Chandler vs Hamilton: Impact Performers

Hamilton and Chandler lived up to the hype in a matchup that saw momentum swing throughout the night. Chandler controlled the early stretch, creating separation that initially felt out of reach for Hamilton. That changed in the third quarter, when Hamilton turned defense into offense and surged back into the game, shifting the energy and tightening things up down the stretch.    Below are the players who stood out in the matchup.    Palmer was simply too big and strong for Hamilton to contain. He consistently used his size to his advantage, stayed strong through contact, and finished plays around the rim. His physical presence was felt throughout the game, giving Chandler reliable production inside.       Set the tone early by scoring at all three levels and forcing the defense to adjust. His early shot-making opened things up for others, as he drew multiple defenders and made the right reads to get teammates involved. He moved well without the ball and delivered when it mattered, connecting from deep multiple times when Chandler needed timely baskets.     Smith brought a relentless motor that showed on every possession. He was extremely active all game, creating extra opportunities by crashing the glass and generating second-chance points. His activity around the rim made him a consistent lob threat, and his energy level stayed high throughout.     He was Hamilton's go-to option all night. He consistently got downhill, created contact, and got to the line. He connected from deep multiple times, rebounded well by crashing the glass, and finished above the rim when opportunities presented themselves. His mid-range game and ability to create his own shot were on full display, and when Hamilton needed a basket, he was the one delivering.     McKnight brought great pace to the game and did a strong job reading the floor and making good decisions with the ball in his hands. He played under control, kept the ball low, and acted as a true conductor for the offense. His presence provided a spark for the team, and he shot the ball well off the catch when opportunities presented themselves.     He was a consistent spark for his team from start to finish. He provided extra ball handling and shooting, helping steady things offensively, while also being a constant pest on the defensive end. His energy and versatility stood out, impacting the game on both sides through effort, activity, and competitiveness.     The defensive focus stood out and caused a lot of disruption throughout the game. He stayed locked in, applied pressure, and made things uncomfortable for ball-handlers. His impact came from effort, awareness, and consistently setting the tone on the defensive end.

Hamilton and Chandler lived up to the hype in a matchup that saw momentum swing throughout the night. Chandler controlled the early stretch, creating separation that initially felt out of reach for Hamilton. That changed in the third quarter, when Hamilton turned defense into offense and surged back into the game, shifting the energy and tightening things up down the stretch.