NBA Game Notes (March 3, 2024)

Here are the NBA game notes for games that were played on March 3, 2024.

Three Stars

The three stars in ice hockey are the three best players in a game, with the “first star” considered the best of the three players, similar to the player of the match in other sports. Here are my “three stars” from yesterday’s NBA games.

First ⭐️

Victor Wembanyama compiled 31 points, 12 rebounds, six assists, and six blocks as the San Antonio Spurs knocked off the Indiana Pacers 117-105. He shot 11-17 from the field (3-4 on 3-pointers) and 6-7 from the free throw line.

Since the NBA began tracking blocks in 1973-74, Wembanyama is just the third rookie to record at least 30 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, and five blocks in a game. He joins David Robinson (twice) and Tim Duncan, both of whom spent their entire NBA career with the Spurs.

Second ⭐️

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander racked up 35 points, nine assists, eight rebounds, three steals, and three blocks in the Oklahoma City Thunder’s 118-110 win over the Phoenix Suns. He shot 15-27 from the field and committed just one turnover in a game-high 38 minutes played.

Gilgeous-Alexander has scored at least 30 points in 45 of his 59 games this season. Only two players in NBA history have reached 45 such games in a season in fewer games played: Wilt Chamberlain (four times) and Michael Jordan (1986-87).

Third ⭐️

Luka Doncic produced game highs of 38 points, 11 rebounds (tied with Nicolas Batum), and 10 assists, but it wasn’t enough as the Dallas Mavericks fell to the Philadelphia 76ers 120-116. Doncic made 14 of his 27 shots from the field and hit all six of his free throws.

It’s the third straight game in which Doncic has recorded a 30-point triple-double. He’s just the fourth player in NBA history to record at least three such games in a row, joining Oscar Robertson (four distinct streaks), Russell Westbrook (two), and Michael Jordan.