![Houston's James Harden was able to shake his man for a nice score in January 7 game against Denver. - [NBA / YouTube screencap]](https://staticr1.blastingcdn.com/media/photogallery/2019/1/8/660x290/b_502x220x82/houstons-james-harden-was-able-to-shake-his-man-for-a-nice-score-in-mondays-game-against-denver-image-via-nbayoutube-screencap_2178061.jpg "Houston's James Harden was able to shake his man for a nice score in January 7 game against Denver. - [NBA / YouTube screencap]")
It was another busy night in the NBA, full of star performances. Among the players stepping it up were the Rockets' James Harden, New Orleans Pelicans' Anthony Davis, and Los Angeles Lakers' Brandon Ingram. The night also included some dazzling dishes, devastating dunks, and stellar defensive plays. Below are the five plays ranked best of the best from Monday's (January 7) games.
Harden shakes off Murray
Eluding defenders is one of the reigning NBA MVP's specialities. In this highlight, Harden showcases that ability with Denver's Jamal Murray right on him. It's no surprise that this is the top play of the day!
That moment the #MVP took over. 🐐 pic.twitter.com/NCJBpG5CQF
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) January 8, 2019
JaVale-vator going up
The Lakers finally grabbed a much-needed win without LeBron on Monday. It included this absolutely great play involving a tip, a Lonzo pass, and JaVale McGee as the recipient for a nasty dunk.
Throw it down, JaVale!#LakeShow (📺: @SpectrumSN) pic.twitter.com/ZZ3Az8YDht
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) January 8, 2019
Anthony Davis with the Shammgod?
You read that right. It's not every day you see a big man with the dribble moves to get past defenders into the lane like this. However, if anyone's going to do it, it's AD.
Shammgod! #doitBIG pic.twitter.com/nogxWPxYz8
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) January 8, 2019
Greek Freak's powerful drive & finish
It's a thing of beauty, but unfortunately for opponents, might not be. In this highlight, Giannis throws it down with a display of his freakish athletic abilities.
How did he dunk that?!? #FearTheDeer pic.twitter.com/uuJfDf5JC0
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) January 8, 2019
Blake Griffin's baseline drive, jam
Griffin is no stranger to being among the top five or even best play of the night. In this highlight he goes baseline, under the hoop, and you see what transpires.
13 for Blake Griffin in the opening quarter! #DetroitBasketball
— NBA (@NBA) January 8, 2019
WATCH on #NBA League Pass: https://t.co/L3VurkatG8 pic.twitter.com/wUejjyG5ia
