The 5 performances of the night in the NBA
Kristaps Porzingis (Dallas Mavericks)
The Mavericks are underwhelming and Kristaps Porzingis is particularly clumsy this season. And yet, the signs are still encouraging. The potential of this team is far more interesting than its record – 16 wins and 17 losses – would suggest. As for the Latvian, he still has the merit of being… rather in good health!
Behind the falling percentages, there is still a player who tries to chain. In any case, he perfectly took control of the Mavericks attack in the absence of Luka Doncic yesterday. 34 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks for the All-Star pivot. With a victory against the Trail Blazers at the finish. The sign of a possible rise in power with, for example, 24 points on average for Porzingis over his last 5 matches. It has also fallen below 10 units only once this season.
Cameron Reddish (Atlanta Hawks)
Cameron Reddish’s name is often used in transfer rumors. It’s true that it sometimes feels like he hasn’t quite found his place in the Hawks. It gives the feeling of being a little underused but, at the same time, it may also be due to its irregularity. Still, the boy has the potential to drive in attack. And he calls it back from time to time. Often when an Atlanta player goes missing.
Holder despite the return of Trae Young, the tenth pick in the 2018 draft was again a hit in attack. 8 three-point baskets for 33 pawns in 40 minutes. Best scorer of his team despite the defeat against Chicago (118-130). Another great offensive performance. Reddish is almost 24 units and 44% behind the arc in the last 4 games.
He must be able to maintain this production more constantly – but it is not easy when leaving the bench – so that he can pass a real milestone. Which would automatically pull the Hawks up.
Nikola Vucevic (Chicago Bulls)
If DeMar DeRozan (35 points, 10 assists) and Zach LaVine (30 points, 9 assists) were particularly illustrated Monday night, their performances should not forget that of Nikola Vucevic. The Montenegrin pivot had a full game, posting 24 points, 17 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 blocks. Without losing any ball. A really solid performance on his part.
Jaylen Nowell (Minnesota Timberwolves)
Timberwolves are unlike anything. Okay, okay, that’s not really new. But what we mean by that is that the franchise currently finds itself without most of its major players. Like many franchises right now, the fault of COVID-19. Minnesota was playing for example without its five holders against Boston last night.
But executive packages give new opportunities to players who are otherwise not very visible. Jaylen Nowell took advantage of it. Off the bench, the explosive rear stuck 29 points to the Celtics to lead his team to victory (108-103). Also with 6 rebounds but above all 6 prize-winning baskets in 9 attempts. A great rise in power for the man, author of 15 points on average over the last 5 matches while he had only spent a little time on the floor since the start of the season.
Ah, he also paid the head of Jabari Parker with a rather monstrous poster as a bonus. Come on, happy Nowell. Oh, oh, oh (voice of Santa Claus).
JAYLEN NOWELL SLAMMED IT ON THAT MAN’S HEAD pic.twitter.com/c97seVjQjN
– Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) December 28, 2021
Nassir Little (Portland Trail Blazers)
The Portland defense has been cut again with a jigsaw but just an opportunity to remind that the Blazers can rely more and more on Nassir Little. The young winger has compiled 20 points, 10 rebounds and 3 blocks. He gradually becomes an indisputable holder in Oregon. Especially with the absences of each other, it is true. He still lacks consistency in attack but the 21-year-old is having a good season. Its potential is intriguing.
