Bam Adebayo
March 2026
Adebayo became the second player in Heat history to reach 10,000 points, joining Dwyane Wade, in a 121-110 win over Detroit. He scored 24 to cross the mark, highlighting growth from defensive specialist to multi-level scorer, including four made threes and a season total matching his prior two seasons combined.
Jayson Tatum
March 2026
Tatum scored 20 and hit a key late three as Boston won 109-98, continuing his controlled minutes ramp-up after an Achilles rupture. After an emotional home return, he said the road routine felt more “normal,” played 27 minutes again, struggled through the middle quarters, then closed strong in the fourth with his minutes managed for precaution.
Nikola Jokić
January 2026
Nikola Jokić posted 22 points, 17 assists and 14 rebounds to record his 182nd regular-season triple-double, moving past Oscar Robertson into second place on the NBA career list as Denver beat Chicago 136-120. It was his 19th triple-double of the season and his second in two games. He now trails only Russell Westbrook. Coach David Adelman highlighted how rare 17 assists from a center is, while Jamal Murray predicted Jokić will push the record far higher.
LeBron James
January 2026
Cleveland are navigating an uneven season shaped by injuries and availability issues, with Mitchell carrying scoring load while the team sits mid-pack in the East. Garland’s toe injury has limited games, Strus remains out after foot surgery, Mobley’s offense has plateaued despite elite defense, and rotation pieces like Jaylon Tyson have stepped up; outlook hinges on health and playoff matchups.
Luka Doncic
January 2026
Doncic said the Dallas return felt easier emotionally than last year as he posted 33 points and 11 assists and the Lakers beat the Mavericks 116-110, continuing his unbeaten run against Dallas since the trade. He briefly walked toward the wrong locker at halftime before turning back, and noted lingering emotions while acknowledging support from fans and people in Dallas. The crowd response was calmer than earlier in the season, with “MVP” chants replacing prior “Fire Nico” chants tied to resentment over the trade.
Kawhi Leonard
January 2026
Leonard returned after missing three games and scored 24 points as the Clippers beat the Lakers 112-104. He slotted back in immediately, continuing a high-scoring run and maintaining a season average cited as a career best through 30 games.
New York Knicks
January 2026
he Knicks ended a four-game losing streak by beating the Nets 120-66, the most lopsided victory in franchise history, winning by 54 and surpassing the previous record margin of 48. New York led 88-56 after three quarters, then opened the fourth on a 16-0 run. Brunson scored 20, Shamet hit six threes in 15 minutes for 18 points, and the
Deandre Ayton
January 2026
Ayton posted 25 points on 10-for-10 shooting with 13 rebounds to power a 110-93 Lakers win, joining a small group of Lakers to hit 10 shots without a miss with 10-plus rebounds. With Toronto undersized, the Lakers repeatedly fed Ayton on lobs and close finishes, keeping all attempts inside eight feet; Redick emphasised rewarding bigs who screen and roll, while Doncic said Ayton’s focus on both ends raises the team’s ceiling heading into a long road trip.
Kevin Durant
January 2026
Durant scored 18 points to move past Nowitzki into sixth on the NBA all-time scoring list, now sitting just behind Michael Jordan. Durant entered needing 17 points, reached the mark, and sealed the milestone with late free throws in a 119-110 win, then credited Nowitzki as a personal idol and rival from earlier in his career.
