March’s Top NBA Stars: 5 Players Who Dominated the Court!

While March might seem uneventful in the NBA calendar, it’s the final complete month of regular season play before the excitement of the playoffs begins in mid-April. This period allows athletes at various levels of the sport to find their groove and excel on the court. Although not every performance has a direct bearing on the chase for the championship—a perspective most modern sports analyses adopt—not all basketball excellence needs to serve this end.

Reflecting on the previous season, Cam Thomas of the Brooklyn Nets didn’t make significant waves after April, yet his average of 26.8 points per game in March was certainly a spectacle. Similarly, watching Jalen Green score 27.7 points per game and shoot over 40% from the three-point line for the Houston Rockets around this time last year was a delight, despite his uneven performance this season. It’s easy to overlook Dejounte Murray’s achievement of 26.7 points and 9.2 assists per game last March with the Atlanta Hawks, but for those 15 games, he showcased the best basketball of his career before being traded months later.

All these instances highlight the importance of appreciating such achievements, regardless of their outcome. This season, a similar group of players emerged who deserve recognition for their outstanding performances in March, capturing the attention of sports enthusiasts who typically focus on college basketball during this time.

These athletes aren’t necessarily the top performers statistically for the month. Instead, they are notable for the quality and distinction of their play, which stands out for various reasons. While stars like Nikola Jokić and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander have performed consistently well throughout the season, the players highlighted below have exceeded expectations or significantly deviated from them last month.

Here are five players who made a memorable impact during the often-overlooked month of March.

Kawhi Leonard, Los Angeles Clippers

March stats: 25.2 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 3.3 apg

Kawhi Leonard’s career has been a series of highs punctuated by frustrating injuries. His pattern of returning to form for the Clippers, only to be sidelined again, has become almost predictable. Despite this, his periods of play are a showcase of his prowess as a two-way player, reminiscent of his contribution to the Toronto Raptors’ 2019 championship.

Experiencing Leonard’s brilliance in bursts may lead some to dismiss his contributions; however, his performance in March, where he played in 13 games and was on the court for more than 30 minutes in most of them, deserves recognition. His shooting accuracy, defensive anticipation, and overall dominance were evident as he led the Clippers to a 9-4 record during this time.

Despite the skepticism about his durability, Leonard’s exceptional play is a reminder of the high-level basketball that should be appreciated regardless of future uncertainties.

In those games, Leonard not only scored efficiently but also contributed significantly on defense, recording 1.8 steals per game. His remarkable net rating of 8.9 during his minutes on the floor highlights his impact.

While some may focus on his potential unavailability for the playoffs, the quality of basketball he played in March is undeniable and deserves to be cherished.

Quentin Grimes, Philadelphia 76ers

March stats: 26.6 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 4.9 apg

Quentin Grimes’s emergence as a standout scorer for the 76ers might have gone unnoticed due to the team’s lackluster season and the media’s dwindling interest. Despite the team’s focus shifting towards the upcoming NBA draft, Grimes seized the opportunity to shine.

Stepping up during a transitional period for the team, Grimes not only filled the void but excelled, posting impressive numbers that outshone many established stars. His scoring spree included several high-point games, notably dropping 44 against the Warriors, 35 against the Hawks, and 46 against the defensively stout Rockets.

Grimes’s performance was not just about volume; his efficiency from the field and beyond the arc was remarkable, making him one of the top three-point shooters in March. His ability to step up has brought excitement to a team in a rebuilding phase, proving that sometimes an underdog can steal the spotlight.

Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans

March stats: 25.3 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 6.1 apg

The tale of Zion Williamson is one of tremendous potential intermittently interrupted by injuries. After a delayed start to the season, he returned with vigor in March, demonstrating his full capabilities in limited minutes.

During this month, Williamson was unstoppable, averaging over 25 points, six rebounds, and six assists while playing under 30 minutes per game. His efficiency was off the charts, with shooting percentages that rival the best in the league. Despite the Pelicans’ struggles with injuries and their impact on their season, Williamson’s performances in March were a reminder of what he can achieve at full strength.

His improved playmaking and ability to dominate on the court make him one of the most exciting players to watch when he’s healthy. March showcased his potential to be not just a scorer, but a multifaceted star capable of shaping the game in multiple ways.

Coby White, Chicago Bulls

March stats: 27.7 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 3.7 apg

Coby White has consistently been a bright spot for the Bulls, despite the team’s struggles to rise above mediocrity in the Eastern Conference. His performance throughout the season has been solid, but he took his game to another level in March.

Averaging nearly 30 points per game, White’s prowess from beyond the arc was a key factor in the Bulls’ surge in the standings. His ability to heat up quickly made him a formidable opponent, as evidenced by multiple games where he hit five or more three-pointers.

White’s scoring wasn’t just prolific; it was consistent. He scored 21 or more points in each game he played in March, including a career-high 44 points in one game. His remarkable performance is a testament to his development and a sign that he may be one of the key pieces for the Bulls moving forward.

Paolo Banchero, Orlando Magic

March stats: 30.1 ppg, 7.7 rpg, 4.4 apg

The rookie season for Paolo Banchero has had its ups and downs, marked initially by a promising start followed by a challenging injury. However, he found his stride again in March, putting up numbers that placed him among the elite scorers of the month.

Banchero’s performance was not just about scoring; it was about efficiency and impact. He was particularly dominant in a stretch of games where he consistently scored over 30 points, showcasing his ability to influence games at a high level. His strength and scoring ability, combined with his basketball IQ, make him a formidable presence on the court.

As the season progresses, Banchero continues to demonstrate why he was a top draft pick and a player to watch in the future. His performances in March are a clear indication of his potential to be a leading figure in the NBA.