Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ersīy the time the Finals get here, the 2022-23 MVP will have been announced. The Hawks’ future isn’t dependent on Young’s performance, but it could help shape it. Even Young has regressed a bit at least with his scoring and shooting stats. After reaching the conference finals in 2021, the Hawks have regressed and also have new front-office leadership. With Quin Snyder, Atlanta is on its third coach in as many seasons – from Lloyd Pierce to Nate McMillan to Snyder. The Hawks, like the Los Angeles Lakers, are a different kind of No. There’s not really a lot of pressure on a seventh seed. If he can deliver like that, the Lakers are in strong shape. In 21 games after the All-Star break, Davis averaged 25.8 points, 12.9 rebounds and 2.1 blocks and shot 56.6% from the field. But the Lakers’ success hinges on Davis and his ability to score, rebound and defend, especially in Los Angeles’ first-round series against Memphis and defensive player of the year candidate Jaren Jackson Jr. He’s the face of the franchise and unofficial spokesman. This is a considerable test for Morant and Memphis. 2 seed in the West and a roster capable of a deep playoff run, expectations are high with Morant running the show. Morant has been really good in 14 playoff games over the past two seasons, and with the No. He was suspended for showing a gun on a social media post at a Colorado strip club and his maturity is under question. Morant’s self-inflicted difficult season is under the microscope in the playoffs. How far can Jokic take the Nuggets under ideal conditions? Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies Now healthy, Denver has the top seed, a competent roster and one of the best players in the world. The Nuggets reached the conference finals in the 2020 bubble, but injuries prevented the Nuggets from reaching their potential in the next seasons. What’s most important to Jokic now? Getting to the NBA Finals. Jokic is a two-time MVP and possibly headed for a third. MORE: DraftKings Promo Code Delivers $150 in Bonus Bets for NBA Playoffs Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets Durant is that player who can take a team to the top. Even with a roster dominated by Devin Booker, Chris Paul and Deandre Ayton, more was required. Phoenix reached the Finals in 2021, losing to Milwaukee, and were eliminated in the second round last season by Dallas after setting a franchise record with 64 regular-season victories. But the Suns acquired him at the trade deadline to help the franchise win its first championship. Kevin Durant, Phoenix Sunsĭurant has his two titles and two Finals MVPs. The Clippers expected more when they paired Leonard and George in 2019. He has played in just 104 of 236 games the past three seasons, and the Clippers have just a conference finals and conference semifinals appearance showing with Leonard on the court. But Paul George and Kawhi Leonard were limited, and Leonard played in just 52 games. The Clippers started the season with the second-best odds to win the Western Conference. Here are 10 players facing the most pressure in the NBA playoffs: Kawhi Leonard, Los Angeles Clippers Yet, there will be similar disappointment if certain expectations aren’t met. The pressure on Philadelphia's Joel Embiid is not the same as it is on New York’s Julius Randle. And not all pressure is the same, either. This NBA postseason is full of players who fall into that category. Kobe Bryant had it.Įvery year at this time, there is pressure on specific players to lead their team to playoff success. Watch Video: Who could pass LeBron James as the NBA's all-time leading scorer?Īfter LeBron James lost in his first two NBA Finals appearances, pressure – internal and external – was on him to win a championship.
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