Who Was the NBA Player of the Game? Stats, Highlights, and Key Plays Revealed

Walking into the Mall of Asia Arena on that humid Wednesday evening, September 17th, with tip-off scheduled for 5:30 p.m., I could already feel the electricity in the air. As someone who’s covered professional basketball for over a decade, I’ve learned to recognize the subtle signs of a game that’s about to deliver something special. Tonight did not disappoint. The question on everyone’s lips by the final buzzer was clear: who truly earned the title of NBA Player of the Game? It’s not always about the highest scorer or the flashiest dunker—sometimes it’s the quiet orchestrator, the defensive anchor, or the clutch performer in the dying minutes. Let’s break it down, because honestly, this wasn’t as straightforward as the box score might suggest.

From the opening possession, it was evident that Jayson Tatum had come to play. He dropped 18 points in the first quarter alone, hitting 4 of his 5 three-point attempts with a level of confidence that bordered on arrogance—the kind I absolutely love to see in a superstar. By halftime, he’d racked up 31 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists, dominating the offensive end in a way that reminded me of his 60-point explosion against the Spurs a couple of seasons back. But here’s the thing: stats can be deceiving. While Tatum’s scoring was undeniably spectacular, his impact waned in the third quarter when the opposition adjusted their defensive scheme, double-teaming him relentlessly. He managed only 9 points after halftime, and I noticed a couple of forced shots that made me wince. Still, finishing with 40 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists is nothing to scoff at. If you’re judging purely by numbers, Tatum makes a compelling case.

But let’s talk about the guy who, in my opinion, truly shifted the momentum: Marcus Smart. I’ve always had a soft spot for players who do the dirty work, and Smart embodied that tonight. He didn’t light up the scoreboard—ending with 12 points, which pales in comparison to Tatum’s output—but his defensive intensity was off the charts. I counted at least 3 crucial steals in the fourth quarter, one of which led to a fast-break dunk that brought the crowd to its feet. His +/- rating of +15 was the highest on the team, and if you’ve followed my analyses over the years, you know I put a lot of stock in that stat. It tells you who was making things happen when it mattered most. Smart’s leadership on the floor, directing traffic and locking down the opponent’s best perimeter player, was a masterclass in intangibles. Frankly, I think he’s one of the most underrated players in the league, and nights like this prove why.

Then there’s the X-factor: Robert Williams III. Time Lord, as fans affectionately call him, was a force in the paint. He tallied 14 points, 13 rebounds, and 4 blocks, altering countless other shots just by his presence. I lost track of how many times he shut down drives to the rim, and his athleticism on both ends was simply breathtaking. One play, in particular, stands out—a chasedown block with about 4 minutes left in the game that essentially sealed the victory. It wasn’t just about the stats; it was the timing. In my view, Williams’ ability to protect the rim allowed the perimeter players to take more risks, and that symbiotic effect can’t be overlooked. If I were handing out game balls, he’d definitely be in the conversation, though I’d lean slightly toward Smart for his overall impact.

Of course, basketball is a team sport, and singling out one player isn’t always fair. The chemistry between these guys—the way they moved the ball, communicated on defense, and supported each other through slumps—was a joy to watch. But if I have to pick a Player of the Game, I’m going with Marcus Smart. Sure, Tatum’s scoring outburst was phenomenal, and Williams’ defense was elite, but Smart’s all-around contribution, especially in crunch time, tipped the scales for me. He embodied the heart and soul of the team, and in a game that could have easily slipped away, his grit made the difference. As I left the Mall of Asia Arena that night, the buzz among fans confirmed it: sometimes, the hero isn’t the one with the gaudiest stats, but the one who leaves everything on the floor. And honestly, that’s the kind of basketball I’ll always remember.