Nearly 10 months on since the NBA regular season started on October
22, the 2020 NBA Playoffs are finally set to begin following the conclusion of
the final rounds of seeding and play-in games.
The unprecedented season will enter its final stages on a more familiar
note, with the first round of the playoffs, starting August 17, and the
remainder of the tournament being played in the traditional best-of-seven
format.
With the Conference Finals scheduled to start from September 15 and the
NBA Finals tipping off on September 30, here’s a look at five players most
likely to make the biggest impact during the remainder of the tournament.
Also Read: A quick guide to NBA playoffs
1. Damian Lillard
The hottest name in the NBA this season, Portland Trail Blazers’ point
guard Damian Lillard has enjoyed a spectacular campaign so far and was deservedly
voted as the MVP of the bubble.
Lillard turned up with another virtuoso performance in the play-in game
against the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday, scoring 31 points to secure Portland’s
place in the playoffs.
Averaging 37.6 points in the eight seeding games since the restart,
Lillard has been one of the most consistent and accurate shooters in the NBA.
His conversion rate (41.5%) of shots from at least 30 feet away is nearly
twice the league average (22.9%) while his 54 shots from outside 30 feet are
more than double the all-time-best of 25.
Although Portland are up against Los Angeles Lakers, one of the outright
favourites to win the NBA this season, they will hope Lillard can turn up with
typical dominant performances to take them through to an unlikely title win.
2. Giannis Antetokounmpo
The reigning MVP, Giannis Antetokounmpo has been critical to Milwaukee Bucks
clinching the top seed in the Eastern Conference this season.
Despite Milwaukee’s
poor form in the bubble, their no. 34 has been just as consistent as evident in
his 36-points performance in the opening game against the Boston Celtics. Milwaukee will be heavily reliant on their Greek forward if they are to
win their first title since 1971.
Also Read: NBA Playoffs full schedule: Everything you need to know
3. LeBron James
The veteran forward has impressively combined scoring and assisting throughout
this season, becoming the first player in history above the age of 30 to average
25 points and 10 assists.
Despite not having a star-studded lineup, the Lakers managed to secure
top seed thanks to LeBron’s class.
Having him in line up makes a big difference to the team, as with
him the Lakers average 8.5 points per 100 possessions more than their opponents
while their net rating drops more than 10 points without the all-time-great.
4. Marc Gasol
Marc Gasol has been a rock at the back for the reigning champions Toronto
Raptors this season and has been in good form throughout the seeding games in
the bubble.
The Spanish Center has helped Toronto maintain the best defence in the
NBA so far and will be just as important if they are to retain their crown.
5. James Harden
Houston Rocket’s James Harden secured his place alongside the NBA greats this
season by becoming only the third player, apart from Micheal Jordan and Kevin
Durant, to win three consecutive scoring titles.
Harden seemed fatigued earlier in the season but having had plenty of rest, thanks to the coronavirus-enforced suspension, he has looked his usual self in the bubble. Harden averaged 35.3 points, 9.2 rebounds and 8.7 assists since the restart and will be expected to perform on a similar level in the Playoffs.
The scoring machine owes his success to his unique step backs and will
be at the forefront of everyone’s attention as Houston takes on Oklahoma City
Thunder in round one of the playoffs.
