Here are the top performers on March 5 and the stats to highlight their impact.
BEST PLAYER OF THE DAY:
Jrue Holiday POR PG 35 PTS | 8 3PM | 11 AST | 57.5 FPS (vs. MEM)
Since the break, Holiday has really stepped up on the offensive end, scoring at least 19 points in five of their last seven games. He took it to the next level today, tying his career-best in three-point shooting while also finishing with his best scoring game of the year. With two of their starters sidelined, he should continue to be their best player for now.
BREAKOUT:
Robert Williams III POR C 20 PTS | 11 REB | 3 BLK | 43.2 FPS (vs. MEM)
Injuries have been a major issue for the big man this year. Even so, he remains dependable defensively, averaging 6.6 rebounds per game while ranking inside the top 20 in blocks. But he was even more impressive today, posting his 10th double-digit rebounding game, along with his best scoring game of the season.
SLEEPER:
Jerami Grant POR SF 30 PTS | 9 REB | 4 AST | 47.8 FPS (vs. MEM)
This was Grant’s fourth 30-point game this season and his fifth game out of the last six with 20 or more points. Despite some inconsistency, he remains a very capable scorer who should continue to see similar production with their key players still sidelined.
ELITE ASSET:
Jalen Brunson NYK PG 16 PTS | 15 AST | 1 STL | 42.1 FPS (vs. OKC)
The Thunder made it really difficult for Brunson to get going offensively, as he finished with his worst scoring game since the break. However, he made up for it with his playmaking, recording a season-best and his second straight game with at least 10 assists. He currently ranks seventh in the league in scoring while placing 11th in assists.
CATEGORY SPECIALIST:
Moussa Diabate CHA C 9 PTS | 9 REB | 6 AST | 34.8 FPS (vs. BOS)
The Hornets’ big man continues to show potential as an all-around contributor, averaging 10.4 points, 4.0 assists, and 2.2 steals over his last five games, while remaining elite in rebounding, climbing to 13th in the league this season.
PLAYER TO WATCH:
Jaylen Wells MEM SG 24 PTS | 4 3PM | 2 STL | 35.6 FPS (vs. POR)
The sophomore guard has been on fire over the last three games, averaging 20.3 points and 3.3 threes on an incredible 63.9% shooting from the field. The potential is clearly there, but consistency remains a concern.
STREAMER:
Walter Clayton Jr. MEM PG 12 PTS | 8 AST | 2 STL | 29.4 FPS (vs. POR)
Over the past four games, Clayton has performed really well, averaging 9.8 points, 9.0 assists and 2.0 steals. With the Grizzlies still shorthanded, he should continue to have plenty of opportunities to deliver again.
FLOPPER:
Payton Pritchard BOS PG 0 PTS | 2 REB | 2 TO | 0.4 FPS (vs. CHA)
This was the second time in the last three games that Pritchard was held scoreless and the 14th time this season that he scored in single digits. Despite the inconsistency, he remains a capable three-level scorer and an important contributor to the Celtics’ campaign this season.
