Fansided

5 breakout stars from the first round of the NBA Playoffs

By Terence Scott

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - APRIL 18: Donovan Mitchell
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - APRIL 18: Donovan Mitchell /
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Cleveland Cavaliers, Indiana Pacers
CLEVELAND, OH – APRIL 15: Victor Oladipo #4 of the Indiana Pacers reacts to a fourth quarter three point basket while playing the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game One of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2018 NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena on April 15, 2018, in Cleveland, Ohio. Indiana won the game 98-80 to take a 1-0 series lead. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

2. Victor Oladipo, SG, Indiana Pacers

No one expected the Pacers to make the playoffs let alone force a Game 7 in the opening round against the reigning Eastern Conference champs in Lebron James and the Clevland Cavaliers. Oladipo has been making a name for himself all season with his stellar play, from the dunk contest, R&B songs, and improving his scoring average from last season’s 17.3 to up to 24.5 this year.

His explosive play didn’t stop in the regular season, Oladipo gave the Cleveland’s guards everything they could handle and more in this opening series — averaging 21.5 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per game, while playing lockdown defense with 1.9 steals.

His biggest accomplishment might be taking LeBron James to his first Game 7 in his career in the first round.  Oladipo earned his first career playoff triple-double in a win or go home Game 6, racking up 28 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists as the Pacers cruised to an easy 121-87 Eastern Conference victory, before ultimately dropping a close Game 7.

Oladipo’s playoffs may be over, but he’s made clear that he’ll be back next year.

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