Here are the top performers on May 1 and the stats to highlight their impact.
BEST PLAYER OF THE DAY:
Jaden McDaniels MIN PF 32 PTS | 10 REB | 2 STL | 57.5 FPS (vs. DEN)
Leading the charge for the very shorthanded Wolves, McDaniels delivered a career performance to help them advance to the next round. Offensively, he finished as the game’s leading scorer, recording the first 30-point playoff performance of his career. He also contributed across the board while committing no turnovers. Overall, it was an impressive first round showing for the forward, and the team will need him at this level in the semifinals.
BREAKOUT:
Mikal Bridges NYK SF 24 PTS | 5 REB | 3 AST | 37.5 FPS (vs. ATL)
This was by far his best performance of the postseason. After having little impact in their first five games, averaging just 7.2 points, Bridges turned it around, shooting 10-for-12 from the field to finish as the game’s second-leading scorer and also record his first 20-point performance in almost a month.
SLEEPER:
Kelly Oubre PHI SF 14 PTS | 9 REB | 2 BLK | 35.3 FPS (vs. BOS)
Over the first three games of the series, the forward was a steady contributor in both scoring and rebounding. While he cooled off in the next two games, scoring just six points, he turned it back up today, providing a strong presence in the paint and also making his impact felt on the defensive end.
ELITE ASSET:
Tyrese Maxey PHI PG 30 PTS | 5 AST | 2 STL | 45.9 FPS (vs. BOS)
Through the first five games of the series, the franchise star was simply outstanding. Today was no different, as he shot efficiently from all levels and led all players in scoring, recording his fourth 30-point game of the postseason. He is clearly one of the top offensive players in the league right now, ranking second in total assists while also leading all players in total threes.
CATEGORY SPECIALIST:
Rudy Gobert MIN C 10 PTS | 13 REB | 8 AST | 46.6 FPS (vs. DEN)
One of the league’s top defensive players, Gobert lived up to his reputation in the first round, averaging 10.7 rebounds, 1.3 steals and 1.2 blocks per game. He was even more impressive while defending Jokic, limiting his efficiency from the field. However, the big man will be put to the test again as he goes up against Wemby in the next round.
PLAYER TO WATCH:
OG Anunoby NYK PF 29 PTS | 7 REB | 4 STL | 55.4 FPS (vs. ATL)
The forward was a force on either side of the court. Offensively, he was almost unstoppable, shooting nearly 80% from the field, including 4-of-6 from three, to finish as the game’s top scorer. He was equally impressive on defense, nearly matching the entire Hawks team in steals. Across six games in the series, he averaged 21.5 points, 8.7 rebounds, 1.8 steals and 1.2 blocks, and that two-way production will continue to be significant for the team moving forward.
STREAMER:
Terrence Shannon MIN SG 24 PTS | 6 REB | 2 STL | 38.7 FPS (vs. DEN)
It wasn’t the cleanest performance, but the sophomore guard still stepped up in a big way, providing a huge boost offensively to help his team advance. With several key players sidelined, Shannon should continue to see a significant offensive role for the time being. Over the final three games of the regular season, he fully showcased his scoring ability, averaging 27.3 points.
FLOPPER:
Jamal Murray DEN PG 12 PTS | 6 REB | 4 AST | 28.2 FPS (vs. MIN)
Despite the struggles, Murray has mostly delivered in the series, recording multiple 30-point performances. However, he failed to step up when it mattered most, finishing with his worst performance of the series. He really struggled to get going on offense, shooting just 4-for-17 from the field. This marks a very disappointing end to his season after an impressive year in which he averaged a career-best 25.4 points.
