The second week of the 2026–27 NBA season delivered some outstanding individual performances, including huge scoring nights, impressive all-around displays and a game-winning buzzer-beater.
For EST Excellence, we’re recognizing one player from each conference who stood out between October 26 and October 31.
This week’s honors go to Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics and Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors.
Eastern Conference Excellence — Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics
Standout Performance: October 27 vs. Brooklyn Nets
- 40 points
- 8 assists
- 5 rebounds
- 0 turnovers
- 10-of-20 field-goal shooting
- 18-of-22 free-throw shooting
- Game-winning buzzer-beater
Jayson Tatum gave us one of the most memorable performances of the young NBA season, and his selection for Eastern Conference EST Excellence was an easy decision.
Against the Brooklyn Nets on October 27, Tatum delivered 40 points, eight assists and five rebounds without committing a single turnover.
That alone would have made him a serious candidate. But the way he finished the game made his performance even more impressive.
Boston appeared to have the victory secured late in regulation before Brooklyn fought back to force overtime. The Nets then took a 124–123 lead in the extra period, leaving the Celtics needing one final basket.
With just 2.3 seconds remaining, Boston called timeout and put the ball in Tatum’s hands.
He received the inbound pass, created space near the left elbow and knocked down a 17-foot jumper as time expired.
Celtics 125, Nets 124.
That’s how you finish a 40-point performance.
What stands out to us is that Tatum didn’t sacrifice ball security while carrying such a heavy offensive responsibility. Eight assists and zero turnovers in a game that went to overtime is exceptional.
He also made 18 free throws, consistently putting pressure on Brooklyn’s defense throughout the contest.
Tatum’s return from his Achilles injury has been one of the early storylines of the season, and this performance was another reminder of what he’s capable of when healthy.
Forty points, zero turnovers and the shot that won the game. We don’t need to overcomplicate this selection.
EST Excellence — Eastern Conference Week 2: Jayson Tatum.
Western Conference Excellence — Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors
Standout Performance: October 28 vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
- 44 points
- 8 rebounds
- 6 assists
- 2 steals
- 6 three-pointers
- 16-of-16 free-throw shooting
- Warriors win 119–114
The Western Conference featured some serious competition this week.
Anthony Edwards delivered a 47-point performance, Victor Wembanyama continued dominating on both ends of the floor, and Luka Dončić produced another collection of impressive scoring nights.
But we’re giving the award to Stephen Curry.
On October 28, Curry scored 44 points as Golden State defeated Minnesota 119–114.
He connected on six three-pointers, added eight rebounds and six assists, and was perfect from the free-throw line, converting all 16 attempts.
That last number deserves particular attention. In a game decided by five points, Curry made every single one of his free throws.
Golden State needed his production against a Minnesota team that refused to go away.
The Warriors built a double-digit advantage late in the fourth quarter, but the Timberwolves continued fighting and made things uncomfortable down the stretch.
Curry’s scoring helped Golden State establish the advantage it needed, while his free-throw shooting ensured those opportunities weren’t wasted.
And this wasn’t simply a case of a player taking enough shots to reach 40 points. Curry contributed across the box score, finishing with eight rebounds, six assists and two steals.
At 38 years old, he’s still capable of putting together the kind of scoring performances that have defined his career.
We considered Wembanyama’s remarkable two-way production and Edwards’ explosive scoring night, but Curry’s 44 points in a hard-fought victory earned our selection.
EST Excellence — Western Conference Week 2: Stephen Curry.
Final Thoughts
Two stars, two memorable performances and two well-deserved EST Excellence honors.
Tatum delivered the week’s most dramatic finish, combining 40 points and flawless ball security with a game-winning buzzer-beater.
Curry reminded everyone that his scoring ability remains elite, producing 44 points while helping Golden State secure an important victory.
Both performances represent exactly what we want EST Excellence to recognize: players who step up, take responsibility and make a difference when their teams need them.
EST Excellence — NBA Week 2 Winners
- Eastern Conference: Jayson Tatum — Boston Celtics
- Western Conference: Stephen Curry — Golden State Warriors
We’ll be back next week to recognize another pair of outstanding performances.
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