We’re now a few games removed from All-Star weekend and more than a few players have stepped it up and looked fresh coming out of the break.
No one has been better than Anthony Davis, as the New Orleans Pelicans star has put up historic numbers throughout the month and in the past seven games especially.
Here, we take a look at three other players who’ve been hot, as well as three who’ve struggled.
THREE UP
The Celtics guard has come out of the All-Star break sizzling to lead Boston to three straight wins. In his last 12 quarters, Irving has averaged 24.6 points, 6.3 assists and 6.6 rebounds while shooting a blistering 53.1 per cent from the field and 51.7 per cent from long range.
Kyrie Irving puts up 25 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists to lead the @Celtics at home! #Celtics pic.twitter.com/K3wghd1vWN
— NBA (@NBA) February 27, 2018
Jokic has made flirting with a triple-double a regularity over Denver’s past four games. The Nuggets’ only losses this month have come at the hands of Western Conference-leading Houston, as Jokic’s all-around offensive skillset has spurred them to a climb up the standings.
Nikola Jokic joins Wilt Chamberlain as the only players in NBA history 6'10" or taller to record 3 straight triple-doubles. Chamberlain had six such streaks during his career, including a 9-game stretch during 1967-68.
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) February 24, 2018
via @EliasSports pic.twitter.com/P6hbD6ts2c
Randle, whose name was floated around during the trade deadline, is showing a more complete game since the All-Star break. In the Lakers’ three wins, the power forward has recorded a double-double in each, while averaging 6.0 assists. At 23, he’s still getting better.
Double Trouble!
— NBA (@NBA) February 27, 2018
Brandon Ingram (21 PTS, 10 REB, 6 AST) and Julius Randle (19 PTS, 10 REB) both come up big in the @Lakers third straight victory, defeating the @ATLHawks 123-104!#LakeShow pic.twitter.com/cTkRtEN2IZ
THREE DOWN
Immediately after Griffin was traded to Detroit, the Pistons appeared to be reinvigorated. Over the last three games though, they’ve failed to crack 100 points and have fallen each time. Griffin has looked pedestrian with averages of 16.3 points, 3.3 assists, 3.0 rebounds and 38.7 per cent shooting.
A chance of scenery was needed for Thomas, but it’s not like he’s close to returning to his All-Star level from a season ago. After dropping 22 points in his debut with the Lakers, Thomas have averaged just 11.4 points, 4.0 assists and shot 34.6 per cent, even as LA have had success.
Isaiah Thomas literally throwing money away... pic.twitter.com/cMVg2najQk
— Colin Ward-Henninger (@ColinCBSSports) February 27, 2018
So much for Cleveland being magically fixed with their moves at the trade deadline. The Cavaliers dropped two of their first three since the All-Star break, with Hill providing little offence in the defeats by averaging 4.0 points, 2.0 assists, 17.6 per cent from the field and 0-of-6 on 3-pointers.
