With both conferences in their semifinal rounds, some of the great performances of this postseason have come from point guards. Among the 7 teams remaining, each team has gotten stellar play from their point guards to make it this far. Let's take a look at each point guard's performance during the playoffs.
Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City Thunder
24.4 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 6.9 APG
Westbrook has been criticized often for taking too many shots for the Thunder, and he arguably cost the Thunder Game 3 against the Grizzlies with his poor decision making. His field goal percentage has dropped 3% in the playoffs. However, Westbrook has still been able to score and manage the Thunder to the second round of the playoffs.
Mike Conley, Memphis Grizzlies
15.9 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 6.2 APG
While Conley has not accumulated the stellar numbers Westbrook has, he has surprised many with his strong play so far this postseason. In the first round, Conley outplayed stellar PG Tony Parker of the Spurs. His performance so far in the semifinals against Westbrook and the Thunder has been even more promising to Grizzlies fans. So far in the series, he's been able to score more, averaging 19.0 PPG in the second round of the playoffs. For the Grizzlies to continue their stunning run, Conley will have to continue to play well.
Jason Kidd, Dallas Mavericks
10.9 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 7.2 APG
While Kidd has not scored as much as the other two, he's continued to showcase his superior passing abilities. His 7.2 APG have been one of the reasons the Mavericks have played so well in the playoffs. The Mavericks' most valuable weapon has been the 3-point shot, and Kidd has certainly provided some of that. He's shooting about 37% from long range, and if he continues to play well, expect the Mavs to contend for a championship this year.
Jeff Teague, Atlanta Hawks
11.4 PPG, 1.4 RPG, 2.8 APG
Teague was barely a factor at all in the Hawks' first round series against the Magic, averaging only 2.5 minutes per game. After Kirk Hinrich went down, Teague stepped into a heavy role in the Hawks offense. In the second round matchup against the Bulls, Teague is averaging 42 minutes per game, 17.3 points per game, and 3.7 assists per game. Teague's second round performance has been solid so far, and he will need to lead the Hawks well to defeat Derrick Rose and the Bulls.
Derrick Rose, Chicago Bulls
28.9 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 7.3 APG
The regular season MVP has been terrific so far in the postseason, shredding defenses to average just about 29 points per game. Rose's performance has been even further elevated in this second round series against the Hawks, averaging 31 points per game, and 9 assists per game. Rose has continued his rise to becoming one of the top players in the NBA, and has definitely made a great case for being the best point guard in the league.
Rajon Rondo, Boston Celtics
15.7 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 11.1 APG
Rondo tore through the Knicks' subpar defense in the first round, but has met some much tougher defense against the Heat. His production has dropped 8.7 points per game and 2 assists per game. Rondo's gutsy return from a dislocated elbow in Game 3 Saturday was heroic, but many wonder if he will be healthy for Game 4. Rondo is listed as a game-time decision, and the Celtics will surely need their point guard to come back in this series against Miami.
Mario Chalmers, Miami Heat
7.4 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 2.3 APG
Unlike many of the other point guards listed, Chalmers' job does not involve being a huge offensive presence. The Heat are led by LeBron James and Dwayne Wade, and Chalmers' job appears to be to make 3's when needed. Chalmers is hitting 3's at a 36.1% rate, and he is certainly capable of hitting clutch three's in important games. Chalmers doesn't have as much of a role in his team's offense, but the Heat have proven to the doubters that they have the ability to win in the postseason.
Here are my rankings of the remaining point guards so far in the postseason:
1) Derrick Rose
2) Rajon Rondo
3) Mike Conley
4) Russell Westbrook
5) Jason Kidd
6) Jeff Teague
7) Mario Chalmers
