Around the Association: Durant Goes Off, Warriors Take Down Hornets, Mobley Keeps Rolling

This article is part of our NBA Daily Recap series.

Welcome to Around the Association!  Five days per week (Monday through Friday), this article will serve as a comprehensive recap of the previous night's NBA action, taking you through all of the biggest performances, notable box scores, injury updates and any other fantasy-relevant headlines from around the league.

Wednesday night brought us a loaded, 11-game slate. Here is everything you need to know.

Nightly Notables

Nets defend home court

• Kevin Durant was unstoppable during Brooklyn's 117-108 win over the Hawks. The All-Star scored 32 points (13-20 FG, 2-6 3Pt, 4-6 FT) to go with added seven rebounds, five assists, one steal, one block and three turnovers across 36 minutes. He looked like the best player in the league last night and remains an elite fantasy option.
  • Joe Harris shot the ball well in the win as well. The sharpshooting wing recorded 18 points (6-10 FG, 6-8 FG), six rebounds, two steals and one block in 34 minutes of action. The Virginia product is shooting at a 41.1 percent clip from deep this year
• Despite the loss, Trae Young did his thing Wednesday night. The All-Star guard 21 points (6-22 FG, 2-6 3Pt, 7-8 FT), 10 assists, nine rebounds and two turnovers in 37 minutes. It was not an efficient shooting night for Young, but the nine rebounds did mark a new season-high
  • De'Andre Hunter had his best performance of the season. The wing scored 26 points (10-11 FG, 6-6 3Pt, 0-1 FT) and added two rebounds, one steal, one block and four turnovers in 33 minutes. This was Hunter's first time scoring over 20 points this season while he did so shooting at an effective rate.

76ers handle Bulls

• Philadelphia was able to withstand a late comeback run from the Bulls en route to a 103-98 victory. Joel Embiid was quiet from a scoring standpoint, but finished with a near triple-double, posting 18 points (6-18 FG, 1-5 3Pt, 5-9 FT), nine rebounds, seven assists, one steal, one block and four turnovers in 34 minutes.
  • Seth Curry was clutch for the 76ers yet again, scoring a team-high 22 points (9-14 FG, 2-4 3Pt, 2-2 FT) to go with five rebounds, three assists, one steal and three turnovers in 34 minutes. The sharpshooter was able to hit a late jumper in the fourth to seal the win for Philadelphia.
• DeMar DeRozan balled out once again for Chicago.The first-year Bull scored a team-high 37 points (13-22 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 11-12 FT) to go with 10 rebounds, one assist, one steal and three turnovers in 36 minutes. Ever since missing a late shot against the Knicks last week, DeRozan has averaged 35.3 points per game since and is playing like a legit All-Star
  • DeRozan's running-mate, Zach LaVine, was also incredible in the loss as well. The high-flying All-Star scored 27 points (11-24 FG, 2-7 3Pt, 3-4 FT) while also accumulating nine rebounds, one assist, one steal and five turnovers in 37 minutes. LaVine has dropped 25 or more points in four straight contests for Chicago.

Grizzlies take care of Nuggets again

• Memphis defeated the Nuggets earlier this week on Monday, but they were able to win yet again Wednesday night as they took down Denver by a score of 108-106. It was a generally quiet game for Ja Morant as the star guard recorded 18 points (8-16 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 2-7 FT), six rebounds, six assists and three steals in the team's win. Regardless, the Murray State product continues to be a pest on the defensive side of things, averaging what would be a career-best 1.9 steals per game thus far.

• Jaren Jackson was able to produce his best game of the season in the win. Jackson posted 22 points (7-14 FG, 5-9 3Pt, 3-4 FT), eight rebounds, three blocks and two assists. This was just the second time all season that the big scored over 20 points, but hopefully, this can be a sign of things to come for the Michigan State product.
• Nikola Jokic was just dominant despite the losing effort. The reigning MVP recorded 34 points (11-20 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 10-10 FT), 11 rebounds, five assists and two steals in 35 minutes. The 34 points marked a new season-high for Jokic, but the center did end up missing what would be a game-tying shot at the buzzer in the loss
  • After scoring just four points earlier this week against Denver, Barton bounced back in a major way. The veteran wing went for a season-high 26 points (11-21 FG, 4-9 3Pt), seven assists, three rebounds, two steals and one block in 40 minutes. Barton has proved himself to be a solid scorer this season, finishing with double-digits in all but one contest this season.

