A look at top performers from Day 2 in Salt Lake City and Sacramento:
Derrick White, San Antonio Spurs
White was sizzling in the first quarter, scoring 15 points on just eight shots and seemingly getting everything he wanted from inside and outside. The second-year guard from Colorado finished with a team-high 21 points and nine assists, leading the Spurs to an easy win over the Hawks.
John Collins, Atlanta Hawks
With the team’s top draft pick Trae Young struggling to find his shot (he’s 9 for 36 from the field after two games), Collins has been a bright spot for the Hawks. The second-year center from Wake Forest powered his way to 19 points and seven rebounds in 23 minutes against the Spurs, shooting 50 percent from the floor.
Jaron Blossomgame, San Antonio Spurs
Blossomgame – who has the perfect name for a developing player – picked up a double-double, collecting 16 points and 10 rebounds. The 59th pick in the 2017 Draft, Blossomgame was hyperactive on defense and added two blocks and a steal in 28 minutes.
Kobi Simmons and Wayne Selden Jr., Memphis Grizzlies
The backcourt mates combined for 40 points and made numerous clutch plays on both ends of the floor in the final two minutes as the Grizzlies fought off the Jazz. Simmons, a second-year pro from Arizona, finished with 20 points and five rebounds. Selden, a third-year player from Kansas, scored 20 points and added four rebounds and six assists.
Tony Bradley, Utah Jazz
The big man from North Carolina picked up his second double-double in as many nights, collecting 18 points and 14 rebounds in 24 minutes. A 2017 draft pick, Bradley had 11 points and 11 rebounds in Monday’s opener.
Derrick Jones Jr. Miami Heat
After leading Miami on Day 1 with 24 points, the athletic guard once again sparked Miami with a team-high 21 points on 8-for-14 shooting in 22 minutes. Jones, known for his highlight-reel dunks and defensive prowess, is proving worthy of the two-year deal he signed Sunday.
Duncan Robinson, Miami Heat
The undrafted sharpshooter from Michigan is making a case for a potential roster spot. Robinson scored 19 points in an efficient 19 minutes. The 6-foot-8 forward was 5-for-6 from 3-point range to help Miami rout the Lakers.
Jacob Evans, Golden State Warriors
After missing the opener in Sacramento due to a toe injury, the Warriors’ first-round pick scored 13 points in the Warriors’ rout of the Kings. The 28th pick was 5-for-12 from the field (but just 1-for-5 from 3-point range). Evans also added five rebounds and two steals in the Warriors’ easy win.
Frank Mason & Justin Jackson, Sacramento Kings
With No. 2 overall pick Marvin Bagley III strugging (seven points on 3-for-16 shooting), the Kings’ 2017 draftees tried to keep Sacramento afloat vs. the Warriors. Jackson led the team with 20 points and five rebounds while Mason finished with 16 points on 5-for-10 shooting with five assists and three steals.
