Here are the top performers on March 13 and the stats to highlight their impact:
BEST PLAYER OF THE DAY:
Luka Doncic LAL PG 51 PTS | 10 REB | 9 AST | 87.5 FPS (vs. CHI)
The Lakers’ superstar was completely locked in, recording his 11th 40-point game of the year, the most in the league, and his 35th game with at least 30 points, which ranks second. He’s proven himself as one of the league’s best offensive players and should continue to have more of these performances moving forward.
BREAKOUT:
Khris Middleton DAL SF 35 PTS | 8 3PM | 2 STL | 44.9 FPS (vs. MEM)
The veteran wing caught fire offensively, hitting 8-of-10 from the three-point area while also converting all seven of his free throws to record his first 30-point game in the last three years. While that level of efficiency is unlikely to be repeated, he has still been producing offensively, scoring at least 15 points for the third time in his last five outings.
SLEEPER:
Zaccharie Risacher ATL SF 19 PTS | 9 REB | 2 BLK | 40.3 FPS (vs. BKN)
The former No. 1 overall pick has been struggling offensively all year, but he found his rhythm today and recorded his fourth game this season with at least 19 points. While consistency on that end remains a challenge, he can still contribute through his rebounding and defense.
ELITE ASSET:
Austin Reaves LAL SG 30 PTS | 5 REB | 7 AST | 46.5 FPS (vs. CHI)
Since returning from a calf injury, Reaves’ scoring has been modest, but he has stepped up over his last three games, averaging 28.7 points and 3.7 threes while also adding 5.3 rebounds, 6.7 assists and 1.3 steals. He’ll continue to shoulder a major role for the team this year, and the Lakers will keep counting on him to produce at this level.
CATEGORY SPECIALIST:
De’Aaron Fox SAS PG 27 PTS | 4 3PM | 9 AST | 43.1 FPS (vs. DEN)
It wasn’t the most efficient outing for Fox, but he still delivered a strong performance for his position, recording his fourth straight game with at least nine assists while averaging 24 points over his last five. This has been his most productive stretch of the year, and he should be able to keep it going.
PLAYER TO WATCH:
Tristan da Silva ORL SF 26 PTS | 7 REB | 4 STL | 53.4 FPS (vs. WAS)
The wing has been a significant part of the rotation over the last three weeks. Even though his impact has been inconsistent, he still contributed effectively in rebounding and defense. However, he has picked up his offensive production lately, posting his second straight 20-point game with 3 threes.
STREAMER:
Ajay Mitchell OKC SG 15 PTS | 4 REB | 6 AST | 27.8 FPS (vs. BOS)
The second-year guard missed his previous 20 games with an injury but has remained productive in his last two appearances, averaging 19.5 points, 3.0 rebounds and 4.5 assists. It has been a career year for him, and he should continue to produce at a high level in the playoffs.
FLOPPER:
Cason Wallace OKC SG 4 PTS | 3 AST | 2 STL | 17.1 FPS (vs. BOS)
Wallace has really struggled offensively this month, scoring this many points for the fourth time in his last six games while shooting just 2-for-17 from deep during that span. With Mitchell back in the lineup, he’ll continue to have a limited role on offense, but he should still remain a crucial part of the team’s defense.
