NBA 2022-2023: Top 5 individual performances of November 10, 2022

We didn't have an action-packed schedule last night (Thursday, November 10) in the NBA, but that doesn't mean that it was a night that lacked superstar performances from the players involved. From the Washington Wizards upsetting the Dallas Mavericks at home to the Miami Heat defeating the Charlotte Hornets in an overtime thriller, we definitely received a healthy dose of entertaining basketball.

While we had some disappointing performances from superstar players like Luka Doncic and CJ McCollum, there were also some players who stood out last night and helped their teams secure important wins (or get close enough to one). Whether we talk about Kyle Kuzma having a career night against the Dallas Mavericks, or Spencer Dinwiddie filling out in the scoring department for Luka Doncic, the night was full of great performances.

In the next slides, we will take a look at the Top 5 players who made an impact in last night's NBA action.

#5 - Clint Capela

Atlanta Hawks Media Day

The Atlanta Hawks managed to secure a key victory over their Eastern Conference foes, the Philadelphia 76ers, and it's hard not to consider how Capela's great contribution aided in that win.

Capela finished the match with 18 points and 20 rebounds, shooting 7/10 from the floor and a game-high +24. In what was a defensive battle between the two teams, Capela's ability to grab rebounds and check Joel Embiid on boards was one of the most important aspects of Atlanta's recipe for success in this match.

More than once, the 2021 NBA Rebounding Leader has had Embiid's number in their careers, and last night was no different. He is definitely an upgrade over Onyeka Okongwu at the center position for Atlanta. Okongwu has been mostly dominated by other centers in the rebounding game.

While some NBA fans were happy to write Capela off after a subpar season last year, the former Houston Rocket seems to be back to full health once again and ready to help the Atlanta Hawks push for a playoff run, alongside Trae Young. A victory over the Philadelphia 76ers definitely shows that their season is headed in the right direction.

#4 - Jerami Grant

Portland Trail Blazers v Miami Heat

No Lillard, no Nurkic, no Sharpe, no Payton, no problem. Jerami Grant took matters into his own hands and put on another great performance in a Trailblazers uniform in order to secure them a great win on the road. Portland holds a 9-3 record so far this season (6-1 on the road), and Grant played a major role in their early season success (as Lillard has only played in seven matches so far).

It's hard not to get excited about this Trailblazers team this year with Grant exceeding everyone's expectations so far. They have two borderline NBA All-Star level players in Grant and Lillard, young and exciting talent like Simmons, Sharpe and Little, and a great defense behind Hart and Payton. All things considered, this Portland team has a way higher ceiling than many NBA experts expected at the beginning of the season.

#3 - Spencer Dinwiddie

Dallas Mavericks v Washington Wizards

Spencer Dinwiddie played like he had a chip on his shoulder in Washington last night (probably because he did), when he faced his former team at the Capital One Arena. While his teammate Luka Doncic had an off night in terms of shooting, the Mavericks offense ran through Dinwiddie, and it's hard to say he disappointed.

Despite the Dallas Mavericks losing consecutive matches on the road against the NBA's Eastern Conference, Dinwiddie finished last night's match with 33 points and six assists. He was the main reason why Dallas was competitive in this affair.

With Dinwiddie having such a great offensive season so far, it's hard not to see the Dallas Mavericks remaining one of the biggest threats in the NBA's Western Conference, once Luka Doncic bounces back from his recent shooting slump. They definitely have the talent to do damage on both ends of the basketball floor, all that is required is for the players to click together.

#2 - Jimmy Butler

Miami Heat v Golden State Warriors

Make no mistake, there are few positives to be drawn from the Miami Heat's overtime win against the Charlotte Hornets. While they have dreams of winning the NBA's Eastern Conference this season, they struggled to defeat the Hornets (without Lamelo or Hayward) at home. If not for Jimmy Butler's ruthless performance on both ends of the floor, they would have probably lost this match.

The Heat needed a masterclass from their superstar player to get over the line in this match, and a masterclass performance they received. Butler ended the game with 35 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists. He orchestrated Miami's entire offense last night, while also playing a key role in their defense.

With Butler playing such an important role on this Miami team this year (with him and Tyler Herro carrying the team so far) it's very important he stays healthy. This is something he's struggled with in the past two seasons. Without him, it's hard to see this Heat team being competitive against the top NBA teams.

#1 - Kyle Kuzma

Dallas Mavericks v Washington Wizards

It's hard to beat a man who simply doesn't want to lose. That man was Kyle Kuzma last night. Many expected the Dallas Mavericks to coast to a win in Washington. The Wizards were without their star players Bradley Beal and Kristaps Porziņģis. Kuzma had other plans for the evening.

In a star-making performance for his career, Kuzma dropped 36 points, grabbed 11 rebounds and dished five assists for his teammates. Looking at all the roster issues the Los Angeles Lakers have this season, it's hard for them not to regret trading Kyle Kuzma for almost nothing.

At this point, Kuzma can be legitimately considered as one of the most underrated players in the league. He has been consistent on the offensive side of the ball for the Wizards the entire season, and he also seems to have improved his defensive game. The Wizards seem to be in safe hands when he is on the floor.