On December 29th, Beijing time, today's NBA games have all ended. Stars such as Brunson, Kuminga, Jokic, Irving, and Davis have performed exceptionally well, making them candidates for today's best player.
The Knicks defeated the Wizards 136-132, securing their seventh consecutive victory. They currently hold a record of 22 wins and 10 losses, firmly ranking third in the Eastern Conference, having transformed into a top-tier strong team. Brunson of the Knicks shot 18 out of 31, scoring 55 points with 3 rebounds and 9 assists, demonstrating an MVP-level performance. However, the opponent's strength was somewhat weak. Towns scored 30 points and 14 rebounds, Hart had 13 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists, while Bridges contributed 21 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 steals. Despite the Wizards' seven players scoring in double digits, including 17 three-pointers out of 38 attempts, Shanpani scored 31 points and 10 rebounds but still failed to lead the team to victory. The Wizards are currently ranked last in the East with a record of 5 wins and 24 losses.
The Warriors defeated the Suns 109-105, returning to the top 10 in the West, while the Suns dropped to 11th place. Kuminga of the Warriors, who came off the bench, was the most outstanding player, shooting 12 out of 20 to score 34 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 assists. Curry scored 22 points with 6 rebounds and 6 assists, performing moderately well. Green contributed 16 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block, while Schroder shot 4 out of 13 to score 11 points, making only 1 out of 7 three-pointers. However, that single three-pointer was crucial, helping the Warriors overtake in the final moments. Durant scored 31 points with 6 rebounds, 3 assists, and 4 blocks, while Beal added 28 points and 5 rebounds. The Suns are struggling to contend for the championship due to their poor overall defense.
The Nuggets defeated the Pistons 134-121, currently holding a record of 17 wins and 13 losses. They should have no problem entering the playoffs, but they need to strengthen their lineup if they want to compete for the championship. Jokic of the Nuggets scored 37 points with 9 rebounds and 8 assists, shooting 4 out of 5 from beyond the arc, more accurate than many top shooters. Murray contributed 34 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 blocks, marking his best performance on both ends of the court this season. Porter scored 26 points, while Westbrook added 8 points, 9 rebounds, 8 assists, and 2 steals but also had 6 turnovers. Six Pistons players scored in double digits, with Cunningham contributing 17 points and 8 assists.
The Mavericks lost 122-126 to the Trail Blazers, failing in their comeback attempt. Irving of the Mavericks gave it his all, shooting 16 out of 26 to score 46 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals. Dinwiddie scored 17 points with 8 rebounds and 4 assists, while Gafford added 15 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 blocks. Thompson shot 5 out of 17 to score only 12 points. Had he performed better, the Mavericks might have won, but he missed too many shooting opportunities and made a low-level mistake at the end. Four Trail Blazers players scored 20+, determined to win the game. Simmons scored 22 points and 8 assists, Ayton added 21 points, 16 rebounds, and 3 blocks, Avidia contributed 21 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists, while Sharpe added 23 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists.
The Lakers defeated the Kings 132-122, securing their second consecutive victory and ranking fifth in the West with a record of 18 wins and 13 losses. Davis of the Lakers exploded, scoring 36 points, 15 rebounds, and 8 assists, just shy of a triple-double. After James' absence, Davis delivered an MVP-level performance. Reeves scored 26 points and 16 assists, Hachimura added 21 points and 4 rebounds, Christie contributed 16 points, and Knickert off the bench scored 18 points. DeRozan of the Kings scored 25 points and 7 assists, Sabonis added 14 points and 12 rebounds, but was completely dominated by Davis. Fox scored 29 points, 5 rebounds, 12 assists, and 4 steals.
Discussing today's best player, Brunson scored 55 points, 3 rebounds, and 9 assists, with impressive stats. However, the Wizards, his opponents, are ranked last in the East and have almost no defense. Irving also scored 46 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 assists, while Jokic contributed 37 points, 9 rebounds, and 8 assists. Kuminga, coming off the bench, scored 34+9, making them all candidates for today's best player. However, the Lakers defeated the formidable Kings and achieved a four-game sweep against them. In the fourth quarter when the Kings were counterattacking, it was Davis who stood up to stabilize the team, scoring 36 points, 15 rebounds, and 8 assists with a +21 plus-minus, the highest in the game. He also dominated All-Star center Sabonis. With LeBron absent, Davis secured an important victory, making him a deserving choice for today's best player without much controversy.