With the second round of the NBA playoffs now complete, we have the matchups for the conference finals and are one step closer to crowning the 2012-13 NBA champions. Not one of the series went to a deciding Game 7 and it appears that the four strongest, healthiest teams were able to advance. We’ve seen some incredible things so far in the playoffs this season, here are the five biggest surprises from the second round.
Kawhi Leonard stepping up for the Spurs
With his outstanding performance in the playoffs thus far, it is easy to forget that just last season Kawhi Leonard was a rookie trying to make an impact on one of the league’s most experienced teams. This time around, the Spurs are leaning heavily on their young, versatile forward and he was outstanding as the San Antonio Spurs dispatched the Golden State Warriors in six games.
Leonard was a force on both ends of the court for the Spurs as he played more than 40 minutes a game in a hard-fought series. He averaged 14.7 points, 9.2 rebounds and shot an efficient .557 from the field. Leonard showed his versatility, spending time defending the Warriors’ small scoring guards as well as switching to the power forward in small ball lineups where his rebounding was essential to the Spurs’ success. On a veteran team like San Antonio, it may have been their second-year forward that was the most important to their second round victory.
Mike Conley was outstanding in the second round against the Thunder. Photo Credit: Basketball Schedule, Flickr.com
Mike Conley taking the lead in Memphis
While it’s no secret that the key to Memphis Grizzlies’ success is their defense and overpowering frontcourt, the team would not have advanced past the Oklahoma City Thunder in five games without an outstanding series from point guard Mike Conley. When Rudy Gay left Memphis there were questions as to where the team would find reliable scoring outside of their frontcourt tandem of Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph, Conley has taken on the responsibility and averaged 18 points per game against the Thunder.
Not just increasing his scoring, Conley contributed all over the court for the Grizzlies averaging 6.4 rebounds, 6.8 assists and 2.2 steals per game. In a Game 2 win at Oklahoma City, Conley exploded for 26 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists. He is going to need to keep up his exceptional play against Tony Parker and the San Antonio Spurs.
Small Markets Doing Big Things
With the Miami Heat boasting a superstar roster and enviable lifestyle on South Beach, many often forget that Miami is still a small-market team in comparison to some of the sporting powerhouses around the league. Along with Indiana, Memphis and San Antonio, the Heat have proven that with the right recruitment, drafting and trades, any city can boast a roster that can contend for an NBA championship.
The four teams have been constructed and managed very differently, but all have managed to build a contending roster despite working out of a small media market. Regardless of who progresses through to the NBA Finals, these four franchises should be congratulated on their ability to build a contending team out of a smaller market. Hopefully other teams can take note and ensure we get the parity in the league that fans would love to see.
Kawhi Leonard has been huge for the Spurs in the playoffs. Photo Credit: Mark Runyon, Basketball Schedule
Harrison Barnes’ Second-Round Debut
Few players have exploded onto the scene more in this postseason than Golden State rookie Harrison Barnes. After taking some time to adjust to the NBA, Barnes came on strong in the latter stages of the season and has gone from question mark to strength in the playoffs. In a hard-fought series loss to San Antonio, Barnes was outstanding and his experience will undoubtedly prove priceless in his development going forward.
In six games, Barnes averaged 17.3 points and 7.3 rebounds while playing more than 40 minutes per game. He played his best in Game 4 with 26 points and 10 rebounds yet was able to back that up immediately in Game 5 with 25 points and seven boards. The Warriors’ future continues to look bright and Barnes’ sudden emergence will only help to speed up their success.
No More Injuries
When you get to this point in the season, nearly every player is carrying some kind of minor ailment or niggle that they just have to play through, but after the devastating run of injuries we had in the regular season and first round, it is relieving to see these four teams go through without losing anyone to injury.
While each team has their own injury issues to deal with, each will go through to the conference finals in the same shape that they started the playoffs with. The last thing you want to see is a series decided by injury, so here’s hoping everyone stays healthy for the remainder of the playoffs.