Here are the top performers on March 22 and the stats to highlight their impact.
BEST PLAYER OF THE DAY:
Bam Adebayo MIA C 32 PTS | 21 REB | 2 STL | 68.2 FPS (vs. HOU)
The star center has been playing at an exceptionally high level lately. This month, he’s reached the 20-point mark in every game, including recording a historic 83-point performance. He’s just as steady in rebounding, averaging close to 9 rebounds while matching his career-high today. While he isn’t typically known for his scoring, Bam has nonetheless become the centerpiece of their offense and should continue to thrive in it.
BREAKOUT:
Darius Garland LAC PG 41 PTS | 8 3PM | 11 AST | 63.1 FPS (vs. DAL)
The former All-Star stepped up in a big way, putting up his top scoring performance of the year to end their three-game losing streak. Injuries have been a major issue for him this year. But he continues to show that he remains capable of these performances, recording double-digit assists six times and scoring at least 20 points in 17 games this season.
SLEEPER:
Herbert Jones NOP SF 12 PTS | 4 3PM | 1 BLK | 26.1 FPS (vs. CLE)
Jones has maintained a steady role in the rotation this month, providing value across the board. Still, his biggest impact comes defensively, averaging close to three stocks over his last ten games.
ELITE ASSET:
LaMelo Ball CHA PG 29 PTS | 7 3PM | 3 STL | 47.6 FPS (vs. MEM)
Over his last five games, Ball has been producing at an elite level, averaging 25.2 points, 4.8 threes, 5.0 rebounds, 5.8 assists and 2.2 steals. He clearly has the ability to deliver these kinds of performances and should continue to lead the charge for the young Hornets squad.
CATEGORY SPECIALIST:
Davion Mitchell MIA PG 15 PTS | 9 AST | 2 STL | 33.7 FPS (vs. HOU)
Despite a few subpar performances, Mitchell has been mostly solid this month. He has reached double figures in scoring five times in his last six games while maintaining consistent numbers as a playmaker.
PLAYER TO WATCH:
Amen Thompson HOU SF 24 PTS | 18 REB | 1 BLK | 51.6 FPS (vs. MIA)
The versatile wing made a statement today, converting the game-winning putback and turning in a powerful double-double. His inconsistency has continued to be a problem this season, but he has shown major improvement lately—scoring at least 18 points in nine of his last eleven games and putting up double-digit rebounds in four of his last five.
STREAMER:
Ace Bailey UTA SF 25 PTS | 7 REB | 5 BLK | 52.4 FPS (vs. PHI)
The rookie wing finished with another excellent showing. Against the Bucks, he delivered his second 30-point performance and also his best scoring game of the season. Today, he came up big on defense, setting a career-high in blocks. He’s been playing at another level lately and could deliver more performances like this if available.
FLOPPER:
Brandin Podziemski GSW SG 5 PTS | 1 AST | 3 TO | 3.5 FPS (vs. ATL)
Podz had some strong performances this month, but he has really struggled offensively in his last four games. Despite the inconsistency, it’s still a mostly decent year for him, and with Curry still sidelined, he should continue to handle a significant role on the team.