Mavericks and Spurs Thriller

• I have written in this article how impressed I have been with Jalen Brunson's early-season play, but the 25-year-old guard had his best performance of the year during Wednesday's 109-108 comeback win against San Antonio. Brunson posted a season-high 31 points (9-17 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 12-15 FT), 10 rebounds, three assists and two steals in 36 minutes of play. The Villanova product has started back-to-back games for Dallas and has averaged 28.0 points, 8.5 rebounds and 3.0 assists in that span. If the guard is available in your fantasy leagues make sure to add him while you can.
  • Despite some weak shooting, Luka Doncic was his usual stat-stuffing self during the win. The All-Star guard finished with 23 points (10-25 FG, 3-12 3Pt, 0-2 FT), 12 rebounds, seven assists and two steals in 36 minutes of play. It was a great effort, but Doncic is still shooting just 25.4 percent from deep to start the year.
• Dejounte Murray was everywhere despite the losing effort. The defensive guard finished with yet another near triple-double, going for 23 points (8-18 FG, 2-7 3Pt, 5-6 FT), nine rebounds, eight assists, two steals, one block and three turnovers in 30 minutes of play. Murray ranks as the 16th-best nine-category fantasy option on a per-game basis in the early season.
  • Devin Vassell impressed in the loss. The second-year-pro was efficient in the outing, going for 21 points (9-12 FG, 3-6 3Pt), three rebounds, two blocks, one assist and two turnovers in 30 minutes. Vassell is averaging 11.9 points this season, nearly 6.5 more points than last season, and is starting to become a fantasy option to be monitoring.

Dubs get another Dub

• The Warriors advanced to 6-1 with their 114-92 win over Charlotte on Wednesday. Jordan Poole went off for a career-high 31 points to go with three rebounds, one assist and four steals over 32 minutes of action. Many pegged Poole to be a breakout star for the Warriors after a strong postseason and this effort showed signs of major improvement out of the Michigan product.
  • Despite playing second fiddle to Poole on Wednesday Night, Stephen Curry was able to fill up the box score in the win as well. The two-time MVP totaled 15 points (6-15 FG, 3-11 3Pt), nine assists, eight rebounds, one steal and one blocked shot in the victory. Despite the season-low in scoring, Curry was able to be very productive for Golden State in the win
• I think it is pretty safe to say that Miles Bridges is this year's version of the not just a dunker star of the year. The wing went off for 32 points (12-22 FG, 5-9 3Pt, 3-4 FT), nine rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocked shots over 38 minutes. It has been an astounding start to the season for the fourth-year-pro as his season averages of 24.1 points, 8.0 rebounds, 3.2 assists per game have him ranked as the sixth-best nine-category fantasy option on a per-game basis this season.
  • It was a decent showing for Gordon Hayward in the loss. The veteran wing finished with 23 points (8-15 FG, 2-3 3Pt, 5-6 FT) to go with 11 rebounds, two assists and one steal in 37 minutes of action. This marked the first double-double of the season for Hayward.

Best and Worst of the Night

• Stud of the Night: DeMar DeRozan -- 37 points (13-22 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 11-12 FT) to go with 10 rebounds, one assist, one steal and three turnovers in 36 minutes
• Dud of the Night: Terry Rozier -- Five points (2-12 FG, 1-7 3Pt), six rebounds, two assists and three turnovers in 34 minutes
• Rookie of the Night: Evan Mobley -- 11 points (5-11 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 1-2 FT), 11 rebounds, one block, four turnovers in 39 minutes

