When the superstars are away, the, um, not-so superstars will play. That has been the familiar case in the NBA when the regular season winds down, as teams choose to err on the side of caution and sit their top guns to avoid tempting fate.
This season was no different. On Sunday, as many of the NBA's superstars were in plainclothes (some badly need a fashion consultant) for the jampacked final day of the regular season, a bunch of fringe guys decided to take advantage. And by that, we mean having an I'm-gonna-pad-my-numbers-any-chance-I-get-because-f***-it mentality. Somewhere out there, Ricky Davis is smiling.
We're going to give brownie points to those who got wins. After all, despite the impressive, glitch-in-the-matrix individual performances, it's the W that counts. Also, honorable mentions go to Paul Reed of the Philadelphia 76ers, Patrick Williams of the Chicago Bulls, and Santi Aldama of the Memphis Grizzlies.
5 most insane breakout games on the final day of NBA regular season, ranked
5. Thanasis Antetokounmpo – Milwaukee Bucks
27 points, 9-14 FGs, 5 rebounds vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
As the backup to the backup, Thanasis hasn't seen heavy action in his third season with the Bucks. While he definitely has the physique and dexterity to get more minutes, he'll have to wait for his turn. Well, it came against the Cavaliers and he didn't waste the opportunity.
With the Bucks fielding only seven players, the Not Giannis of the Antetokounmpo family was inserted into the starting lineup. In 41 minutes, he put up a career-high 27 points on 9-of-15 shooting from the field in a losing effort. He beat his previous career-best of 23 points, which he scored last season. You can have your dad jokes, Giannis. Thanasis is out to get your crown—as the favorite Antetokounmpo son.
4. Sandro Mamukelashvili – Milwaukee Bucks
28 points, 10-18 FGs, 13 rebounds vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
The only reason Mamukelashvili is higher than Thanasis on the list is that his name is even harder to spell. No, that was only a joke, especially since Mamukelashvili (try typing it with your eyes closed) looks like he could pummel 10 people all at once. The hard-nosed rookie out of Seton Hall had a better breakout game than Thanasis, finishing with a career-high 28 points on top of 13 rebounds.
Mamukelashvili (we're just copy-pasting it) beat his previous career-best of 17 points, which incidentally, he did against the Cavaliers last December when the Bucks were also without their superstars. If he gets more playing time, the NBA should watch out for him. And the spelling of his name.
3. Jon Konchar – Memphis Grizzlies
17 points, 13 rebounds, 10 assists vs. Boston Celtics
OK, we lied. We haven't given any brownie points to those who got wins. The Grizzlies lost to the Celtics, but Konchar's triple-double is simply hard to ignore. JOHN KONCHAR! Who would've thought? Maybe even he never imagined that he would tally 17 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists in an NBA game.
With Ja Morant, Dillon Brooks, Jaren Jackson Jr., etc. all sitting out, Konchar balled out. It's a feel-good story for the undrafted guard out of Purdue Fort Wayne, who finally got a guaranteed contract with the Grizzlies after grinding in the G League. If there's a Jeopardy! question in the future about the most unlikely triple-double in NBA history, the answer is “Who is John Konchar?” Because yes, really, who is John Konchar?
2. Obi Toppin – New York Knicks
42 points, 6-14 3FGs, 10 rebounds vs. Toronto Raptors
Topping Konchar is Toppin. With that incredibly lame pun out of the way, the high-flying forward has been electric for the Knicks in their final two assignments. He led the Trae Young-owned team to a win over the Raptors with a career-best 42 points. He beat his previous career-high of 35 points, which he tallied way, way back the other day.
Since being drafted by the Knicks as the eighth overall pick in 2020, big things have been expected from Toppin. While he hasn't had many opportunities yet, his sophomore season has been noticeably better. Obviously, he has the tools to be a key player. If only he's in a better situation. Like not being with the Knicks for instance.
1. Austin Reaves – Los Angeles Lakers
31 points, 16 rebounds, 10 assists vs. Denver Nuggets
Get Reaves his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame right now! With the Lakers already out of contention and the Nuggets also resting their main cogs, Reaves had the game of his life. While his game-winner against the Dallas Mavericks earlier in the season was cool, leading the Lakers to an overtime victory with a triple-double on the final day of the regular season isn't too shabby at all.
Austin Reaves just joined Elgin Baylor (1x), Jerry West (2), Magic Johnson (7) and Lonzo Ball (2) as Lakers with a triple-double in their rookie season.
He has 15 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists with four minutes still to play.
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) April 11, 2022
Reaves, who looks like he's still drinking Capri Sun in the locker room, has become an absolute fan favorite. He's instantly ready as store-bought ramen. While the Lakers have been an abomination this season, the 23-year-old has been a bright spot. Reaves' performance against the Nuggets was so good, people almost forgot about that guy LeBron Johnson. Or was it Jameson? LeBruce?
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