Here are the top performers on March 15 and the stats to highlight their impact.
BEST PLAYER OF THE DAY:
Nikola Jokic DEN C 24 PTS | 16 REB | 14 AST | 78.2 FPS (vs. LAL)
The three-time MVP keeps filling the stat-sheet, recording his fourth straight and 27th triple-double of the season. He’s also been highly consistent offensively, posting at least 20 points for the 47th time this year. But he’s been more impressive on defense lately, averaging 5.7 stocks in his last three games.
BREAKOUT:
Marcus Smart LAL PG 21 PTS | 5 3PM | 5 STL | 45.6 FPS (vs. DEN)
Smart has been racking up threes and steals throughout the month, but he took things up a notch in today’s game while also posting his third 20-point game of the season. While it’s unlikely for him to maintain this level of production, he should continue to be an important contributor moving forward.
SLEEPER:
Isaiah Jackson LAC C 6 PTS | 8 REB | 3 BLK | 32.6 FPS (vs. SAC)
Despite limited minutes and modest scoring, Jackson has remained highly productive, averaging 7.7 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 3.0 stocks over his last three games.
ELITE ASSET:
Victor Wembanyama SAS C 32 PTS | 8 AST | 4 BLK | 74.4 FPS (vs. CHA)
The superstar big man has been on an offensive tear lately, scoring at least 27 points in five consecutive games while averaging 4.6 threes in that stretch. He’s equally impressive on defense, recording double-digit rebounds and notching 5 stocks four times. Consistency was an issue early in the season but he’s looked like a completely different player this month.
CATEGORY SPECIALIST:
Benedict Mathurin LAC SF 24 PTS | 6 REB | 1 BLK | 32.7 FPS (vs. SAC)
Mathurin struggled from distance, going 0-for-4 but compensated with a strong output at the line, converting 10-of-11 for his fifth consecutive 20-point performance. With Kawhi injured, he should see an even bigger role on offense in the coming games.
PLAYER TO WATCH:
Jaime Jaquez MIA SF 22 PTS | 7 AST | 3 STL | 41.9 FPS (vs. ORL)
The third-year wing hit a rough patch offensively in his last two games, but he got back on track today, finishing with at least 18 points for the fifth time in his last seven outings. He also continues to deliver as a playmaker, posting at least seven assists in five of his last six games. With Herro not at his top form, the Heat will continue to look to him to lead their offense.
STREAMER:
Daeqwon Plowden SAC SG 15 PTS | 5 REB | 2 STL | 30.0 FPS (vs. LAC)
The Kings have been missing several key players lately, which has resulted in a bigger role for Plowden. He has capitalized on the opportunity, averaging close to 13 points, 2.3 threes, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.7 steals over his last three games.
FLOPPER:
Onyeka Okongwu ATL C 4 PTS | 4 REB | 4 AST | 16.8 FPS (vs. MIL)
Okongwu struggled offensively and dealt with foul trouble, leading to his least productive outing in recent games. But he should rebound quickly, given his consistent double-double production since the break.
