This NBA postseason has been one for the ages, that’s for sure.
We’ve seen some incredible record-breaking performances and there’s still plenty of talent left in contention for the Larry O’Brien trophy.
With that in mind, and now that we’ve reached the Conference Finals, JJ Redick took to First Take to signal out his top-5 performances in this year’s playoffs, which was no easy task.
.@jj_redick‘s top five 2023 NBA playoff performances so far:
1. Jimmy Butler 56 Pts (Game 4 vs. Bucks)
2. Jayson Tatum 51 Pts (Game 7 vs. 76ers)
3. Steph Curry 50 Pts (Game 7 vs. Kings)
4. Nikola Jokić triple-double (Game 1 vs. Lakers)
5. Devin Booker 47 Pts (Game 3 vs. Nuggets) pic.twitter.com/yRDCytOzt1— First Take (@FirstTake) May 17, 2023
At No. 5, Redick chose Devin Booker’s 47-point piece against the Denver Nuggets, citing that he brought his team back in the series with that win in Game 3, and lauding him as the “most ethical scorer” in the league after shooting 20/25 in that game.
Redick then chose Nikola Jokic’s performance in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals, which was pretty much an easy choice.
The former NBA player raved about Jokic’s consistency and ability to put up those monster numbers after the ridiculous numbers he had in the series vs. the Phoenix Suns, adding that he completely dominated the Los Angeles Lakers en route to a triple-double.
At No. 3, Redick talked about Stephen Curry’s signature 50-point performance in Game 5, citing that he had some “insane shot-making” to keep the Warriors’ dynasty alive for at least an extra week or so.
Jayson Tatum’s 51-point explosion in Game 7 vs. the Philadelphia 76ers got the nod at No. 2, stating that Tatum took a page out of Curry’s book by simply crushing his rival’s spirit and will with his shot in the second half.
Finally, Redick chose Jimmy Butler’s masterpiece in Game 4 vs. the Milwaukee Bucks.
He praised him for scoring over 20 points in the fourth quarter alone to bring his team back from a 14-point, fourth-quarter deficit.
Redick lauded Butler for hitting every shot in the clutch en route to a 56-point historic performance, adding that losing that game could’ve shifted the series back in the Bucks’ favor.
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