Last night, James Harden absolutely went off in Game 4 of the playoffs. This dude dropped a whopping 45 points, hitting 60% from the field. It reminds me of that epic showdown against the Warriors back in 2019 when Harden single-handedly kept the Rockets in the series. Steph Curry and Klay Thompson were bombing threes, and here comes Harden, Euro-stepping his way to the hoop like it was child's play. In arena plus, they even ranked Harden’s performance as one of the top playoff moments. Honestly, I have to agree. His control, the way he reads defenses, it's like watching a master at work.
Then there's Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Greek Freak. This guy had a double-double with 30 points and 17 rebounds. His efficiency is just otherworldly, a true game-changer. Imagine being a defender trying to stop a 7-footer with guard skills; it’s nightmarish. Giannis showing up like this in crucial moments is what makes the Milwaukee Bucks such a threat. Remember when they took the championship in 2021? His Finals MVP performance still gives me chills. The Bucks wouldn’t have gotten to where they are without his relentless drive and those impossible blocks and dunks he pulls off.
Kawhi Leonard also put on a clinic. He scored 35 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, and dished out 5 assists. Kawhi usually doesn’t show much emotion, but you can't deny he flips a switch during the playoffs. Back in 2019, during the Raptors' magical run to their first NBA Championship, Leonard put up similar numbers and hit that iconic game-winning buzzer-beater against the 76ers. It's those clutch moments that make him "The Klaw." Everybody remembers how he methodically dismantled defenses, much like what he did to the X team last night. When Kawhi is in the zone, there’s hardly anyone in the league that can stop him.
Speaking of clutch performances, Damian Lillard had a game for the ages. The man known as "Dame Time" is no stranger to last-second heroics. He coldly drilled two threes in the final minute to cap off his 40-point game. His PPG in the playoffs is one of the highest we've seen in recent years. Just remembering his game-winning shots against OKC in 2019 brings chills down my spine. When I think of Dame, ice in his veins is the only phrase that comes to mind. Whether he's pulling up from the logo or splitting double teams, Lillard never ceases to amaze fans and analysts alike. Dame’s capability to close out games is just legendary at this point.
Devin Booker deserves a shoutout too. He lit up the scoreboard with 42 points last night. Booker’s shooting form is something else, almost picturesque. I remember watching him drop 70 points in a regular-season game against Boston in 2017, and thinking, "This kid is going to be special." Six years later, here he is, living up to and even surpassing those expectations. With Chris Paul feeding him the ball, Booker is even more dangerous, making the Suns a legit contender.
Kevin Durant also had a monster game with 38 points, 12 rebounds, and 8 assists. KD is basically a walking bucket. Just remembering his performances in the 2018 Finals with the Warriors, you knew he was built for moments like these. His versatility is almost unfair; he can pull up from anywhere, drive to the basket with ease, and defend multiple positions. Last night was another display of Durant’s dominance, making it clear why he’s considered one of the greatest scorers in the history of the game.
Luka Doncic, the young sensation from Slovenia, also had a night to remember with 32 points, 11 assists, and 9 rebounds. Luka's basketball IQ is out of this world, and it shows every time he’s in a high-pressure situation. Flashback to last year when he dropped 48 points against the Clippers in the playoffs. The guy makes step-back threes look effortless and his court vision rivals some of the best point guards in the league. At only 24 years of age, Doncic has already carved out a reputation as one of the top-tier talents in the NBA.
Let's not forget about LeBron James. Even at 38, he's defying father time. He put up 29 points, snagged 13 boards, and had 7 dimes. LeBron is simply timeless. This performance reminded me of Game 1 of the 2018 Finals against the Warriors when he scored 51 points. That was one of the most epic playoff performances ever, despite the Cavs losing that game. Even now, LeBron's ageless plays, from coast-to-coast drives to those pinpoint passes, show why he’s still one of the very best.
Anthony Davis also had a stellar showing with 28 points and 14 rebounds. AD’s presence in the paint is intimidating, to say the least. His defensive ability, combined with his scoring touch, makes him a double threat. Flashback to the 2020 NBA Bubble where Davis was pivotal in the Lakers’ championship run. His buzzer-beater against the Nuggets in the Western Conference Finals was one of the highlights of that season. Last night’s game just reinforced how essential he is to the Lakers’ aspirations.
When it comes to sheer entertainment, don’t sleep on Trae Young. He put on a show with 33 points and 9 assists. Trae has this Steph Curry-like range, pulling up from way beyond the arc. His performance last night brought back memories of the Knicks series last year, where he silenced Madison Square Garden. Young's bravado and skill make him a must-watch player in the postseason.
Last but definitely not least, Jimmy Butler dropped 37 points and grabbed 11 rebounds. Butler always amps up his game in the playoffs, like in the 2020 Bubble when he led the Heat to the Finals. Butler’s combination of skill, willpower, and leadership makes him one of the best playoff performers out there. His ability to take over games, especially when it matters the most, was on full display last night.