The Best of the Day: March 1st, 2021

The ‘Best of the Day’ is a daily PSO original series showcasing the most significant stories, highlights, and facts going on in the land of the NFL, NBA, & MLB every day. Get a recap on EVERYTHING that happened on 3/1 here.

The greatest defender of the 21st century has chosen to play for a new team for the first time in his illustrious career as J.J. Watt joined the Arizona Cardinals after a “wild” free agency. March also represented the beginning of a month full of Madness in the NBA that got started right away with an OT thriller between Brooklyn and San Antonio fueled by a historic performance from James Harden.

Here is the best of the day from March 1, 2021:

Story of the Day

J.J. Watt signed with the Arizona Cardinals on a 2y/$31M deal

J.J. Watt is heading to the desert after signing a 2y/$31M deal with the Arizona Cardinals, the team announced Monday. Watt signed as a free agent after mutually parting ways with the Houston Texans earlier this offseason. The 31-year-old pass rusher spent his entire 10-year career in Houston where he was a 5x All-Pro and 3x Defensive Player of the Year.

The move reunites Watt with his former teammate, DeAndre Hopkins, who spent seven years with the Texans before being traded last offseason to the Cardinals. In Arizona, Watt will be paired with 2x All-Pro Chandler Jones on the edge. If they can both stay healthy, the two EDGE defenders will form one of the most accomplished and ferocious pass-rushes this upcoming season.

Injuries have slowed Watt down in recent seasons while Jones missed all but five games in 2020 with a bicep injury that required season-ending surgery. If Jones can bounce back and Watt can regain even some of his form that made him a generational pass rusher, the Cardinals could be a dark horse contender with an improved defense to pair with their explosive offense.

JJ Watt since he came into the league in 2011:

1st in tackles for loss
1st in batted passes
1st in QB hits
2nd in sacks pic.twitter.com/GyTG2zGoQQ
— StatMuse (@statmuse) March 1, 2021

After @JJWatt's reported new deal, the @AZCardinals have the NFL's top 2 in sacks since 2012:

Most Sacks
Since 2012

ARI Chandler Jones 97.0
ARI J.J. Watt 95.5
DEN Von Miller 94.5
NO Cameron Jordan 93.5
NFL Justin Houston 92.0
— NFL Research (@NFLResearch) March 1, 2021

Most SKs among active NFL players: https://t.co/KeTX3auKta
— Pro Sports Outlook (@PSO_Sports) March 2, 2021

Most 1st-Team All-Pro selections among active players:
T1. Aaron Donald (6)
T1. Bobby Wagner (6)
3. J.J. Watt (5) https://t.co/6granPwPmd
— Pro Sports Outlook (@PSO_Sports) March 2, 2021

Most sacks in 4-season span in NFL history:

1. Reggie White (1985-1988) 70
2. J.J. Watt (2012-2015) 69 pic.twitter.com/KE1HyuLBBq
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) March 1, 2021

There are only two active NFL players with multiple 15+ sack seasons

▫️J.J. Watt 4
▫️Chandler Jones 2 pic.twitter.com/hAwUDTNWfW
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) March 1, 2021

Only 2 players have ever recorded 100+ total pressures for a season:
♦️ 2014 J.J. Watt: 119
♦️ 2017 Aaron Donald: 106 pic.twitter.com/c9VqROUAVw
— PFF (@PFF) March 1, 2021

Related: Stories of the Day

Highlight of the Day

Murray’s absurd buzzer-beater takes it to OT

DEJOUNTE MURRAY SENDS IT TO OT 😱 pic.twitter.com/qpaQtZ5REw
— NBA TV (@NBATV) March 2, 2021

Player of the Day

PG James Harden, BKN (W @SAS): 30 PTS (12-23 FG | 3-7 3PT), 15 AST, 14 REB, 0 BLK, 2 STL, 0 TO

#PlayerOfTheDay (3/1/21) - PG James Harden, BRK

TOP FACTS:
- 1st ever with 30 PTS/15 AST/10 REB/0 TOV in a game
- 1st w/ 30+ PTS/15+ AST/10+ REB in Nets history
- 2nd most GP of 30+ PTS/10+ AST/5+ REB in BRK history

KEY STATS:
30 PTS, 15 AST, 14 REB, 0 TOV, 12-23 FG, 3-7 3P https://t.co/x5HcyUTyQD
— Pro Sports Outlook (@PSO_Sports) March 2, 2021

Related: Players of the Day