough time offensively, missing all of his six attempts from the three-point area. He finished with one of his worst scoring performances of the season while also making little impact in other areas.
