Because of trades, increased minutes or some other motivating factor, these five players’ stats have ballooned since the All-Star break:
5. Brook Lopez, Nets » One way for a center to improve is to team him up with one of the best point guards in the league. Lopez’s rebounding numbers have been down all season, but the 7-footer has averaged 23.8 points and 7.5 rebounds since the Nets acquired Deron Williams.
4. Andre Iguodala, 76ers » The forward is day-to-day with a knee injury but has filled the stat sheet in March, recording two triple-doubles and averaging 15.0 points, 8.1 assists and 6.6 rebounds. Iguodala is not a great scorer, but he has flourished as a facilitator and has always been among the best perimeter defenders.
3. Ty Lawson, Nuggets » Including Denver native Chauncey Billups in the Carmelo Anthony trade was difficult for Nuggets fans to accept, but Lawson’s play has made it a little easier. The point guard has averaged 13.6 points and 7.6 assists and has had double-digit assists six times since Billups’ departure.
2. Andrew Bynum, Lakers » Maybe the trade rumors motivated Bynum. Entering Sunday night’s game against Portland, the Lakers center has had 12 or more rebounds in seven straight games and blocked a total of 19 shots in that span. If he’s active in the post, the Lakers, who have won 11 of 12, will be tough to beat.
1. Tyler Hansbrough, Pacers » The forward has scored 20 points or more in six of his last eight games after reaching that mark just five times in his first 79 games of his professional career. Indiana moved Hansbrough into the starting lineup, where he has averaged 16.2 points and 6.8 rebounds.
