I’ve always been a big believer that there should be an MVP of the Playoffs. Of course it’s a tough award to give out because: (1) there’s a guy called LeBron James and (2) it’s common sense to give the MVP to someone who takes their team to the Finals, but luckily I have the 2006-2007 Baron Davis to thank for helping me make my case.
So throughout the Playoffs, I’m going to update my MVP ladder on a daily basis and at the end of it all, one lucky person will be getting the imaginary trophy, sponsored by Crabdribbles.
MVP Ladder
1) Andre Miller
Game one stats: 27 minutes, 28 points, 11-16 FG, 5 assists, 3 rebounds.
Not only did Miller score a game-high 28 points in 27 minutes off the bench, but he also blew by a 23-year old rookie in Draymond Green for the game-winning bucket (click here to watch it again).
But really, who else did you expect to see here?
Andre Miller: 28 points, one for each year he has been in the league.
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) April 21, 2013
2) Chris Paul
Game one stats: 33 minutes, 23 points, 7-11 FG, 7 assists, 2 rebounds.
The Clippers win the first game of their series against the Grizzlies by 21 points, thanks in large part to Chris Paul’s decision to take the game over in the second half.
As CP3 is healthy this post-season, expect him to be near the top of this ladder for the next couple of months.
3) Deron Williams
Game one stats: 35 minutes, 22 points, 9-15 FG, 7 assists, 2 rebounds.
Williams did most of his work in the first half (15 points, 4 assists) and by that point, the game was over. It also helps your MVP stock if you do things like this:
4) Carmelo Anthony
Game one stats: 41 minutes, 36 points, 13-29 FG, 1 assist, 6 rebounds.
He’ll shoot you out of games and every so often, he’ll shoot you back into them.
Melo will have to make some changes heading into game two of this series (which includes not jacking up a load of tough jumpers), but his team gets a much needed W and he led the way.
5) Jeff Green
Game one stats: 46 minutes, 26 points, 8-15 FG, 2 assists, 7 rebounds.
The Celtics went into the locker room at half-time with a 53-49 lead and Green’s 20 points were a big reason for that.
However, he only scored six points in the second half and the Celtics crumbled in the deciding quarter.
6) Brook Lopez
Game one stats: 32 minutes, 21 points, 7-15 FG, 2 assists, 5 rebounds.
Mad respect to Joakim Noah for battling through his foot injury, but he had no chance at stopping the best scoring big man in the league.
7) Carlos Boozer
Game one stats: 45 minutes, 25 points, 12-20 FG, 4 assists, 8 rebounds.
There is something about the Nets that Boozer loves, but even him playing like his 2007-2008-self couldn’t will his team to a victory.
8) Marc Gasol
Game one stats: 41 minutes, 16 points, 4-12 FG, 7 assists, 2 rebounds.
Those numbers aren’t pretty (especially the two rebounds), but he kept the Grizzlies in the game for three quarters thanks to some crisp passes and tough defense.
9) Klay Thompson
Game one stats: 41 minutes, 22 points, 10-19 FG, 1 assist, 3 rebounds.
Klay Thompson’s silky smooth jump shot helped keep the Warriors in the game, but it simply wasn’t enough.
If the Warriors have any chance of upsetting the Nuggets, Klay will have to continue to shoot the lights out, especially if David Lee is out for an extended period of time.
10) Eric Bledsoe
Game one stats: 18 minutes, 15 points, 7-7 FG, 4 assists, 6 rebounds.
Bledsoe in the 4th quarter: 13 points, 3 assists and 6 rebounds.
Clippers in the 4th quarter: 37 points.
Enough said.
The guys who just missed out:
Jerryd Bayless, Nate Robinson, JaVale McGee and Steph Curry.