NBA 2018-19: Top 3 performers of the day, 26th November 2018

There were seven matches played on the day. Most of the matches were very tightly contested. Only the Indiana Pacers had a blowout win over the Utah Jazz 121-88.

The Minnesota Timberwolves continued their merry run since trading away Jimmy Butler. They won at Cavaliers 102-95 and are now just one win away from .500.

The Boston Celtics are trying to get back to their best and emerged victorious at the Pelicans. The San Antonio Spurs edged out a 108-107 victory over the Chicago Bulls that took them to .500 record in the West. They now stand at 10-10 after 20 matches in the season.

The Washington Wizards, Charlotte Hornets and Golden State Warriors were the other teams that came out with a win over the Houston Rockets, Milwaukee Bucks and Orlando Magic respectively.

Here are the top 3 key performers from the day:

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#3 John Wall

The All-Star point guard had another commanding performance in the 135-131 overtime victory over the Houston Rockets

The Washington Wizards have improved of late after having a torrid start to the season. Much of this improvement can be attributed to the consistent displays of John Wall.

The All-Star point guard had another commanding performance in the 135-131 overtime victory over the Houston Rockets. John Wall finished with 36 points on 13-23 shooting from the field and also dished out 11 assists.

John Wall is now averaging 22 points and eight assists for the season with 1.8 steals and 1.2 blocks per game. He again seems to be playing at an All-Star level and is guiding his team to victories.

There had been plenty of rumors regarding the trade speculations of the Wizards All-Star backcourt. But they have shown improved displays in the past few games.

The Wizards have rampantly climbed up the Eastern Conference standings and are now placed in the 9th position with an 8-12 record.

#2 Kevin Durant

Kevin Durant is carrying the Warriors

Kevin Durant again had one of his unstoppable scoring nights finishing with 49 points in a tightly contested encounter against the Orlando Magic which the Warriors won 116-110.

He finished with 16-33 shooting from the field, 4-10 shooting from the deep and 13-13 shooting from the free throw line. Durant also contributed with six rebounds and nine assists to cap off a good all-round performance.

The Warriors trailed the Magic by as much as 18 in the 3rd quarter. Then a Kevin Durant block started the turnaround for the Warriors who have now won three straight games after losing four in a row. Kevin Durant was unguardable in that quarter.

Klay Thompson also made a telling contribution again finishing with 29 points on 6-12 shooting from the deep. 19 of these points came in the fourth quarter.

The Warriors next go on to play at the Raptors where Steph Curry is also slated to return to action.

#1 James Harden

The reigning MVP was cooking against the Washington Wizards

The reigning MVP had the best stat line of the day finishing with 54 points, eight rebounds, 13 assists and three steals. Harden shot 17-32 from the field, 7-15 from the 3PT line and 13-15 from the free throw line.

Despite such an amazing performance from Harden, the Rockets failed to capitalize and lost in Overtime against the Wizards 131-135.

Eric Gordon amply supported Harden and ended the match with 36 points. Harden and Gordon became the second highest scoring backcourt in a match ever with 90 points finishing behind Kobe and Smush who had 94 points in a match where Kobe himself had 81 points.

Harden has become the PPG leader after several scoring outbursts in recent matches. He is now averaging 31.5 PPG and looks back to his MVP best.

The Houston Rockets are currently lying at the 13th position in the Western Conference standings with a 9-10 record.