Here are the top performers on May 8 and the stats to highlight their impact.
BEST PLAYER OF THE DAY:
Chet Holmgren OKC C 22 PTS | 9 REB | 4 STL | 53.3 FPS (vs. LAL)
Holmgren was impressive in nearly every area of the game today. Offensively, he rarely missed while securing his third consecutive 20-point game. He was even more impactful on defense, nearly matching the entire Lakers team in stocks. So far in the playoffs, the former No. 2 overall pick has been playing on a different level, emerging as one of the best players on both sides of the court.
BREAKOUT:
Austin Reaves LAL SG 31 PTS | 2 REB | 6 AST | 37.4 FPS (vs. OKC)
Since returning from an oblique injury, Reaves has really struggled to find his rhythm on offense. But he finally came through today, shooting 10-for-16 from the field and 8-of-10 from the line to lead both teams in scoring and finish with his best scoring performance of the playoffs.
SLEEPER:
Jared McCain OKC SG 18 PTS | 4 3PM | 1 TO | 17.0 FPS (vs. LAL)
The former Sixers’ guard has proven to be a huge addition for the Thunder. In 30 games in the regular season, he’s provided a big lift on offense, averaging 10.4 points on solid percentages. He’s been up to that standard in this Lakers series, averaging 15 points and four three-pointers through two games.
ELITE ASSET:
Cade Cunningham DET PG 25 PTS | 10 REB | 2 BLK | 47.6 FPS (vs. CLE)
There’s no denying that the former No. 1 overall pick is already one of the top players in the league and he put that on full display today, scoring 12 points in the fourth quarter and recording his ninth straight 20-point game. Throughout the playoffs, he’s consistently led the way for the young Pistons, sparking their come-from-behind win against the Magic and now helping them build a 2-0 lead over the Cavs.
CATEGORY SPECIALIST:
Donovan Mitchell CLE SG 31 PTS | 6 REB | 2 STL | 46.7 FPS (vs. DET)
Scoring has rarely been an issue for the All-Star guard, and he’s shown that in the playoffs, scoring at least 20 points in each of his last four games and ranking fifth in total points. Overall, however, he’s been less productive, putting up below his season averages in several areas. Obviously, they’ll need even more from him moving forward, but with the way Mitchell has been playing, that shouldn’t be impossible.
PLAYER TO WATCH:
Ajay Mitchell OKC SG 20 PTS | 3 REB | 6 AST | 30.6 FPS (vs. LAL)
The shooting guard has been huge for the Thunder this year, establishing himself as an important part of the core and he brought that version of him in the playoffs. In four games since Williams was sidelined by a hamstring problem, Mitchell has taken over, averaging 18.8 points, 3.5 rebounds and 4.5 assists.
STREAMER:
Alex Caruso OKC SG 5 PTS | 4 REB | 4 AST | 20.8 FPS (vs. LAL)
In their last two games against the Suns, the veteran guard was spectacular offensively, averaging 13.5 points and 3.5 threes. But it has been the complete opposite so far in this series, as he’s shooting just 2-for-9 from deep. Still, he’s continued to make a positive impact with his contributions in other areas.
FLOPPER:
James Harden CLE SG 10 PTS | 6 REB | 3 AST | 20.7 FPS (vs. DET)
By almost any measure, this was an ugly game for Harden. Offensively, he was ineffective, shooting just 3-for-13 from the field, including 0-for-4 from three-point range. He struggled in other areas as well, committing four turnovers while also matching his playoff low in assists. But he should be in line for better performances at home, where he’s averaging close to 23 points on 50% shooting, along with 5.5 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 3.0 steals per game.
