Rookie of the Night: 1/20/16

Jabari Mode is back!

After well over 14 months of dormancy, the Mode returns!

Tonight, the NBA featured all of the big rookie names in action: D'Angelo Russell, Jahlil Okafor, Kristaps Porzingis, and Karl-Anthony Towns. Who had the best night? Well, let's figure it out quick.

Trey Lyles got a decent amount of run against Porzingis in the Jazz/Knicks matchup, but his decent like was meager compared to other members of the first-year club. Bobby Portis continues to show flashes of great offense, scoring 16 points on 7-for-14 shooting. However, he was going up against the Golden State Warriors so his scoring total was offset by his -15 rating on the night.

Kristaps had decent run, scoring 16 points with five rebounds, two assists and three blocks. He has set the bar far too high for himself by being so good, so far. Because of that, his line looks more like his "average" effort than anything outstanding. Okafor had a good night for the Sixers in the win over the sliding Orlando Magic, putting up 20 points. Getting warmer.

Whie DeMarcus Cousins was busy scorching the earth, having an absolutely monster night - and he's had a lot of those recently - the work of D'Angelo Russell was looking pretty good. The guard has been highly scrutinized this season, but his 14 points and five assists and only one turnover in 26 minutes was looking really nice. He also had a particularly nice assist to Jordan Clarkson. Downside: more shots (15) than points (14) for Russell tonight.

Karl-Anthony Towns is the king of the world. Pretty much a lock for Rookie of the Year honors, KAT played 36 minutes with a stat line - 27 points, 17 rebounds, six blocks, and three assist - that most established players and veterans could only dream of. Towns is the man and the future is bright for the Timberwolves. Hence, your rookie of the night - and impending Rookie of the Year - is Karl-Anthony Towns. #HOWL!

by Daniel Coughlin (@xvanwilderx)