Parity has suddenly struck the NBA, with a 7-seed and 8-seed advancing to the conference finals in the same postseason for the first time. And yet, all four teams that made it this far have one thing in common: true star power.
The NBA's talent pool is arguably deeper than ever, but the playoffs are still where the stars shine brightest. A team's top players producing MVP-caliber play can be the difference between a first-round exit and hanging a banner.
Let's break down the top 10 performers of the 2023 NBA playoffs.
1. Nikola JokicJokic's sheer dominance this postseason has been remarkable to watch. The numbers speak for themselves: 31 points, 13.5 rebounds, and 10.1 assists through 12 contests. He's got six triple-doubles, already tied for the second-most in a single playoff run ever. Jokic elevated his game against the Suns, who came into the playoffs as the betting favorite among Western Conference teams. The two-time MVP bumped his scoring average to 34.5 points on an unbelievable 66.3% true shooting in a six-game series victory over Phoenix. Jokic scored efficiently from every area of the floor - mid-range jumpers, bruising post-ups, odd floaters, and a little 3-point shooting.
As much as he dominates at getting buckets, Jokic's all-time great passing separates him from other stars. He's created good shots for others nearly every possession he touches the ball, making it impossible to double-team him. It's no coincidence the Nuggets have the top offensive rating of the playoffs through two rounds and one conference finals game.
2. Jimmy Butler Megan Briggs / Getty Images Sport / GettyButler swears up and down that "Playoff Jimmy" isn't a real thing. However, it's tough to believe the Butler carrying the Heat through this postseason is the same one we saw throughout the 82-game campaign.
Against the Bucks in Round 1, he scored a scorching 37.6 points per contest on just under 60% shooting, including 44.4% from deep. That's a sizable improvement for a player who never fared better than 38.1% on threes over an entire regular season. Butler torched Milwaukee for 56 and 42 points, respectively, in the final two games of the series, ruthlessly putting away the postseason's No. 1 overall seed with precision. He took a slight step back in the second round against the Knicks but was still easily the series' top all-around performer with 24.6 points, 7.2 boards, six assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.2 blocks per game.
3. Anthony DavisDavis has been an absolute force on both ends. Neither the Grizzlies nor the Warriors appeared to have an answer for the eight-time All-Star inside. Golden State also struggled mightily to keep Davis off the glass, as he recorded two games of 20-plus boards in the series. Entering Tuesday's series opener against Denver, he averaged a league-best 3.3 blocks in the playoffs to go with 1.4 steals, seemingly throwing off nearly anyone who dared to challenge him at the rim. And, though lineup data can be hazy under small sample sizes, Los Angeles' offense suffered its most drastic drop-off over the first two series when Davis sat - a team-high difference of 20.5 points per 100 possessions.
The Lakers' trade deadline overhaul was instrumental in getting them into the postseason in the first place. But make no mistake, Darvin Ham's squad wouldn't be this deep into its run without this version of Davis.
4. Stephen Curry Andrew D. Bernstein / National Basketball Association / GettyHe's seven years removed from his unanimous MVP campaign, but is it crazy to suggest Curry has never been better? The four-time champion and reigning Finals MVP averaged a playoff career-high 30.5 points, shooting 57.1% from inside the arc - the best two-point efficiency he's ever produced in a postseason.
Curry put Golden State on his back out of necessity, as his supporting cast didn't perform as it has in years past. The veteran superstar willed the Warriors to a series victory over the Kings with a 50-point masterpiece, which stood for about two weeks as the Game 7 scoring record (until Jayson Tatum had other plans).
5. Devin BookerThere's no way around the fact that Booker's postseason ended embarrassingly. However, the Suns' elimination can be attributed to Denver's excellence and Phoenix's lack of depth more so than an indictment on Booker. The dynamic wing averaged 33.7 points to lead all qualifying players this postseason. His 64.9% effective field goal shooting is incredible efficiency for any player, let alone one with Booker's high degree of difficulty. He scored 45 or more on three occasions, guiding the Suns to victory in each of those contests.
Booker already proved his merits as a playoff performer when he led Phoenix to the Finals in 2021. But this year, while his team didn't make as deep a run, Booker's individual excellence was perhaps even more impressive. At age 26, he's still on the rise.
6. Jayson Tatum Brian Babineau / National Basketball Association / GettyIf there were any doubts left about Tatum's postseason expertise, his Game 7 masterpiece to put the 76ers away on Sunday should wash those out for good. When Boston has needed him, Tatum has answered the call - and then some. Prior to dropping 51 on Philly in a do-or-die situation, the Celtics star was already averaging 26.3 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 5.2 assists. He surpassed all those marks Sunday.
