Here are the top performers on March 1 and the stats to highlight their impact.
BEST PLAYER OF THE DAY:
Kevin Durant HOU PF 32 PTS | 5 REB | 8 AST | 55.0 FPS (vs. MIA)
Since the break, Durant has been on fire, finishing with at least 30 points for the fourth time while shooting 30-for-31 at the line. With no other clear scoring option, the young Rockets will keep relying on him to shoulder most of the load on the offensive end.
BREAKOUT:
Herbert Jones NOP SF 17 PTS | 8 REB | 7 AST | 38.1 FPS (vs. UTA)
Jones usually makes his impact on the defensive end, but he showcased his versatility today with his best scoring outing in two months and a season-high in assists. He’s been a steady part of the rotation since returning from an injury and should stay productive down the stretch.
SLEEPER:
Justin Champagnie WAS SF 12 PTS | 5 REB | 3 BLK | 30.0 FPS (vs. TOR)
Champagnie put together a strong four-game stretch earlier this month, averaging 15 points and close to eight rebounds before a knee injury halted that momentum. Despite that, he has remained productive, scoring in double figures in each of his last three games while also contributing on defense.
ELITE ASSET:
Luka Doncic LAL PG 26 PTS | 6 REB | 8 AST | 49.2 FPS (vs. GSW)
Doncic overcame a rough first half and finished with his 44th 20-point game of the season. He currently leads the league in scoring at 32.6 points per game while ranking fourth with 8.6 assists. Since the break, he has been more efficient, improving his shooting percentages and limiting his turnovers to 2.2 per game.
CATEGORY SPECIALIST:
Tari Eason HOU PF 10 PTS | 11 REB | 5 AST | 32.7 FPS (vs. MIA)
It’s been a tough month for Eason offensively but he’s made up for it on defense. Over his last five games, he’s recorded three 10-rebound performances and also produced two stocks in each of his last four.
PLAYER TO WATCH:
Brandon Miller CHA SF 26 PTS | 6 3PM | 8 REB | (vs. POR)
Miller has been on a tear over his last four games, averaging 26.0 points and 5.5 threes. Despite a few subpar outings earlier this month, he’s still shown that he’s more than capable of producing at an elite level.
STREAMER:
Karlo Matkovic NOP C 8 PTS | 6 REB | 5 AST | 30.7 FPS (vs. UTA)
The big man has seen a larger role in the rotation this month and made a big impact in both rebounding and defense. With Williamson sustaining an injury today, he should be primed for more opportunities moving forward.
FLOPPER:
De’Andre Ayton LAL C 4 PTS | 10 REB | 16.0 FPS
This was the third time Ayton has scored four points or fewer in his last four games. While he stayed productive on the glass, notching at least 10 rebounds for the 22nd time this season, his overall production remained limited.
