BBNBA: Hamidou Diallo, Keldon Johnson battle in San Antonio

While everybody was still sleeping off Christmas day, Keldon Johnson and Hamidou Diallo were back in full swing. Let’s take a look at how they and some of our other former ‘Cats performed on Sunday.

Hamidou Diallo and Keldon Johnson show out in Spurs blowout

Sunday’s contest between the Pistons and the Spurs wasn’t all that interesting for the average viewer. The Spurs decimated Detroit 144-109 as the Pistons continue to look like the worst team in the league.

The BBN has a different take though. Keldon Johnson and Hami Diallo led their teams respectively in scoring, another step in progression for each of the two younglings.

Statement game from KJ in the W!! 😤💪

season-high 27 PTS, 10-12 FG, 4 3PM, 5 REB #KeldonJohnson | #NBAAllStar | #PorVida pic.twitter.com/QEO8SD3iZW

— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) December 27, 2021

Keldon Johnson is starting to assert himself as the definitive best player on San Antonio’s roster. His 31-point performance tied a personal high for the season, and his 4-4 mark from three is indicative of the drastic changes that have occurred for Johnson this season. Keldon is up to 15.4 points per game on the year but is also shooting 47.6% from three as the third-year player still learns how to lead a team.

Don’t forget about our boy Hamidou either. The 23-year-old had a game high 28 despite the loss. His season has bit a bit underwhelming as he still struggles from deep, but you can see the progress.

Hamidou Diallo (28 points) Highlights vs. San Antonio Spurs #NBA75 #NBAAfrica pic.twitter.com/cfKcfas4EA

— NBA Africa (@NBA_Africa) December 27, 2021

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads Oklahoma City over Pelicans

Shai has been on an absolute tear recently for the Thunder. The fourth-year star has gone for at least 23 points in the last five games, including a game-high 31 on Sunday against New Orleans.

Welcome to The Shai Show 🌩@shaiglalex puts up 28 PTS, 5 AST and 3 BLK to lead the way in the @okcthunder win! pic.twitter.com/EDEjpEnVoo

— NBA (@NBA) December 27, 2021

Shai was really trying to make an All-Star case last night. The point guard put up 31 on 11-20 shooting while adding five assists, three blocks and a steal to go along with it.

Despite his shooting numbers still being down across the board this season, Gilgeous-Alexander is up to 22.4 points per game as he patiently waits for Oklahoma City to build a team around him instead of hoarding draft picks. If he experiences any sort of progression back up to his normal career numbers, watch out.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, ELITE deceleration for the dagger.

He’s him. @shaiglalex | #NBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/VbqxRqtgHc

— 𝙏𝙝𝙪𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙧 𝙁𝙞𝙡𝙢 𝙍𝙤𝙤𝙢⚡️ (@ThunderFilmRoom) December 27, 2021

Statistics

Player	Result	Points	FG (3PA)	Rebounds	Assists	Steals	Blocks	TOs	Mins	+/-
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (OKC)	117-112 W vs. NOP	31	11-20 (1-5)	4	5	1	3	1	35	5
Hamidou Diallo (DET)	144-109 L @ SAS	28	13-19 (1-2)	3	2	3	1	7	39	-37
Keldon Johnson (SAS)	144-109 W vs. SAS	27	10-12 (4-4)	5	1	0	0	2	23	25
Eric Bledsoe (LAC)	103-100 L vs. DEN	18	8-17 (1-2)	2	10	5	2	3	37	1
B.J. Boston (LAC)	103-100 L vs. DEN	18	6-15 (2-5)	3	2	0	0	2	33	1
Tyrese Maxey (PHI)	117-96 W @ WAS	13	5-11 (1-2)	3	4	0	0	3	33	31
De’Aaron Fox (SAC)	127-102 L vs. MEM	12	5-12 (0-2)	3	5	0	0	7	30	-16
Tyler Herro (MIA)	93-83 W vs. ORL	2	1-5 (0-1)	2	8	1	0	2	19	12
Isaiah Jackson (IND)	113-105 L @ CHI	0	0-0	0	0	0	1	0	2	4
Bam Adebayo (MIA)	93-83 W vs. ORL	DNP-Thumb	–	–	–	–	–	–	–	–
Trey Lyles (DET)	144-109 L @ SAS	DNP-Health Protocol	–	–	–	–	–	–	–	–
Mychal Mulder (ORL)	93-83 L @ MIA	DNP-Health Protocol	–	–	–	–	–	–	–	–

Today in the NBA

7:00 p.m. Rockets @ Hornets (Washington-OUT, Richards)

7:30 p.m. (NBA TV) Bulls @ Hawks

8:00 p.m. Celtics (Freedom-OUT) @ Timberwolves (Towns, Vanderbilt)

8:30 p.m. Jazz @ Spurs (Johnson)

9:00 p.m. Grizzlies @ Suns (Booker)

10:00 p.m. Mavericks (Cauley-Stein-OUT) @ Trail Blazers

10:30 p.m. (NBA TV) Nets (Gabriel) @ Clippers (Bledsoe, Boston)