Quick Hitters

• Jarrett Allen led the way in Cleveland's tight, 107-104 victory over Portland. The dominant center racked up 24 points (9-15 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 6-9 FT), 17 rebounds, four assists, a steal and a block in 39 minutes of play during the win. This marked back-to-back 24 points double-doubles for the 23-year-old as he continues his strong start to the season
• Darius Garland was able to record his own double-double in the win as well. The Vanderbilt product finished with 19 points (6-9 3Pt, 5-6 3Pt, 2-2 FT), 10 assists, two rebounds and a steal in 36 minutes during the win. This marked Garland's third double-double of the season as he is averaging what would be a career-best 7.9 assists per game, good for seventh overall in the league.
• Yet another game, yet another weak shooting performance from Damian Lillard. The star point guard recorded 26 points (10-27 FG, 3-12 3Pt, 3-5 FT), eight assists, three rebounds, two steals and one turnover in 39 minutes as he missed the game-tying three, as well. Lillard is shooting an abysmal 23.4 percent from beyond the arc to start the year.
• I have really enjoyed Norman Powell's offensive game to start the season. The veteran wing posted 23 points (9-16 FG, 3-6 3Pt, 2-3 FT), three rebounds, three steals, two assists and two blocks in 32 minutes. Powell is starting to find his groove as of late, scoring 22.5 points per game over his last two contests.
• The Pacers came into Wednesday night's matchup against the Knicks with a 2-6 record but were able to squeak out a 111-98 victory. Myles Turner was everywhere in the win. The Texas product finished with 25 points (9-14 FG, 7-10 3Pt), 13 rebounds, three blocks, two assists and a steal over 29 minutes. The center set a new-career high in three-pointers made and has gone for multiple blocks in five straight contests.
• Despite the loss, RJ Barrett led the Knicks in scoring yet again. The rising star recorded 23 points (8-20 FG, 2-6 3Pt, 5-7 FT), five rebounds and three assists in 34 minutes of play. Barrett has now dropped in 20 or more points in four straight contests.
• Fred VanVleet went off in the Raptors' 109-100 win over the Wizards. The Wichita State product dropped in a season-high 33 points (13-22 FG, 3-6 3Pt, 4-4 FT) to go with six assists, three rebounds, one steal and a block in 44 minutes during the win. VanVleet leads the league in minutes played at 38.8 minutes per game to start the season.
• Bradley Beal stuffed the stat sheet despite the losing effort. The All-Star finished with 25 points (8-18 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 7-7 FT), seven rebounds, seven assists, one steal and a block in 38 minutes. Beal is starting to find his groove, going for 24 or more points in four straight contests for the Wizards.
• Despite coming off the bench yet again, Montrezl Harrell was able to record yet another double-double. The tenacious big recorded 15 points (3-4 FG, 9-10 FT), 10 rebounds, three assists and three blocks in 27 minutes. Harrell has four double-doubles in his last five appearances as well.
• Jaylen Brown led the way for Boston during their 92-79 victory over Orlando. The 25-year-old managed 28 points (10-17 FG, 3-8 3Pt, 5-7 FT), five rebounds, three assists and one steal in 31 minutes of action. Brown has been on an absolute tear as of late, averaging 30.0 points and 6.0 rebounds over his last three contests.
• Al Horford also continues to be the biggest surprise of the fantasy season. The veteran was able to put up yet another impressive line during Bostons' win, going for 12 points (3-9 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 4-4 FT), 12 rebounds, seven assists, three blocks, one steal and three turnovers in 26 minutes of action. Horford ranks as the fifth-best nine-category fantasy asset to start the season. It seems that he has found his fountain of youth during his second stint with Boston.
• Wendell Carter managed a double-double despite the losing effort. The young center recorded 13 points (5-12 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 1-2 FT), 13 rebounds, four assists, two steals and four turnovers in 35 minutes of action. Carter now has four double-doubles over his last five showings while playing 30.8 minutes per game during that span as well.
• Paul George balled out in the Clippers' 126-115 win over the Timberwolves. The star wing tallied 32 points (11-18 FG, 4-8 3Pt, 6-6 FT), eight assists, six rebounds, one steal and one block in 36 minutes of action. PG13 is scorching hot right now, averaging 35.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, 5.7 assists per game over his last three contests while shooting 60.0 percent from deep in that span as well. George ranks as the No. 1 fantasy option in nine-category leagues to start the year.
  • George was not the only one to go off for the Clippers during Wednesday's win. Reggie Jackson went for a season-high 29 points (11-18 FG, 7-9 3Pt), eight assists, five rebounds and one steal in 36 minutes of play. This was by far Jackson's best performance of the season
• Despite the loss, Anthony Edwards showed out against the Clippers. The athletic guard tallied 28 points (11-21 FG, 3-10 3Pt, 3-3 FT), six assists, three rebounds, three steals, one block and six turnovers in 38 minutes. Edwards has gone for 24 or more points in four out of his last five contests as the second-year-pro looks sharp to start the year
• Patrick Beverley was two assists shy of posting a triple-double during his revenge game against the Clippers. The pesky guard recorded 10 points (4-6 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 2-2 FT), 10 rebounds, eight assists and one block in 31 minutes. With D'Angelo Russell (ankle) out of the lineup, Beverley saw a season-high in minutes and may be a fantasy option to consider if Russell remains out
• Harrison Barnes continued his really sound start the year Wednesday night during Sacramento's 112-99 win over New Orleans. The veteran tallied 23 points (5-8 FG, 4-6 3Pt, 9-10 FT), eight rebounds, three assists and a steal across 39 minutes. Barnes is averaging 23.3 points and 9.5 rebounds per game as he ranks as the 14th best fantasy-category option on a per-game basis to start the season.
  • Tyrese Haliburton had a great all-around showing in the victory as well. The second-year guard recorded 20 points (6-11 FG, 1-3 3pt, 7-8 FT), seven assists, four rebounds, four steals, two blocks in 36 minutes of action. Haliburton's 20 points did actually mark a season-high for the youngster as well.

