On January 3, 2025, Beijing time, there were 6 NBA games today, with many players delivering impressive performances. Who were they?
Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors had an outstanding performance in the game against the Philadelphia 76ers. Curry only played for 30 minutes and finished early, shooting 11 of 15 (8 of 8 from three-point range), scoring 30 points, grabbing 6 rebounds, dishing out 10 assists, and making 1 steal, with a plus-minus of +32, the highest in the game. He led the Warriors to a 34-point victory over the 76ers, rendering Joel Embiid's 28 points and 14 rebounds ineffective. Curry's perfect 8-for-8 shooting from beyond the arc in this game, with a 100% shooting percentage, was astonishingly efficient.
Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics also shone in the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. With Jaylen Brown and Kristaps Porzingis absent, the Celtics' strength was significantly weakened, but Tatum carried the team. He shot 13 of 27 (6 of 17 from three-point range) and made 1 of 2 free throws, scoring 33 points, grabbing 8 rebounds, dishing out 9 assists, and making 3 steals, leading the Celtics to a 3-point victory over the Timberwolves.
Tyrese Haliburton of the Indiana Pacers had an excellent game against the Miami Heat. Haliburton shot 13 of 21 (6 of 13 from three-point range) and made 1 of 3 free throws, scoring 33 points, grabbing 5 rebounds, dishing out 15 assists, and making 2 steals without any turnovers, with a plus-minus of +26. He delivered a perfect performance, leading the Pacers to a 13-point victory over the Heat.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder stood out in the game against the Los Angeles Clippers. Alexander shot 9 of 17 (2 of 5 from three-point range) and made all 9 free throws, scoring 29 points, grabbing 3 rebounds, dishing out 8 assists, and making 2 steals. He led the Thunder to a comeback win, turning around a halftime deficit to the Clippers into an 18-point victory, securing their 13th consecutive win.
Cameron Johnson of the Brooklyn Nets had an impressive game against the Milwaukee Bucks. Johnson shot 10 of 16 (6 of 12 from three-point range), scoring 26 points and grabbing 5 rebounds, leading the Nets to a 3-point victory over the Bucks. This rendered Giannis Antetokounmpo's 27 points, 13 rebounds, 7 assists, and 3 blocks ineffective.
LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers had an outstanding performance in the game against the Portland Trail Blazers. With Anthony Davis absent, James carried the team, shooting 15 of 25 (7 of 10 from three-point range) and making 1 of 2 free throws, scoring 38 points, grabbing 3 rebounds, and dishing out 8 assists, leading the Lakers to an 8-point victory over the Blazers. James became the first player in NBA history to score at least 35 points and make 5 three-pointers after turning 40 years old.
At the age of 40, James is still able to deliver such a performance, which can be called an NBA miracle. He outperformed Curry and was voted by fans as the best player of the day.