Houston Rockets star James Harden showed no signs of rust as he leads today’s top performers.
Photo by Darron Cummings/AP
James Harden, Houston Rockets
Harden didn’t even take his time to get going. The former MVP went to work right from the get-go, compiling 24 points, 10 assists, 4 rebounds and 2 steals in just 25 minutes of play. Harden was razzling and dazzling with his crossovers all night long, something we’ll soon get used to again. (Video courtesy of Z. Highlights)
Jonas Valanciunas, Memphis Grizzlies
Big men dominated today’s list, and it starts with the double-double performance of Valanciunas. The Grizzlies veteran center amassed 20 points and 11 boards, while going on an 8-13 clip from the field. Veteran presence doesn’t come in abundance for this young Memphis squad, but Valanciunas will provide just enough to get by.
Serge Ibaka, Toronto Raptors
Ibaka continues to make a name for himself on offense. The rim-protecting big man topscored for the Raptors with 18 markers, and only missed two of his 10 total attempts from the field. Ibaka also hit two triples in the win, and he did all these in just a matter of 17 minutes on the court.
Steven Adams, Oklahoma City Thunder
Whether it’s capitalizing on drop passes or battling for an offense rebound for a putback dunk, Adams did it all for the Thunder. The long-tenured Oklahoma City center put up 17 points and 7 boards, while just logging in 15 minutes in the win.
Ben Simmons, Philadelphia 76ers
Stuffing the stat sheet is what Simmons is good at, and he did it again during the Sixers’ win against the Memphis Grizzlies. The 6-foot-10 point forward compiled 9 points, 7 boards, 9 assists and 3 steals, while turning the ball over only once. Oh, and he also made a three-pointer, something that Philly fans will continue to keep an eye on.