Top 10 Best Players of the Second Round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs

Kevin Durant, playing against the Bucks with little to no help, as the Nets were dealing with big blows to both Kyrie Irving and James Harden, went on a historic run. In 7 games against Milwaukee, Durant averaged 35 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 assists. In game 5, Durant scored 49 points, grabbed 17 rebounds, and 10 assists, on 70% shooting, and an additional 3 steals and 2 blocks. In game 7, Durant scored 48 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists, in the Nets loss. In a series where Durant played to the best of his ability, he was let down the remaining supporting cast, and unfortunate injuries.

Giannis, expected to help lead the Bucks past a formidable (but injured) Nets team, came through for his team. In 7 games against the Nets, Giannis averaged 32 points, 13 rebounds, and 4 assists per game. He also averaged a block per game, and was able to average a respectable 58% from the floor shooting. In a crucial game 7 which went to overtime, scored 40 points, 15 rebounds, and 5 assists, in a game which the Bucks were able to win. Giannis proved in this series that he could actually come in clutch in key playoff series, and lead his team to victory.

Chris Paul, once again, proved himself to be one of the most efficient players in the league, in a convincing 4 game sweep of the Denver Nuggets. In those 4 games, Paul was able to average 26 points, 5 rebounds, and 10 assists per game, with only 1 turnover per game. Even more incredibly, he averaged these numbers on 63% shooting from the floor, and a mind boggling 75% from 3 point range. A veteran Chris Paul finally gets his opportunity to shine in the playoffs, and hopes to return to lead the Suns to the finals.

Paul George, against the Utah Jazz, helped to silence any talk of the "playoff p" of last season. In 6 games against the Jazz, George was able to average an impressive 29 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists per game, with a very respectable 42% from 3 point range. In game 6, George nearly averaged a triple double, putting up 29 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists, and a series clinching win, moving the Clippers to the next round. If Paull George is able to continue this impressive play, he will be able to shed the criticisms of past playoffs and write a new chapter for his playoff history.

Even in an ultimate series loss, Donovan Mitchell continued to impress with his stats. In 6 games against the Clippers, he averaged 35 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists. In game 6, Mitchell put up 39 points, 9 rebounds, and 9 assists in a valiant effort to continue the series. However, the Jazz were not able to get past the Clippers. Once again, Mitchell was let down by his supporting cast, and his efforts were ultimately in vain.

Devin Booker, against the Nuggets, continued his incredible level of play, helping to boost the Suns past Denver in only 4 games. In those 4 games, Booker averaged 25 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists. This included a 34 point performance in the final game of the series to help propel the Suns to the next round. If Booker, as long as Paul is out, is able to maintain his high level of execution, the Suns may get to the finals.

Trae Young, against many people's odds, helped lead the Hawks to an amazing series victory against the 76ers. In the 7 game series, Trae Young averaged 29 points and 11 assists. This included back to back games in which Trae Young took over, to take the series lead to 3-2. In game 4, Young scored 25 points and 18 assists. When Trae Young is hot, the Hawks are easily one of the best offensive teams in the NBA, and the bucks should be worried about facing him in this next series.

In the 4 games Kawhi Leonard played against the Jazz before his injury, he was a dominating force. In those 4 games, he averaged 27 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists, including a very impressive game 3 34 point, 12 rebound performance in which he shot 58%. If Leonard is able to return in the conference finals, then the Clippers have a high chance of keeping the series extremely competitive and fun to watch.

I feel bad for Seth Curry after the Sixers loss against the Hawks. He played some of the best basketball of his life in this series, averaging 20 points per game on 60% shooting from three point range and 62% total. His shooting totals and efficiency were one of the only things keeping them in the series, as the offensive struggles (and Ben Simmons) plagued the team throughout.