Here are the top performers on March 28 and the stats to highlight their impact.
BEST PLAYER OF THE DAY:
Nikola Jokic DEN C 35 PTS | 15 REB | 12 AST | 65.0 FPS (vs. UTA)
This marked his fourth consecutive triple-double and his 31st of the season. He wasn’t as effective today as in previous games, but he more than made up for it with a stellar scoring performance, shooting 13-of-16 for his fifth 30-point game this month and his 23rd overall.
BREAKOUT:
Payton Pritchard BOS PG 36 PTS | 7 REB | 4 AST | 45.4 FPS (vs. ATL)
Pritchard’s scoring output has been mostly modest this month but he came up big today, knocking down six threes and finishing with his sixth 30-point game of the year. With some key players unavailable, he could continue to deliver these kinds of performances for the time being.
SLEEPER:
John Konchar UTA SG 16 PTS | 8 REB | 2 BLK | 37.6 FPS (vs. DEN)
The veteran guard was excellent on both ends. Offensively, he shot 8-for-10 from the field to record at least 15 points for the second time in three games. But he continued to impress more on the defensive end, averaging 11.0 rebounds and 3.5 stocks over his last two games.
ELITE ASSET:
Scottie Barnes TOR PF 23 PTS | 12 AST | 3 BLK | 59.2 FPS (vs. NOP)
Though his scoring hasn’t really stood out this month, he’s remained highly productive with his contributions across the board. He finished with his third consecutive double-digit assists game today. Defensively, however, he’s on another level, averaging 7.3 rebounds and 3.0 stocks in his last seven games. The forward is one of the most versatile players in the league and the Raptors will remain very reliant on him heading into the postseason.
CATEGORY SPECIALIST:
Kristaps Porzingis GSW C 28 PTS | 8 REB | 3 AST | 42.1 FPS (vs. WAS)
The center was a huge factor in the Warriors’ three-game winning streak, averaging 22.3 points and 6.7 rebounds. His three-point shooting hasn’t quite clicked this year, but he showcased his upside today by knocking down five. He’s also a very capable defender, averaging 3.6 stocks in a recent five-game stretch this month. If he can stay healthy, he could definitely put together more strong performances.
PLAYER TO WATCH:
Reed Sheppard HOU PG 15 PTS | 5 AST | 4 STL | 42.5 FPS (vs. MEM)
Despite his struggles offensively, Sheppard is still putting up impressive numbers. Over his last five games, he averaged 15.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, 6.4 assists, 3.6 stocks and 3.4 threes.
STREAMER:
Kennedy Chandler UTA PG 16 PTS | 7 AST | 1 STL | 29.7 FPS (vs. DEN)
In four games since entering the lineup, Chandler has been highly productive, averaging 15.5 points, 7.0 assists and 1.5 steals. But he will need to keep playing at this level to earn a spot with the team for the remainder of the year.
FLOPPER:
Derrick White BOS SG 10 PTS | 4 REB | 5 AST | 19.3 FPS (vs. ATL)
Overall, it’s been a solid year for White, but the last five games have been a struggle. His scoring has declined to just 12.4 points per game while also contributing less in other areas.
