Here are the top performers on April 30 and the stats to highlight their impact.
BEST PLAYER OF THE DAY:
Paolo Banchero ORL PF 45 PTS | 9 REB | 7 AST | 66.3 FPS (vs. DET)
The Magic are without Wagner today after he sustained a calf injury in Game 4, resulting in a much heavier scoring load for Banchero. The star forward rose to the occasion, shooting 54% from the field and knocking down six threes to finish with a new career playoff-high in scoring. He was equally impressive in other areas, leading the team in both rebounds and assists.
BREAKOUT:
Ausar Thompson DET SF 15 PTS | 6 REB | 5 AST | 49.0 FPS
Offensively, Thompson hasn’t really done much in the series. Defensively, however, his presence has been undeniable. He did the same today, putting up strong numbers across major statistical categories, including a game-high in rebounds and steals. Through five games, he’s averaged 9.6 points, 9.4 rebounds, 2.6 steals, and 2.0 blocks. Still, the Pistons will need him to provide more offensively if they want a better chance of forcing another game.
SLEEPER:
Jamal Shead TOR PG 18 PTS | 7 AST | 2 STL | 32.7 FPS (vs. CLE)
With Quickley sidelined, the second-year guard has taken on a significant role as the team’s primary point guard. While he delivered an effective double-digit scoring performance in Game 1, he hasn’t been near that level since, scoring just seven points over the last three games. It was a different story today, however, as he set a playoff career high in both scoring and playmaking.
ELITE ASSET:
Cade Cunningham DET PG 45 PTS | 4 REB | 5 AST | 54.3 FPS (vs. ORL)
Facing elimination, the Pistons needed to go all out—and that’s exactly what the former No. 1 overall pick did. He set the tone early, pouring in 20 points in the second quarter alone, and finished perfect at the line, going 14-for-14 to set a new franchise playoff scoring record.
CATEGORY SPECIALIST:
Evan Mobley CLE PF 23 PTS | 9 REB | 3 BLK | 47.3 FPS (vs. TOR)
The former Defensive Player of the Year was excellent in almost every way today. He led the charge offensively, posting a team-high in scoring by way of strong shooting which includes a perfect 3-for-3 from long range. On defense, he maintained a solid rebounding average while also posting a playoff-high in blocks.
PLAYER TO WATCH:
De’Andre Ayton LAL C 18 PTS | 17 REB | 2 BLK | 43.4 FPS (vs. HOU)
The big man delivered yet another impressive performance from the paint. He was highly efficient on two-pointers, hitting 9-of-14 while also posting a game-high and playoff-high in rebounds. This was also his third double-double of the playoffs, and the Lakers will need more of the same from him moving forward.
STREAMER:
Ja’Kobe Walter TOR SG 20 PTS | 3 REB | 4 STL | 37.6 FPS (vs. CLE)
The second-year wing was moved into the starting lineup in Games 3 and 4 but he was largely ineffective, finishing scoreless on 0-for-15 shooting. But he completely flipped the script today, hitting six threes to finish as the team’s second leading scorer while adding a team-high in steals.
FLOPPER:
Austin Reaves LAL SG 22 PTS | 4 REB | 6 AST | 35.8 FPS (vs. HOU)
The guard was back in the lineup today after being sidelined for the last eight games with an oblique injury. While he was productive overall, he had a really hard time offensively, shooting just 4-for-16 from the floor. Still, Reaves has played really well for most of the season and he should be much sharper heading into Game 6.
