What a week in the NBA! We were graced by fabulous performances yet again. This edition features everything – a superstar’s revenge game, a rising star’s playoff preview, and a benchwarmer’s long-awaited chance to shine. Let’s break down the five most electrifying performances from the past seven days.
#1 – Luka Doncic (45 PTS, 8 REB, 6 AST, 4 STL, 7 3PM vs. Mavericks, April 11th)
The American Airlines Center crowd gave Luka Doncic a standing ovation during his emotional tribute video – then watched him rip their hearts out. In his first game back in Dallas since the shocking trade, the Slovenian superstar put on a masterclass, pouring in 45 points while knocking down 7 three-pointers. What made this performance special was Luka’s ability to channel all that emotion into domination, adding eight rebounds, six assists and four steals to his gaudy point total. The Lakers won, 112-97, and the night simply belonged to Luka and his Magic, who reminded everyone why he’s a generational talent.
#2 – Cade Cunningham (36 PTS, 8 AST, 16/24 FG vs. Knicks, April 11th)
With the Pistons and Knicks slated for a first-round playoff matchup, Cade Cunningham served notice to New York fans with a career-defining performance. The fourth-year guard torched the Knicks for 36 points on 16-of-24 shooting, showcasing his complete offensive arsenal. More impressive than the scoring was his eight assists, demonstrating his growth as a playmaker. As this Detroit core prepares for its postseason debut, Cunningham’s evolution into a bona fide star gives Pistons fans hope for a competitive series against one of the East’s higher seeds.
#3 – Jalen Pickett (18 PTS, 4 AST, 5 3PM vs. Kings, April 10th)
Sometimes all a player needs is an opportunity. After spending most of his rookie season buried on Denver’s bench, Jalen Pickett exploded for 18 points and 5 three-pointers in 31 minutes of action against Sacramento. The second-round pick displayed the energy and shooting touch that made him a college standout. With the playoffs approaching, Pickett’s breakout couldn’t have come at a better time, giving Denver another weapon off the bench.
#4 – Anthony Edwards (44 PTS, 7 3PM, 13/19 FG vs. Grizzlies, April 11th)
Coming off an embarrassing fourth-quarter collapse against the Milwaukee Bucks, Anthony Edwards responded like a true superstar. ‘The Antman’ detonated for 44 points on 13-of-19 shooting, including seven threes, to lead Minnesota past Memphis 141-125. The explosive guard scored from everywhere – pull-up threes, vicious dunks, and his signature mid-range game. More importantly, Edwards provided the leadership Minnesota needed after their recent stumble, keeping the Wolves firmly in the West’s top three as the regular season winds down.
#5 – Ivica Zubac (20 PTS, 11 REB, 10 AST vs. Rockets, April 10th)
Ivica Zubac picked the perfect time for his first career triple-double. The Clippers’ big man dominated Houston with 20 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists, showcasing surprising playmaking skills in LA’s 134-117 win. What made this performance special was Zubac’s ability to dismantle one of the league’s best defensive teams, using his size to overpower the Rockets in the paint while also finding open teammates. As the Clippers make their playoff push, Zubac’s emergence as a complete center could be the X-factor that takes them deep into the postseason.
