Before the household names take over the headlines, it’s the under-the-radar grinders and surprise heroes who keep the NBA season unpredictable. This batch highlights a mix of rising stars, redemption stories, and ageless wonders delivering monster nights when their teams need them most.

Tyrese Maxey — 54 pts, 9 ast, 3 stl, 3 blk (Nov 21 vs MIL)

Tyrese Maxey erupted for a new career-high 54 points, and the beauty of it was how complete the performance looked. He scored at will, created for teammates, and made winning defensive plays with three steals and three blocks. A true all-around masterpiece against a heavyweight opponent.

Michael Porter Jr. — 33 pts (16 in 4th) (Nov 22 vs BOS)

Michael Porter Jr. was the dagger in one of the season’s biggest upset wins, torching Boston with 16 fourth-quarter points on 7-of-8 shooting. When Brooklyn needed a closer in a tough road environment, MPJ turned flamethrower and stole the game from one of the league’s best defenses.

Russell Westbrook — 21 pts, 11 ast (Nov 23 vs DEN)

Russell Westbrook delivered a fiery revenge game against the team that dismissed him, dropping 21 and 11 while taking over the fourth quarter to shock Denver on their home floor. Told he wasn’t wanted back, “Brodie” responded the best way he knows how—by powering the Kings to an upset win.

Cooper Flagg — 29 pts, 7 reb, 5 ast, 2 stl (Nov 22 vs NOP)

Top pick Cooper Flagg posted a career-best 29 points while filling the stat sheet on both ends. More importantly, his performance spearheaded a much-needed Mavericks bounce-back after an embarrassing earlier loss to New Orleans. Electric, poised, and everywhere—this was a statement game from the rookie.

Caleb Love — 26 pts, 7 reb, 5 ast, 5 threes (Nov 22 vs GSW)

Undrafted rookie Caleb Love delivered a breakout performance against the greatest shooter alive, holding his own in a high-profile matchup. His mix of scoring, rebounding, and playmaking showed real poise, and nights like this are huge confidence builders. Always fun watching an unheralded kid shine on a big stage.

James Harden — 55 pts, 10 threes, 7 ast (Nov 23 vs CHA)

James Harden continues to defy basketball aging curves, detonating for 55 points and 10 threes in a vintage scoring clinic. With this explosion, he becomes the first player to own the single-game scoring record for two franchises—a remarkable milestone for an ageless offensive savant.