Top 5 NBA Playoffs 2016 Ballers So Far - Our Humble Opinion
The players have been very impressive for their teams.
In this year's NBA Playoffs, there has been a lot to talk about as stars have done what were expected, players have been injured, and teams have struggled as their dreams of lifting the title continues.
Currently in the conference semifinals, fans from all over the globe have been treated to extraordinary performances from these professional athletes.
Below are five of the best performers in the playoffs at the moment.
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1. Klay Thompson – Golden State Warriors
First on the list is the half of the "Splash Brothers" of the Golden State Warriors.
There is no doubt that Stephen Curry is the best player in the team, and arguably the best in the league at the moment, but equal attention should be brought to his back-court partner Thompson.
And the sharp-shooting guard has been put under the spotlight in the post season as he has carried the load for the Warriors with Curry out due to knee injuries.
Against the Houston Rockets, the Warriors only got two games from Curry but the defending champions were able to take care of business thanks to Thompson stepping up.
In those three games without Curry, Thompson averaged 26 points per game and his slick shooting proved to be too much for the Rockets.
And when they started battling the Portland Trail Blazers in the second round, it would still be Thompson who would carry the scoring load as he scored 37 and 27 in games 1 and 2, respectively.
While it may be Draymond Green who is the piece that makes everything connected for the Warriors, the absence of Curry isn't felt as much with Thompson stepping up to the plate.
2. LeBron James – Cleveland Cavaliers
Easily the leaders in the Eastern Conference, the Cavaliers have yet to taste defeat so far in the post season thanks in part to LeBron James' leadership.
While many might see him as the second best player behind Curry, James is still one of the most dominant forces in the game.
In fact, he displayed his full arsenal of talents against the Detroit Pistons in the first round.
Sweeping the Pistons in four games, the physical and youthful squad could not contend with James as the superstar always toyed around a triple-double in all four games.
James was the leader on both ends of the floor, distributing the ball to provide assists for open teammates while also orchestrating the defense.
Against the Pistons, James averaged 22.8 points, nine rebounds and 6.8 assists per game.
And at the moment against the Atlanta Hawks, James has been the difference as they have dominated the Hawks – with James averaging 26 points, 5.5 rebounds and seven assists in the first two games.
3. Dwyane Wade – Miami Heat
Going through resurgence this year, it seems that the Miami Heat's Dwyane Wade has found the fountain of youth.
He has found his legs and is steadily leading the Heat to where they are at the moment.
While the Heat also have a young core of Hassan Whiteside, Goran Dragic and players like Justise Winslow, much of the weight is still on Wade's shoulders.
Add the fact that Chris Bosh has not been around due to blood clots in his lungs, then the performances of Wade should be hailed.
Against the Charlotte Hornets, Wade was not the dominant player that he was before, but he made timely baskets which helped the team stay alive.
Through the seven games against the Hornets, Wade averaged 19 points per game while shooting 42% from the field in the series.
4. Russell Westbrook – Oklahoma City Thunder
The standard of intensity and maintaining a high level of competitiveness, the Oklahoma City Thunder have been buoyed by Russell Westbrook.
OKC are very lucky to have two superstars in the team and two who complement each other well. Kevin Durant's demeanour matches with Westbrook's intensity which helps make the Thunder a very dangerous squad.
Against the Dallas Mavericks in the first round, Westbrook was relentless and unstoppable – averaging 26 points, 7.2 rebounds and 11.2 assists per game in five matches.
He has had similar numbers throughout the regular season and remains to be one of the toughest players to stop.
His passionate play and grit on the floor helps the Thunder have the identity that they have and makes them a real contender.
5. LaMarcus Aldridge – San Antonio Spurs
Reminding everyone that the big men in the league are thriving and adapting to the game, the San Antonio Spurs' forward/center LaMarcus Aldridge has been playing like an MVP this post season.
Taking over for most of Tim Duncan's minutes, Aldridge has not disappointed in carrying the load for the Spurs alongside Kahwi Leonard.
Not needing to look far beyond the second round to see how impressive Aldridge has been, against the Oklahoma City Thunder he has averaged 39.5 points per game.
Even more impressive is that he has shot 33/44 so far in the series – good for 75% shooting. Given that he has shot the ball from as far as the three-point line just shows how impressive Aldridge's range is and how important he is for the Spurs.
So far, the Spurs have relied on equal opportunities for a more balanced and unpredictable attack – but if the spurs have Aldridge who is operating in MVP form, then it is best to keep pushing.
