Here are the top performers on March 9 and the stats to highlight their impact.
BEST PLAYER OF THE DAY:
Victor Wembanyama SAS C 29 PTS | 8 REB | 4 BLK | 58.1 FPS (vs. HOU)
This marked the fourth time in five games that Wemby scored at least 25 points, bringing his total to 26, which ranks fourth among all big men in the league. But he remains even more impressive on defense, recording at least 8 rebounds for the 24th consecutive game while averaging 5.8 stocks this month.
BREAKOUT:
Daniel Gafford DAL C 21 PTS | 11 REB | 1 BLK | 40.7 FPS (vs. TOR)
Despite dealing with ankle injury all season, the veteran center has continued to contribute effectively. His numbers might have been limited for most of the past month, but he’s starting to pick it up lately, scoring in double figures in four of his last five games, posting back-to-back 10-rebound performances while maintaining solid defensive contributions.
SLEEPER:
Jay Huff IND C 16 PTS | 6 REB | 5 BLK | 40.7 FPS (vs. POR)
Huff continues his strong run this month, averaging 16.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.8 threes and 2.8 blocks over his last four games. He can certainly maintain this level of production as long as the minutes are there.
ELITE ASSET:
Russell Westbrook SAC PG 23 PTS | 11 REB | 12 AST | 57.2 FPS (vs. CHI)
Over his last three games, Russ has been on another level. He recorded five stocks against the Suns, posted a double-double against the Pelicans and came up big today with his 19th 20-point performance and his fifth triple-double of the year, all while staying efficient.
CATEGORY SPECIALIST:
Karl-Anthony Towns NYK C 25 PTS | 16 REB | 1 BLK | 51.2 FPS (vs. LAL)
Towns continues to dominate the boards, leading the league this year in total rebounds and double-doubles with 45. Though his offensive game hasn’t been as steady, scoring fewer than 20 points five times in his last seven games.
PLAYER TO WATCH:
Malik Monk SAC SG 30 PTS | 4 REB | 5 AST | 45.3 FPS (vs. CHI)
Monk has taken on a much larger role in his last two games and delivered strongly on offense. With the team likely out of the playoffs, he should continue to see plenty of opportunities to deliver again.
STREAMER:
Julian Champagnie SAS SF 11 PTS | 5 REB | 4 AST | 32.0 FPS (vs. HOU)
Champagnie has been strong offensively over his last three games, averaging 15.7 points and 3.7 threes. But he turned in a more complete effort today, contributing assists while also recording three stocks.
FLOPPER:
Alperen Sengun HOU C 16 PTS | 6 REB | 3 AST | 22.7 FPS (vs. SAS)
Sengun had a decent game offensively, but his contributions elsewhere were a letdown, finishing with fewer than 10 RA and also posting just one defensive stat in his last two games. Turnovers and foul troubles have also become major issues this month.
