Kevin Durant - Golden State Warriors
Kevin Durant wasn't the total difference maker, but his 38 points, nine boards, and seven assists helped a lot. The Warriors picked up a close 124-123 win on a Jerebko tip-in, but KD kept Golden State in the game throughout.
Kevin Durant (38 PTS) & Stephen Curry (31 PTS) fuel the @warriors victory in Salt Lake City! #DubNation #KiaTipOff18 pic.twitter.com/fSLf57oTOQ
— NBA (@NBA) October 20, 2018
Nikola Mirotic - New Orleans Pelicans
It was a big night for a different big man in New Orleans. Usually Anthony Davis is grabbing headlines, but it was Nikola Mirotic on Friday night. He finished with 36 points, nine boards, and two assists in a Pelicans win.
.@threekola had himself a game tonight! 36 points! #PelicansGameday | #doitBIG pic.twitter.com/3sGM1aFw77
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) October 20, 2018
Jimmy Butler - Minnesota Timberwolves
He was booed during the introductions, and the game was in Minnesota! However, Jimmy Buckets still had a respectable stat line of 33 points (on 10-of-12 shooting), seven rebounds, and three assists for the team he doesn't want to play for. His battle with the Cavs' Kevin Love was a highlight of the night. The Timberwolves won, 131-123, over Cleveland.
Jimmy Butler (33 PTS) & Kevin Love (25 PTS) go back and forth in Minneapolis! #AllEyesNorth #BeTheFight #KiaTipOff18 pic.twitter.com/guqnlOmeyT
— NBA (@NBA) October 20, 2018