![Kevin Durant scored 38 points in a Warriors' road win over the Jazz on October 19. - [NBA / YouTube screencap]](https://staticr1.blastingcdn.com/media/photogallery/2018/10/20/660x290/b_502x220x82/kevin-durant-scored-38-points-in-a-warriors-road-win-over-the-jazz-friday-night-image-via-nbayoutube_2124935.jpg "Kevin Durant scored 38 points in a Warriors' road win over the Jazz on October 19. - [NBA / YouTube screencap]")
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
Kawhi Leonard - Toronto Raptors
The Toronto Raptors fans were chanting "MVP" for Kawhi Leonard, as he put in 31 points, grabbed 10 boards, and dished out three assists. Toronto got the 113-101 win over the Boston Celtics in an early preview of what could be the 2019 Eastern Conference Finals.
Kawhi Leonard tallies 31 PTS, 10 REB, 3 AST to propel the @Raptors to victory at home! #SAPStatLineOfTheNight pic.twitter.com/MmLgAlIxdi
— NBA.com/Stats (@nbastats) October 20, 2018
Giannis Antetokounmpo - Milwaukee Bucks
A few players are putting themselves in early contention for NBA MVP. Sure, it's just a few games into the season, but The Greek Freak is ballin' out of control! Giannis had 26 points, 16 boards, five assists, two steals, and a block as Milwaukee defeated Indiana, 118-101.
Giannis posts 26 PTS, 15 REB, 5 AST to help the @Bucks win at home! #FearTheDeer #KiaTipOff18 pic.twitter.com/illA1HoNAB
— NBA (@NBA) October 20, 2018
