'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
The 2021 NBA playoffs culminated in an intriguing Milwaukee Bucks Game 6 closeout against the Phoenix Suns in the NBA Finals. Meanwhile, fans have been treated to spectacular single-game performances in prior rounds of the postseason.
Although injuries changed the fortunes of several superstars, those that featured made the 2021 NBA playoffs worth watching.
The Milwaukee Bucks are deserving of the 2021 NBA championship. They played more games than any other team in the 2021 NBA playoffs but have the resilience to overcome the Phoenix Suns in Game 6.
Joel Embiid, Kawhi Leonard and Donovan Mitchell deserve honorary mention for their performances in the 2021 NBA playoffs. They fought through adversities but could not carry their teams all the way.
All things considered, here are the top five single-game performances from a player in the 2021 NBA playoffs.
#5 Paul George in Game 5 against the Utah Jazz
The LA Clippers successfully tied the 2021 NBA playoffs Western Conference Semi-finals series after going 0-2 against the Utah Jazz. Although the Clippers had a poor record on the road, Paul George exploded to give his team their first lead of the series.
The victory is more noteworthy because he single-handedly won the game for the Clippers without Kawhi Leonard. Leonard was injured in the fourth quarter of Game 4 and was sidelined for the rest of the series. Paul proved to all his doubters that he can carry the team by himself.
With his 37 points, 16 rebounds, five assists, and two blocks, the LA Clippers won three consecutive games in Round 2 of the 2021 NBA playoffs. Another decent outing from George and an incredible display from Terance Mann in Game 6 guaranteed the LA Clippers their first conference finals appearance in franchise history.
#4 Chris Paul in Game 6 against the LA Clippers
Chris Paul led the Phoenix Suns to the Western Conference finals against all odds. Injuries have disrupted the veteran's run in the NBA playoffs in the past. However, Paul soldiered through to lead his team to the final.
The LA Clippers were the comeback kings in the 2021 NBA playoffs as they came from a 0-2 deficit in the early rounds to win the series. With the Suns enjoying a 3-2 series lead, Paul made it his mission to close out the series.
Paul erupted for 41 points against a formidable Clippers team to guarantee the Suns an NBA Finals appearance since 1993. On a night where Devin Booker lost his range, CP3 was automatic from the perimeter, knocking down seven of his eight attempts.
#3 Trae Young in Game 1 against the Milwaukee Bucks
The Atlanta Hawks surprisingly defeated the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2021 NBA playoffs Eastern Conference Semi-finals. Coming off that series victory, the Hawks continued to pile on the pressure as they overcame the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 1of the conference finals.
Trae Young played a significant role in that victory, making it the first home loss for the Bucks in the 2021 NBA playoffs. Although the Bucks dominated in the first half, the Hawks took over halfway into the third quarter.
Young registered 48 points, 11 assists, and seven rebounds while shooting 50% from the field. His brilliance put him on the list of the youngest players to score 45+ points in a playoff game. Of all the players in the top ten, he has the most points while playing the least minutes.
#2 Kevin Durant in Game 5 against the Milwaukee Bucks
The Milwaukee Bucks restored parity in the 2021 NBA playoffs semi-finals series despite suffering a 2-0 loss. The Brooklyn Nets were short-handed as Kyrie Irving hurt his ankle in Game 4.
With James Harden playing through a hamstring injury, the Nets' survival was at the hands of Kevin Durant. Durant, despite missing action for the entire previous season, showed no signs of slack as he played every minute of Game 5.
The heavy lifting was left to Durant as Joe Harris lost his range, and Harden was not 100%. With qualification in the balance, Durant recorded the best performance of his NBA playoffs career in Game 5.
Although it was a narrow win due to low productivity from his supporting cast, he registered 49 points, 17 rebounds, and 10 assists. It was a historic night for KD, as he became the first player in NBA playoffs history to record 45+ points, 15+ rebounds, and 10+ assists in a single playoff game.
#1 Giannis Antetokounmpo in Game 6 against the Phoenix Suns
There's no better way to end the 2021 NBA playoffs than with a 50-point series clincher in the NBA Finals. The Milwaukee Bucks lost their first two games of the series but found a way to win four consecutive games to clinch the title.
Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday deserve accolades as they were both exceptional throughout the 2021 NBA playoffs and most especially, in the Finals. However, Giannis Antetokounmpo was the star of the show as he dominated both ends of the court.
It was a dominant series for Giannis, who broke several records on the night and was rewarded with his first NBA Finals MVP award. His 50-point game sealed the deal for the Milwaukee Bucks as they won their first NBA championship since 1971.
Guess the Lakers players!
