With all of the buzz surrounding Russell Westbrook, Cleveland's Big Three and all the talent the Warriors possess, Pelicans star Anthony Davis has flown under the radar.
Davis is more visible after Thursday, when he led the Pelicans to a 102-95 win over the Pacers. The All-Star power forward scored 35 points, hauled in 16 rebounds and blocked five shots in another tremendous performance.
MORE: Pelicans-Pacers Game Center
Davis became the first player with at least 35 points, 15 rebounds and five blocks in a game since Dwight Howard in the 2010-11 season. It was also his ninth 25-point, 15-rebound game of the season (no other player has accomplished that feat more than five times).
Through no fault of his own, the Pelicans have stumbled to a 9-18 record. Maybe Thursday night's win can be a turning point.
Stud of the Night
Damian Lillard torched the Nuggets for 40 points and 10 assists, but it wasn't enough. Despite the colossal stat line, Portland lost 132-120 in Denver. This was Lillard's third game of 40 or more points this season.
Dud of the Night
Suns small forward P.J. Tucker scored just five points with one rebound and zero assists in his team's 107-92 home loss to the Spurs. If anything, Tucker proved Kawhi Leonard is indeed the best defender in the game.
Highlights
Bucks power forward Jabari Parker drives through the lane and throws down a monstrous dunk:
Jabari Parker THROWS IT DOWN! 🔨😳 https://t.co/JVEtR3fPaj
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) December 16, 2016
Parker finished Milwaukee's 108-97 win over the Bulls with 28 points and five rebounds. Teammate Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 30 points and hauled in 14 rebounds.
MORE: Steve Kerr leads Golden State crowd in 'moment of joy' for Sager
The TNT crew reminisces about Craig Sager's best style choices as they pay tribute to the beloved reporter who died Thursday at age 65 after a long battle with cancer:
.@KGArea21 and the #InsidetheNBA crew share their favorite Sager fashion stories #SagerStrong https://t.co/HOBDLZI3nT
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) December 16, 2016
What's next
Hawks (12-13) at Raptors (18-7), 7:30 p.m. ET — In his first season as the Hawks' starting point guard, Dennis Schroder has dazzled at times with his quick first step and passing eye. Unfortunately for Atlanta, it's lacking talent at other positions. Toronto, led by DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry, will be ready to pounce.