Here are the top performers on January 17 and the stats to highlight their impact:
BEST PLAYER OF THE GAME:
Tyrese Maxey PHI PG 22 PTS | 9 AST | 5 STL | 60.5 FPS (vs. CLE)
Maxey wasn’t at his usual best offensively, tallying more shot attempts (23) than points. However, he more than made up for it in other areas, finishing with at least eight assists for the 16th time and recording at least four steals for the seventh time this season. He currently ranks second in the league in total points, third in steals and third in three-pointers.
BREAKOUT:
Jaylon Tyson CLE SG 39 PTS | 5 REB | 4 AST | 47.0 FPS (vs. PHI)
The sophomore guard was nearly unstoppable on offense, hitting 13-of-17 from the field, including knocking down 7-of-9 from long range to finish with the best scoring game of his career. After a slow start to the month, he’s now found his rhythm, averaging 21.3 points and 4 threes in his last four games.
SLEEPER:
Jamal Shead TOR PG 15 PTS | 4 REB | 13 AST | 39.3 FPS (vs. LAC)
Limited to just 10 points across his last two outings, Shead was more impactful today, recording his eighth double-digit scoring game of the season. He remains most impressive as a playmaker, however, posting his fourth 10-assist performance of the year and tallying at least five assists in 10 of his last 11 games.
ELITE ASSET:
Kevin Durant HOU PF 39 PTS | 7 AST | 2 STL | 58.3 FPS (vs. MIN)
Durant remains a highly capable scorer, ranking inside the top 10 in total points this season. He was also highly efficient today, converting 6-of-8 from three and 11-of-14 at the line to finish with his best scoring game of the year. He continues to excel in other areas as well, ranking just outside the top 30 in blocks and around the top 50 in both assists and three-pointers.
CATEGORY SPECIALIST:
Jay Huff IND C 29 PTS | 9 REB | 2 BLK | 53.3 FPS (vs. NOP)
The big man stood out again offensively, recording his third 20-point performance of the month and a season-high in scoring, while still providing a solid defensive presence. He has been one of the league’s elite contributors at his position and is one of only five players to tally at least 50 blocks and 50 three-pointers this season (per Statmuse).
PLAYER TO WATCH:
Naz Reid MIN C 25 PTS | 9 REB | 4 AST | 45.8 FPS (vs. HOU)
Over his last four games, Reid has been on another level offensively, averaging 21.5 points and 3.7 threes while also contributing across the board.
STREAMER:
Jordan Miller LAC SF 19 PTS | 6 AST | 4 STL | 41.4 FPS (vs. TOR)
The Clippers have missed key players in recent games, allowing Miller to step into a much larger role. He made the most of it, scoring in double figures four times in his last five games, including two outings of at least 19 points, while averaging 5.5 assists and 3 steals over his last two games.
FLOPPER:
Jordan Poole NOP SG 11 PTS | 2 REB | 1 AST | 13.9 FPS (vs. IND)
Poole had a decent scoring performance, but his overall output remains lacking. His offensive struggles have been evident this month, finishing with less than 10 points four times, including two scoreless outings.
