The NBA Playoffs are the most anticipated tournament in professional basketball. During the playoffs, some players bloom, while some just flat out wither. In other words, the real deal of these stars will be exposed in the said event.
In the 2022 postseason, let’s take a look at some of the best performers so far in the first round.
Jayson Tatum
1st Round Stats: 30 PPG, 7 APG, 5 RPG, 2 SPG
A few hours ago, the Celtics had just swept the championship favorite Brooklyn Nets. With a fully loaded cast, nobody expected the Nets (led by Durant and Irving) would be swept (4-0) in the first round by the Celtics, led by Tatum. In just 5 years, Tatum has fully evolved into a legit superstar who showed that he can carry a team.
Nikola Jokic
1st Round Stats: 33 PPG, 5 APG, 12 RPG, 2 SPG
The Joker has been doing everything in his power to avoid being swept by the Golden State Warriors. Even though they are down 3-1, we still have to commend how great Jokic is playing right now.
Marcus Smart
1st Round Stats: 17 PPG, 8 APG, 4 RPG, 1 SPG
The 2022 NBA Defensive Player of the year has been nothing short of spectacular. He played well in the regular season but massively blew his numbers against the Brooklyn Nets in their 1st round matchup. His being a defensive specialist contributed to the Celtics being the scariest defensive team, not only in the regular season but also in the playoffs.
Jordan Poole
1st Round Stats: 24 PPG, 6 APG, 4 RPG, 1.5 SPG
As expected, the Warriors are playing smoothly in the playoffs. But, what we did not expect to see is Jordan Poole growing into a terrifyingly good offensive weapon. He has been extremely phenomenal to watch in the first round and shows that he’s got a bright future ahead of him.
Giannis Antetokounmpo
1st Round Stats: 28 PPG, 7 APG, 15 RPG, 2 BPG
Honestly, no Chicago Bulls player can stop Giannis, no one. The Greek Freak continues to dominate with his MVP form and shows no regard for human life every time he attacks the basket. Now that they are up 3-1, it’s almost sure the Bucks will continue to the 2nd round.
Brandon Ingram
1st Round Stats: 30 PPG, 3 APG, 7 RPG
To think that the 9th seeded New Orleans Pelicans made the NBA Playoffs and are keeping up with the 1st seed Phoenix Suns is absolutely insane. Thanks to Brandon Ingram’s amazing display of talent, they will keep this series longer.
With them being tied in the series, the Pelicans could even upset the championship favorite Suns in the first round. Fingers crossed!
What do you think of this year’s NBA Playoffs? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below. For more content, stay with us, here at Spiel Times.
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