Here are the top players on January 8 and the stats to highlight their impact:
BEST PLAYER OF THE DAY:
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander OKC PG 46 PTS | 6 REB | 6 AST | 68.2 FPS (vs. UTA)
SGA struggled from deep, converting only 1-of-8 from three, but he more than compensated at the free-throw line, hitting 17-of-19 attempts to notch his third 40-point game of the season. He was also clutch down the stretch, forcing overtime and then scoring nine points in the extra period to will OKC back into the win column. With the Thunder’s recent struggles, they will need him to continue carrying a heavy offensive load.
BREAKOUT:
Zaccharie Risacher ATL SF 25 PTS | 8 REB | 7 3PM | 34.6 FPS (vs. NOP)
Risacher came up big today with an incredible 7-for-9 shooting from long range to finish with his career-high in three-point shooting and his best scoring game of the season. It hasn’t been a strong year for the sophomore, but he’s found some rhythm in his last two outings, shooting 60% in both games and averaging 20.5 points.
SLEEPER:
Immanuel Quickley TOR PG 21 PTS | 4 REB | 1 STL | 31.8 FPS (vs. CHA)
Despite some inconsistency on the offensive end, Quickley remains a very capable contributor. He has now scored at least 15 points in four straight games and also recorded his 10th 20-point outing of the season. While his playmaking has been lackluster over his last two games, he still ranks 15th in the league.
ELITE ASSET:
Jamal Murray DEN PG 22 PTS | 8 REB | 17 AST | 58.1 FPS (vs. BOS)
The superstar guard continues to take over, erupting for his 27th 20-point performance and his 10th double-double of the season while posting a career high in assists. Over his last four games, he’s averaging 26.0 points, 3 threes, 6.8 rebounds, and 11.5 assists. They will need him to maintain this level of play with Jokic still recovering from a knee issue.
CATEGORY SPECIALIST:
Neemias Queta BOS C 6 PTS | 3-8 FG | 20 REB | 30.0 FPS (vs. DEN)
The center had a modest overall performance but made a strong impact on the boards, finishing with the best rebounding game of his career. He currently ranks 16th in the league in total rebounds while also sitting inside the top 10 among the most efficient scorers, shooting 65.1% this season.
PLAYER TO WATCH:
Michael Porter Jr. BKN SF 34 PTS | 5 REB | 3 STL | 45.5 FPS (vs. ORL)
The forward has made a major leap this year as the Nets’ main option, averaging career-best numbers of 26.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, and close to 4 threes per game. He was at it again today, knocking down a season-high eight triples for his 10th 30-point outing of the season.
STREAMER:
Moussa Diabate CHA C 11 REB | 2 STL | 2 BLK | 30.7 FPS (vs. TOR)
The Hornets remain shorthanded in the frontcourt, which forced Diabate into a much bigger role in their recent games. He hasn’t added much in scoring, but he’s been a reliable presence on the glass, averaging 12 rebounds over his last seven games.
FLOPPER:
Desmond Bane ORL SG 9 PTS | 3 AST | 2 STL | 19.1 FPS (vs. BKN)
It was another lackluster showing for the guard, who not only shot 1-for-6 from three but also recorded as many baskets as turnovers. After averaging 21.4 points over a seven-game stretch, Bane’s production continues to trend in the wrong direction, turning in subpar performances in three of his last four games.