Replacing the 60% shooting from that contest at any point against an intrepid Heat squad is a near-impossible task for Tatum in the conference finals. But if he maintains his all-around production, Miami will have its hands full in not just keeping him quiet but impeding the Celtics' chase for a second straight Finals berth.
7. LeBron JamesStop us if you've heard this before: James is in Year 20 of his career. Yes, the Lakers star's longevity has been well drilled into everyone's mind. But it bears repeating after watching the 38-year-old meticulously carve up the Warriors and Grizzlies during these playoffs. Those teams, on paper, should have given the aging Hall of Fame-bound forward a run for his money.
James' scoring and shooting have been down a touch this postseason from his usual standards. However, his sense of determination feels revitalized with a supporting group that has more than done its part amid his chase for a fifth title. The top-seeded Nuggets should be one of his toughest playoff foes since signing in L.A., but we've come to learn time and time again that you can never count out James in the postseason.
8. Jalen Brunson Nathaniel S. Butler / National Basketball Association / GettyBrunson shined in his first playoff experience with the Knicks to the tune of 27.8 points, 5.6 assists, and 4.9 rebounds through 11 games. His most impactful display was a 38-point, nine-rebound, seven-assist gem to save New York's season in Game 5, in which he played all 48 minutes. If that wasn't enough, Brunson followed that up with 41 points in Game 6 but got little help from the rest of Tom Thibodeau's squad as it fell short.
Still, Brunson proved himself worthy of his deal and worthy of being the Knicks' central piece for future postseason runs. If they continue to surround him with the right parts, there will be more to come.
9. Kevin DurantBy Durant's standards, this postseason was nothing to write home about. And yet - at age 34, coming off an ankle injury that kept him out until 10 days before the playoffs - he averaged 29 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 5.5 assists on 59.9% true shooting. He wasn't spectacular, but even a B-plus Durant showing is on par with many of the league's best players.
Durant was outshone by his own teammate in Booker, and it's fair to say he ran out of steam as Phoenix fizzled out against Denver. Even so, the Suns were essentially a two-man show, and Durant held up his end of the bargain for the most part. Phoenix will need to drastically revamp its supporting cast around him and Booker this offseason.
10. Jamal Murray AAron Ontiveroz/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images / Denver Post / GettyHe said it himself: Forget "Bubble Murray," it's just healthy Murray. After missing the last two postseasons following his ACL tear in April 2021, the Canadian guard is back and as good as ever. He's bumped his scoring average from 20 points in the regular season to 26.3 in the playoffs, to go with increases in assists (6.3) and rebounds (5.2).
Murray has taken over stretches of games, scoring 30-plus points five times so far this postseason, including a 40-point performance. His smooth shooting and explosive downhill attacks off the dribble are pivotal for Denver. Perhaps most importantly, Murray has incredible pick-and-roll chemistry with Jokic, which is the foundation of the Nuggets' terrific offense.
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Jonathan Soveta, Lior Kozai
https://www.thescore.com/nba/news/2638255
By: Jonathan Soveta, Lior Kozai
Title: Playoff hierarchy: Who have been this NBA postseason's best players?
Sourced From: www.thescore.com/nba/news/2638255
Published Date: 05-19-2023
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the best basketball player of all time?
This is an unfair question, as there are many outstanding players. Everyone has their own opinions. Larry Bird, Kobe Bryant (LeBron James), Kareem Abde-Jabbar and Magic Johnson are some of the leading contenders to this title. Each of these basketball icons has made a huge impact on the game and have earned their place as legends in basketball history. They all have different styles of play which have been greatly admired by millions. It is difficult to answer this question definitively as everyone has their opinion about the greatest player of all. These six players are undoubtedly the best players of all time and must be included in any list ranking the greatest.
Many people agree that Michael Jordan remains the greatest player in basketball history. He was born in Wilmington on February 17, 1963.
Jordan started his professional basketball playing with the Chicago Bulls in 1984. He soon became one his era's most popular and successful players. He was a six-time NBA champion, six-time NBA finals MVP, five-time NBA regular season MVP, 10-time NBA scoring leader, 10-time NBA first team, nine-time NBA all-defensive first team, three-time NBA steals leader and so on.
Jordan is also a two-time Olympic gold medal winner and was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2009. Jordan's remarkable ability to score from any position on the court, make plays and lead the team is what will be remembered. He will forever remain an inspiration to millions worldwide due to his never-ending drive and ambition.
Jordan's legacy will last forever. He is undisputedly the greatest basketball player ever. Jordan is the only player who can match his level of accomplishment. He will be forever remembered as one among the greatest sports figures ever. Michael Jordan is simply the greatest ever. His amazing career and accomplishments will not be forgotten. He was, remains, and always will remain "The GOAT," Michael Jordan.
