Here are the top performers on May 7 and the stats to highlight their impact.
BEST PLAYER OF THE DAY:
OG Anunoby NYK PF 24 PTS | 5 REB | 4 STL | 48.0 FPS (vs. PHI)
The starting forward has become one of the team’s most important players this playoffs. In the first-round victory over the Hawks, he was exceptional, averaging 21.5 points on 56.7% shooting from deep, alongside 8.7 rebounds and 1.8 steals over six games. He maintained that high standard in the semifinals, but disaster struck today when he suffered an apparent leg injury that forced him out of the game.
BREAKOUT:
Kelly Oubre PHI SF 19 PTS | 5 REB | 1 STL | 30.0 FPS (vs. NYK)
The Sixers received a much-needed offensive spark from Oubre, who posted his best scoring game of the playoffs on 50% shooting from the field, including three makes from the three-point area. With Embiid still battling multiple injuries, the Sixers will definitely need more performances like this from him.
SLEEPER:
Keldon Johnson SAS SF 9 PTS | 10 REB | 1 BLK | 24.5 FPS (vs. MIN)
Offensively, this has been an excellent year for Johnson, as he posted the most efficient season of his career and further established himself as a vital contributor for the Spurs. However, he has been below that standard in the playoffs, which was again the case today as he shot just 2-for-8. Still, he was impactful overall, finishing second in the game in rebounding.
ELITE ASSET:
Victor Wembanyama SAS C 19 PTS | 15 REB | 2 BLK | 47.0 FPS (vs. MIN)
Offensively, Wemby has still been a bit off, but he managed to finish with his best scoring game in his last three outings. Despite some struggles, he has made up for it with steady contributions across the board, recording his fourth straight double-double performance.
CATEGORY SPECIALIST:
Paul George PHI PF 19 PTS | 2 STL | 2 BLK | 42.2 FPS (vs. NYK)
The veteran forward came out firing today, scoring 11 points and hitting three threes in just the first quarter, though he wasn’t able to maintain it as he finished scoreless in the fourth. Still, he’s been reliable offensively in the playoffs, ranking seventh in total points while also leading the league in three-pointers.
PLAYER TO WATCH:
Mikal Bridges NYK SF 18 PTS | 5 REB | 1 BLK | 33.0 FPS
Bridges continues to trend upward after a lackluster start in the playoffs. Over the last three games, he has been highly efficient, averaging close to 20 points on 74% shooting while also providing a positive impact in other categories.
STREAMER:
Terrence Shannon MIN SG 12 PTS | 5 REB | 1 AST | 18.5 FPS
In four games since entering the starting lineup, Shannon has consistently produced, averaging 16.8 points on 43.6% shooting from the field along with 4.3 rebounds. The only issue has been his three-point shooting, going just 3-for-16 during that span.
FLOPPER:
Anthony Edwards MIN SG 12 PTS | 3 REB | 4 TO | 11.6 FPS
Edwards was questionable for today’s game due to a knee problem he’s been dealing with lately. While he was able to play, he was largely ineffective, finishing with more shots than points and also committing four turnovers. While he’s unlikely to return to his usual level for now, he should still be a capable offensive threat.
