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2016 NBA Playoffs: Each Team’s Week 1 MVP

By Gerald Bourguet

April 16, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) shoots the basketball against Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) during the first quarter in game one of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
April 16, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) shoots the basketball against Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) during the first quarter in game one of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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2016 NBA Playoffs
April 20, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) shoots a three point basket against Portland Trail Blazers during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

Los Angeles Clippers: Chris Paul

With Blake Griffin shaking off the rust and J.J. Redick moving past that heel injury, this decision comes down to Chris Paul and DeAndre Jordan. DJ is perfectly deserving of this award, averaging a monstrous 10.5 points, 15.0 rebounds, 3.5 blocks, 3.0 assists and 1.0 steals per game while shooting 54.5 percent from the floor.

However, he’s also missed 13 of his 24 free throws and his field goal percentage is down by nearly 16 percent from the regular season, so we’re going with CP3, who’s absolutely dominated Damian Lillard in their one-on-one matchup. Through the first two games, Paul is averaging a team-high 26.0 points, 8.0 assists, 6.0 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game.

He’s also shot 20-for-41 from the floor, 4-for-11 from downtown and he’s limited Lillard to 33.3 percent shooting in two blowouts. The Los Angeles Clippers are cruising toward a quick four or five-game series and so far, CP3 has been the catalyst.

Next: Portland Trail Blazers