LeBron James and Anthony Davis led the Lakers to a second straight win, while Bradley Beal lifted the Westbrook-less Wizards to their first victory of the season.
Anthony Davis and LeBron James combined for 60 points in the Lakers’ win over the Spurs. (Photo by Tony Gutierrez/AP)
Anthony Davis, Los Angeles Lakers
Lakers fans should wish that Davis will always be more aggressive in getting to his spots on the offensive end of the floor. He did just that in the team’s 109-103 win over the Spurs as he tallied 34 points on an efficient 13-26 clip from the field. AD also added 11 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 steals to a performance that could be the barometer of his individual campaign for a coveted MVP award this season.
LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers
Age is just a number for The King. The 36-year old four-time MVP came up with another triple-double of 26 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists, including a clutch basket in the fourth quarter to put the Lakers up by six in the waning seconds. It will be another grind-it-out season for LeBron, but he surely doesn’t show any signs of slowing down just yet.
Bradley Beal, Washington Wizards
After losing their first five games of the season, the Wizards have finally chalked up a W in their record. With Russell Westbrook sitting out, Beal took over for Washington and finished with 31 points and 7 assists, including a stellar 60% overall clip from the field. Plenty of other Wizards contributed in the win, but it was Beal’s all-around brilliance that stole the spotlight.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
After absorbing a disappointing loss to the Miami Heat in their previous game, the reigning back-to-back MVP made sure that there will be no setbacks this time around. Giannis amassed a massive double-double of 29 points and 12 assists, while also stuffing the rest of his stat sheet with 8 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks. The Greek Freak did everything for the Bucks, and his outstanding performance led to a team win.
Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks
Prior to this game, the Mavericks have lost three of their first four contests. But the team was able to welcome the new year with a much-needed win, and Luka was again the top dog in the victory. The Serbian point guard came up with excellent numbers of 27 points, 15 rebounds, and 7 assists, while also producing three hits from beyond the arc.
Kristaps Porzingis is aiming a return sometime this month, but the Mavericks will have to rely heavily on Luka’s able shoulders yet again.