Rookie Report

• Evan Mobley: 11 points (5-11 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 1-2 FT), 11 rebounds, one block, four turnovers in 39 minutes
  • Mobley was once again very good for the Cavaliers. The No. 3 overall selection churned out his fourth double-double of the season during the victory and is looking like a legit option for Cleveland this season. His defensive precedence alongside Jarrett Allen is truly monstrous down low.

• Jalen Suggs: 10 points (4-14 FG, 1-5 3Pt, 1-3 FT), three rebounds, two assists and one steal in 24 minutes
  • The rookie out of Gonzaga continues to struggle with his shooting for Orlando. While his 12.7 points per game rank sixth out of all rookies, Suggs is shooting just 30.5 percent from the field and 23.5 percent from deep. It has been a bit of a rocky start for the guard to start his career
• Franz Wagner: nine points (4-10 FG, 1-7 3Pt), three rebounds and one steal in 31 minutes.
  • The rookie wing finally ended his streak of scoring double-digit points for the Magic. Wagner has scored at least 10 points in eight out of nine contests this season and looks like one of the best rookies out of this class to start the year.
• Davion Mitchell: 12 points (6-12 FG, 0-2 3Pt), eight assists and two rebounds in 26 minutes.
  • The Baylor product put in another solid performance for the Kings on Wednesday. Mitchell has tallied double-digit points in back-to-back contests and his eight assists marked a new career-high as well.
• Ziaire Williams: 11 points (4-8 FG, 2-4 3Pt), two rebounds, one assist, one block, one steal and one turnover in 24 minutes
  • The rookie out of Stanford finally reached double-digits in the scoring department for the first time in his career. It is clear that Williams is loaded with potential and while I do not think he will be very fantasy relevant this season, I think that Memphis may have a hidden gem if their developmental plan goes right.
• Chris Duarte: 10 points (4-9 FG, 2-4 3Pt), five rebounds, two steals, one assist and one turnover in 34 minutes
  • Even with Malcolm Brogdon back in the lineup for the Pacers, Duarte's role with the team did not change. The rookie out of Oregon has scored double-digits in each of his appearances this season and has also started every game for Indiana as well. Duarte has been the most consistent rookie out of the gates.
• Corey Kispert: Four points (1-3 FG, 1-2 FT, 1-3 3Pt), two rebounds and one turnover in 16 minutes.
  • Well, finally the Gonzaga product was able to play a decent amount of minutes as he set a new season-high in that department Wednesday night. Regardless, Kispert is still struggling to score the ball to start his career. The No. 15 overall selection has yet to top five points in a game this season. The start of his career is really reminding me a bit of Doug McDermott's start (averaged 3.0 points per game his rookie season), but McDermott has turned into a legit player so there is still loads of time for Kispert to figure his struggles out
• Trey Murphy: Zero points (0-2 FG, 0-1 3Pt), four rebounds, three assists and one turnover in 13 minutes
  • It is not getting any prettier for Murphy at the moment. The rookie out of Virginia went scoreless for the first time in his career and is still yet to have a double-digit scoring effort. Murphy should not be considered anywhere near fantasy lineups right now
• Bones Hyland: Nine points (4-8 FG, 1-4 3Pt), four rebounds, three assists, one steal and one turnover in 21 minutes
  • Hyland continues to creep up the depth chart for Denver as he saw over 20 minutes for the first time in his career. Also, the VCU product has been playing meaningful minutes in the fourth quarter as of late. Hyland is someone who could be worth a roster spot in deeper leagues due to his increased opportunities
• Ayo Dosunmu: Three points (1-3 FG, 1-2 3Pt) and one turnover in 13 minutes
  • The second-rounder saw his minutes drop down to 13 after seeing over 20 minutes a game in each of his last two contests. Dosunmu has impressed to start his career, but is still not seeing enough opportunities to warrant fantasy attention just yet
• Dalano Banton: Five points (2-2 FG, 1-2 FT), three rebounds, two steals and one turnover in 17 minutes.
  • Banton has honestly stood out to me a little bit to start the season. The 6-foot-9 guard moves well with the ball and it looks like Toronto has found another hidden gem in the second round. I am interested to see how his development turns out.

Looking ahead to Thursday night

• The Hawks and the Jazz will battle it out in Atlanta
• Eastern Conference rivals the Miami Heat and Boston Celtics battle in the South Beach
• Chris Paul faces his former team as the Rockets come into Phoenix for a matchup.