It's a well-vetted fact that, by merely approximating your
regular-season averages during the playoffs, you're essentially bringing you're
A-game when the situation calls for it most. A lot of casual onlookers don't
know this, but because of the improved competition, the slower games, and the
increased familiarity that comes from playing a team seven times in two weeks
(or less), just coming close to your regular-season averages means you're
usually out-pacing the rest of the postseason performers.
So keep that in mind when it comes to celebrating or
denigrating a player's postseason accomplishments. And, with that in mind, let's look at five of the most
improved playoff performers of 2009, among the active lot.
1. LeBron James(notes) — Cleveland Cavaliers: It
might not be the biggest surprise, but it doesn't mean James hasn't taken his
game to a ridiculous level in this postseason. Going up against
well-heeled defenders like Tayshaun Prince(notes), Joe Johnson(notes) and Maurice Evans(notes)
hasn't stopped James from averaging an astounding 33.7 points on 55 percent
shooting, with 10 rebounds,Nike Zoom Hyperdunk 2011 Low PE Mens Shoes Blue Dk.Gry, 6.6 assists, and just 1.4 turnovers a contest in 38
minutes. 2.1 steals a contest, and five blocks in seven Cleveland wins. Nuts.
2. Chauncey Billups(notes) —
Denver Nuggets:
Billups has fallen off in his last couple of playoff runs, so
his hot start is quite heartening. His scoring has gone up about three points
from his regular-season average in just one more minute of action, while his
turnovers have dropped even if the face of such ballhawks as Chris Paul(notes) and
Jason Kidd(notes).
3. Rajon Rondo(notes) — Boston Celtics:
Putting him back of Billups might surprise, but one has to consider that
Rondo's per-minute stats haven't taken nearly the jump that Billups' have. Yes,
his averages have improved, but he's also playing nine minutes per game more than
he was in what was a pretty underrated regular season. That's not denying that
18.5 points, 10.5 assists, 9.5 rebounds and 2.5 steals (with only 2.6
turnovers) isn't fantastic. It is. But in terms of pure improvement, he ranks
third.
4. Carmelo Anthony(notes) — Denver Nuggets:
Another Nugget, no wonder this team has won seven of eight games by an average of
about 19 points per game. After enduring what was almost a season-long shooting
slump, Anthony has seen his assists and scoring rise in the postseason (along
with his minutes) while turning the ball over only 2.1 times per game. 2.8
combined blocks/steals, after averaging 1.5 combined in the regular season.
5. Glen Davis(notes) — Boston Celtics: It
might not be as big a jump as you'd assume. Though Davis has played with huge heart in this
postseason,Nike Zoom rookie Penny Hardaway III Mens Red Black, his Eddy Curry(notes)-like six rebounds in 37 minutes per game mean he
comes far, far down the list. He's made a leap, make no mistake, but an extra
two rebounds in spite of an extra 17 minutes per game? Be happy with fifth.
Also considered:
Brandon Bass(notes), Dirk Nowitzki(notes),Nike Zoom Lebron VII(7) Women Shoes Black Red, Chris Andersen(notes), Aaron Brooks(notes), George Karl.
Also see: Top five NBA playoff fall-offs
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