Randle, Doncic Headline Thursday Night's Top Performers

julius-randle-new-york-knicks — Julius Randle Getty Images

With 6 games on the schedule for Thursday's night of games, there was a lot of opportunity for some big games. With the New Year almost upon us, some of the NBA’s best gave a strong performance to close the year.

Here are the top performances from last night:

1. Julius Randle, New York Knicks (41 Pts, 11 Reb, 7 Ast, 1 Stl)

Julius Randle has been consistently great this season for the Knicks. He’s routinely put up big scoring numbers and monster rebound performances as he’d led New York to a respectable record. It wasn’t enough last night though, as they fell to the Spurs 122-115.

Julius Randle (41 points) and Immanuel Quickley (36 points) are the first pair of Knicks teammates to record 35+ points in the same game since David Lee (37) and Al Harrington (36) on Nov. 29, 2008. pic.twitter.com/YMKRjJYVMu
— NBA History (@NBAHistory) December 30, 2022

2. Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks (35 Pts, 12 Reb, 13 Ast, 1 Stl, 2 Blk)

Luka Doncic continues to put up video-game numbers as his case for MVP only gets stronger. He had a 35-point triple-double against the Rockets right after his historic 60-20-10 triple-double against the Knicks.

Luka Doncic draws a charge with 1.5 seconds left in the half and this is what he does with that last possession lol pic.twitter.com/UBnHaJwR9I
— Jo (@MavsStan41) December 30, 2022

3. Immanuel Quickley, New York Knicks (36 Pts, 7 Reb, 7 Ast, 1 Stl)

Immanuel Quickley got the chance to start against the Spurs with RJ Barrett and Jalen Brunson out with injuries and he took full advantage. He exploded for 36 points and along with Randle, almost propelled the Knicks over the Spurs.

4. Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies (19 Pts, 4 Reb, 17 Ast, 1 Blk)

Ja Morant has been incredible for Memphis this season and his vision was on full display last night against Toronto. Morant is one of the most exciting players in the NBA because of his athleticism and his court vision.

Ja Morant dished out a career-high 17 AST (7 in the 3rd quarter) to go with 19 PTS in his first career game in Toronto.

Brooks: “He’s able to get three, four guys on him & find us for 3s & dump offs. He’s a one-in-a-generation talent.”pic.twitter.com/Ug04SX7TNk
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) December 30, 2022

5. LaMelo Ball, Charlotte Hornets (27 Pts, 10 Reb, 9 Ast, 1 Stl, 2 Blk)

LaMelo Ball has been fantastic for Charlotte since he returned from injury. They’ve missed his ability to create good offense and he brings a spark that they just don’t have without him. He had a big game in last night’s win against the Thunder.

Honorable Mentions:

Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana Pacers (29 Pts, 2 Reb, 9 Ast, 2 Stl)

Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers (28 Pts, 4 Reb, 6 Ast, 2 Stl)

Kawhi Leonard, Los Angeles Clippers (26 Pts, 8 Reb, 3 Ast, 1 Blk)

Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics (29 Pts, 11 Reb, 1 Ast, 1 Blk)

Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors (25 Pts, 10 Reb, 4 Ast, 3 Stl, 1 Blk)