(Photo : (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)) MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – APRIL 23: Rudy Gobert #27 of the Minnesota Timberwolves appears on after sport two of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs in opposition to the Phoenix Suns at Target Center on April 23, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Sun 105-93. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or utilizing this {photograph}, User is consenting to the phrases and circumstances of the Getty Images License Agreement.
The drama of the NBA Playoffs has lived as much as its hype.
Almost midway by way of the primary spherical of the 2024 NBA Playoffs, every collection has had an unsung hero who has established themselves because the standout performer, or, Series MVP.
Here are some spherical 1 collection standouts thus far by way of the 2024 NBA Western Conference playoffs.
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Oklahoma City Thunder vs. New Orleans Pelicans
Round 1 MVP: (OKC) Chet Holmgren
In their first playoff collection collectively, the younger Oklahoma City Thunder workforce has proven up and asserted their will in opposition to his Zion Williamson-less New Orlean Pelicans.
Throughout the primary spherical, you would make the case for SGA because the workforce’s chief and potential MVP. However, Chet Holmgren has been the Batman to his Superman play.
Holmgren has stepped up for the Thunder in his first playoff collection in his younger profession; Chet’s stats thus far is probably not flashy, however he positively has made a big impact on this collection with the Pelicans.
Shai, Chet , and Jalen Williams went deadly weapon 3 😂🔥 all 3 had been tremendous environment friendly had been over 58 FG% @shaiglalex 33 factors 5 assists 68 FG% @ChetHolmgren 26 factors 7 rebounds 69 FG% & @jdubwttp 21 factors 7 assists 5 Reboinds 58 FG% @JordanRichardSC
pic.twitter.com/Dfti0tKJlK— Swish Cultures (@swishcultures_) April 25, 2024
Chet Holmgren has managed to carry the paint down in opposition to distinguished gamers, with a staggering 5 blocks in sport 1, and he turned the primary first rookie in OKC franchise historical past to attain at the least 25 factors and seize 5 rebounds in a playoff sport..
Based on how Chet Holmgren has been taking part in it is laborious to rule out the Oklahoma City Thunder shedding this collection.
Denver Nuggets vs. Los Angeles Lakers
Round 1 MVP: (DEN) Jamal Murray
The Denver Nuggets have taken a commanding 3-0 lead in opposition to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Despite not being probably the most environment friendly participant on the courtroom by way of the previous three video games of the collection, Jamal Murray has nonetheless come up in huge moments midway by way of their spherical 1 collection in opposition to the Lakers.
Murray torched LA’s hopes by hitting a big-time game-winning shot in sport 2 to provide the Nuggets an edge within the collection.
Jamal Murray has additionally managed to proceed to be a serious scoring risk for the Denver Nuggets, which has helped minimize by way of any lead the Lakers may amass.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Phoenix Suns
Round 1 MVP: (MIN) Rudy Gobert
The typical story round Rudy Gobert is that he turns into a legal responsibility on offense within the NBA playoffs.
However, that could not be any much less of the case this time round, as Gobert has performed a major function in serving to the Minnesota Timberwolves take a 3-0 lead.
His protection has set the tone for the Timberwolves all through the collection and his offensive impression has been evident.
Gobert has accomplished a stable job anchoring the league’s greatest protection and has contributed to the Timberwolves’ success within the postseason.
Rudy Gobert scored 14 factors with 16 rebounds in sport 1 and 18 factors with 9 rebounds in sport 2. Following these, his sport 3 efficiency was his greatest thus far with 19 factors and 14 rebounds.
So much to love from Rudy Gobert in G2 vs PHX defending in house and isolation.
He was very comfy extending his protection to tackle Phoenix’s ball handlers and contained them properly general. Impressive mobility. pic.twitter.com/xaGhjr7OYj
— 𝒥ℴ𝓃𝒶𝒽 (@Huncho_Jman) April 24, 2024
Staying on the courtroom late to seal video games defensively is one more reason why Gobert’s presence interprets to success for the Timberwolves.
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Los Angeles Clippers vs. Dallas Mavericks
Round 1 MVP: (LAC) James Harden
Although the Dallas Mavericks have taken a 2-1 lead within the collection, a stunning participant for the Los Angeles Clippers has lastly been exhibiting up within the playoffs.
That participant being James Harden.
There have been a number of big-time heroics on each side, with every workforce holding a whole lot of star energy matched with their function gamers.
Throughout the collection’ preliminary 3 video games, James Harden has turned again the clock with 3 super performances.
He scored 28 factors in sport 1 after which dropped 22 factors, 6 rebounds, 8 assists, a steal, and a block in sport 2. Most not too long ago, James Harden put up 21 factors whereas hitting 5 of 8 three level pictures within the Clippers loss to the Mavs final evening.
Harden has developed fairly a repute for not exhibiting up within the postseason, a pattern that has adopted him at each cease since his days as a number-one possibility with the Rockets.
Now as a task participant with the Clippers, James Harden is seeing a few of his most effective playoff performances on each side of the courtroom.
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