2010 NBA Playoffs First-Round Stars

SI Staff | May 2, 2010

2010 NBA Playoffs First-Round Stars /

2010 NBA Playoffs First-Round Stars

LeBron James

With the first round of the playoffs wrapped up, here's a look of some of the series' top performances: In Game 2 against Chicago, LeBron James responded to some choice comments from Bulls center Joakim Noah about the city of Cleveland with a masterpiece performance that ended with an exclamation point of a fourth quarter. James led the Cavs in points (40), rebounds (8), assists (8), steals (1) and blocks (2). He scored 11 straight points over a three-minute stretch in the fourth quarter, propelling Cleveland to a double-digit win and a 2-0 series lead. James and his Cavs now have a date with the Celtics in the Eastern Conference semifinals.

Paul Pierce

With Game 3 knotted at 98-98, Dwyane Wade bricked a three-pointer with 14 seconds left and limped to the bench. From there, he watched as Boston's Paul Pierce pulled up for the potential game-winning jumper over Dorrell Wright. The result: cash. The Celtics took a 3-0 series lead thanks to Pierce's buzzer-beater, which capped a 32-point night.

Dwyane Wade

All the talk surrounding Game 4 of the Heat's first-round matchup with the Celtics was focused on Dwyane Wade's future in free agency. But Miami's main man wasn't ready to hand Boston a sweep. If it was indeed his farewell game in South Florida, Wade did not disappoint, scoring 46 points, including 30 in the second half, en route to a 101-92 win.

Kevin Durant

For those who called the Thunder's Game 3 win a fluke, Game 4 was OKC's rebuttal. Paced by Kevin Durant's 22 points, the Thunder jumped out to an early lead and never looked back, cruising to a 21-point win over the defending champion Lakers. The margin of victory was the highest by a No. 8 seed over a No. 1 seed since 2004.

Caron Butler

With the Mavericks facing elimination in Game 5 after three straight losses to the Spurs, it was Caron Butler, not superstar Dirk Nowitzki, who willed Dallas to a victory. Butler posted 35 points, 11 rebounds and 3 steals in a 103-81 win. More important, he energized the Mavs on a night when Dirk shot just one free throw.

Carmelo Anthony

Carmelo Anthony was a one-man show for the Nuggets for much of their first-round series against Utah. In Game 1, 'Melo tied a franchise postseason record with 42 points in Denver's victory. In Game 4, he dropped 39, to go along with 11 boards and 4 steals in a losing effort.

Pau Gasol

After getting throttled by the Thunder in Game 4, the Lakers returned the favor in Game 5 thanks to an inspired effort from Pau Gasol. The 7-footer finally realized that Oklahoma City had no one capable of guarding him, and went off for 25 points and 11 rebounds, helping the Lakers to a 21-point lead by halftime and a 111-87 win to take a 3-2 series lead.

Brandon Roy

Eight days after knee surgery, Blazers star Brandon Roy surprisingly returned for Game 4 vs. the Suns. His presence (along with 10 points off the bench) gave the Blazers a lift en route to a 96-87 win, tying the series at two games apiece.

Jason Richardson

Jason Richardson scored a career-high 42 points, including eight three-pointers, in Phoenix's Game 3 win over Portland. That was just part of a fine series for Richardson, who shot 52.7 percent (49-of-93) from the field and 51.2 percent (22-of-43) from beyond the arc. Richardson and the Suns take on the Spurs in Round 2.

Deron Williams

Utah won Game 2 in Denver thanks to the show put on by Deron Williams. The All-Star point guard scored 33 points and handed out 14 assists in a 114-111 victory. The last Utah player to have a 30-10 playoff performance? John Stockton, more than 20 years ago.

Derrick Rose

The Bulls were in desperate need of a victory after falling in a 0-2 hole to LeBron and the Cavs. Rose provided the lift in the third game, pouring in 31 points and dishing out seven assists as the Bulls held off a late surge from Cleveland for a 108-106 win. Chicago fans chanted "MVP! MVP!" as the second-year standout led the Bulls to victory.

Jameer Nelson

The man they call Mighty Mouse missed most of the playoffs last season, and barely made an impact in the Finals against the Lakers. Nelson was ready for Round 1 in 2010, blitzing the Bobcats for 32 points in Games 1 and 3 of Orlando's sweep. He finished the series with 18 assists and only five turnovers.

Tim Duncan

For most players, a 25-point, 15-rebound playoff performance is a career highlight. When Tim Duncan put up 25 and 17 on the Mavericks in Game 2 to help the Spurs even the series, it was the 29th time the Big Fundamental had done so (only Shaq has more 25/15 postseason games).

Published May 2, 2010

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