2016 NBA Playoffs: All-First Round Team

March 1, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) is congratulated by head coach Steve Kerr (right) after making a three-point basket against the Atlanta Hawks during overtime at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Hawks 109-105 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

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Apr 27, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) smiles after scoring a basket against the Houston Rockets during the third quarter of game five of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

Klay Thompson, Golden State Warriors

When you make 276 three-pointers and it’s an afterthought because your backcourt mate, Stephen Curry, made a league record 402, your true value is often underappreciated.

For Thompson, an All-Star who accepts the challenge on defense just as willingly as he squares up for a three-pointer, the challenge to step up as the No. 1 option with Curry hurt was a no-brainer vs. the Houston Rockets.

In the five-game series, Thompson scored 23.4 points, 4.2 rebounds and 3.4 assists a game. In Game 2 he scored 34 points, connecting on three three-pointers and 15 free throws. In the series-clinching fifth game, Thompson scored 27 points on 7-of-11 shooting from the three-point line.

Eager to prove he can handle the scoring without Curry, he delivered.

Other Notable Shooting Guards

Dwyane Wade, Miami Heat: The 34-year-old has proven he still has plenty left in the bag, scoring 10 fourth quarter points Friday with the Heat facing elimination in a 97-90 victory against the Hornets.

For the series, Wade is averaging 20.2 points per game, his highest since 22.8 in the 2012 NBA Playoffs. He is also pulling in 5.7 assists and 5.2 rebounds per game.

James Harden, Houston Rockets: The Rockets were a mess this season, but Harden was very solid during the series vs. Warriors. He averaged 26.6 points, 7.5 assists and 6.1 rebounds per game for the overmatched Rockets.

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