Which NBA player has had the most blocked shots in a single year?
Mark Eaton held the all-time block records of 456 and blocks per match (5.56) during 1984-1985. Eaton's total in that season was the highest single-season NBA number.
Hakeem Olajuwon holds currently the NBA record of most career blocks with 3,830. Olajuwon had an average of 21.8 points and 11.1 boards over his 18-year playing career, which included 1,238 games. He also had 2.5 assists and 3.1 block per game.
What is the salary of a NBA ref?
Referees of the National Basketball Association receive competitive salaries for their officiating tasks. The average NBA referee earns between $150,000 and $550,000 per year. This pay scale can depend on experience, with more experienced referees earning higher salaries. Referees who work in the playoffs and finals are paid higher than those who have additional roles such as training refs or working at the video review centre. A few NBA refs also earn royalties and endorsements for their work on television or other media outlets. If you are willing to work hard and dedicate yourself, becoming a NBA referee can be a very lucrative job.
NBA referees get a salary in addition to retirement and health plans. Referees have a healthier lifestyle because they make crucial decisions that can change the outcome of games. Referees can also receive subsidised accommodations, meals and travel costs to away games. This can be a comforting factor for referees who strive to achieve perfection on the courts.
NBA referees make a decent salary for their hard work and dedication, especially when they are responsible for enforcing rules during one of the world's most popular sports. It can be hard work, but referees get a chance to make a difference in basketball.
Statistics
- Williams would 'likely' accept a deal worth $14-15M/year; Celtics are 'unlikely' to offer such a deal (HoopsHype) (bleacherreport.com)
- The 2013–14 season opened with 92 international players on the opening night rosters, representing 39 countries and over 20% of the league. (en.wikipedia.org)
- Williams would 'likely' accept a deal worth $14-15M/year; Celtics are 'unlikely' to offer such a deal (HoopsHype) (bleacherreport.com)
- "NBA first-round ratings drop 27 percent, 40 percent since 2017–18". (en.wikipedia.org)
- An estimated 800 million viewers watched the [105]2017–18 season. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
si.com
basketball-reference.com
- Thomas Bryant Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft Status and more | Basketball-Reference.com
- Dennis Schroder Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft Status and more | Basketball-Reference.com
sports.yahoo.com
- Yahoo Mail, Search & Weather
- The lowest ever recorded viewership for Game 1 of the NBA Finals is seen in ratings history
bleacherreport.com
- Which NBA Team Will Participate In the Victor Wembanyama Tathon?
- Recent NBA Intel: Sources expect Zach LaVine will re-sign with the Chicago Bulls
How To
What is the best method to get drafted into NBA?
High school and college are the two main routes to becoming a NBA basketball player.
College players attend NCAA schools like Duke University, North Carolina State University, or the University of Kentucky. These schools offer four year education and training. These schools offer four years of education and training. They learn how to run an offense and defense. They are also taught how to think like a professional athlete.
Prep schools in other states are available for high school students. These schools give athletes individual attention and develop talent. Players are taught academics, character development, and sportsmanship.
Both types of players must pass identical physical tests before being allowed to enter the draft. The test involves running 40m, jumping over a 5ft6" box, standing on 1 leg, and throwing the football through a tire.
After passing these tests, players can be invited to workout with different NBA teams. The players are judged on their height, speed, weight, wingspan, or size.
Teams also take into account their past experience. A player who has played AAU basketball will be given preference.
Sometimes, players considered too small to be professional athletes are called "one and done" prospects. The second round of the draft usually chooses these players.
Some players decide to skip college to play in the NBA. These players are called "prospects." Prospects don't need to wait until the end of the year to declare themselves eligible for the draft.
They can ask for an exemption to allow them to participate in the draft early. If a prospect does so, he will be able to compete against other prospects during the pre-draft process.
Participation in summer leagues can increase prospects' chances of being selected. Summer league games are held in July and August.
Scouts can see players live without having to worry about injuries.
June marks the start of the NBA Draft. It's when the 30 NBA teams evaluate all the top prospects. Each team is given a number of picks during each round.
As an example, in the first round, the 15th overall selection is chosen. In the third round, the 20th selection is the 60th pick.
After the draft, teams trade to make their rosters complete. Some teams host mini-camp tryouts, inviting potential draftees along to train with them.
It's exciting to draft day! What happens?
Once the draft begins, there is no more waiting for your name to be called. Each NBA team selects players from the pool.
After a player is selected by a team, it sends him an agreement that details his salary, playing time and benefits. He is now a member.
He also receives a jersey with his name on the back and a uniform with his new nickname.
Finally, he signs his contract. That means he officially joins the NBA.
