NBA Playoff Capsule

Brooks, Lee, Nene, and Big Baby:  Unsung Performers Who Propel Teams in NBA Playoffs

5/10/2009

Author: Brian Stankich

http://www.BasketballDailyNews.com

U. S. Sports Media, Inc

Look in a thesaurus under unsung and you find words like unrecognized and unacknowledged.  Look on the rosters of teams in the NBA playoffs and you find unsung players giving key performances to propel their teams to victory.  Combine an unsung performer with an NBA All-Star and you have a recipe for advancing deep into the postseason.  These four players are stepping onto the big stage to prove that they deserve some recognition and acknowledgment. 

Courtney Lee – Orlando Magic

The rookie guard from Western Kentucky has not played like one.  The Orlando Magic would not have beaten Philadelphia in the first round without this budding star who led his Hilltopper team to the Sweet Sixteen last year.  Lee has averaged more than 12 points per game in the playoffs as Orlando’s fifth scoring option, carrying the Magic to victories in Games 1 and 2 against the 76’ers.  After teammate Dwight Howard inadvertently struck Lee with an elbow, breaking his sinus, Lee had to sit out the first two games against the Celtics.  But Lee returned in Game 3 with a key performance scoring 11 points off the bench.  The crown of Lee’s slashing game though is his defensive ability.  Throughout the year Courtney Lee has guarded the opponent’s best guard, making himself a top NBA defender in the process.

Glen Davis – Boston Celtics

“Big Baby” has been big indeed for Boston.  Davis has done just fine trying to replace the irreplaceable Kevin Garnett, hitting big shots and guarding bigger post players.  Davis has had to guard both scorers on the wing and big men in the post, elevating his game and establishing his membership in the NBA.  The versatile Davis has put up impressive numbers against the Bulls and Magic, scoring 15.9 points and averaging 6 rebounds per game, totals significantly higher than the regular season (7 points, 4 rebounds).

Nene – Denver Nuggets

In a surprisingly successful year for the Denver Nuggets, Nene has been a yes-yes for the team from the Mile High City.  The big Brazilian with the quick step has given the Nuggets a true post presence against Hornets and Mavericks teams who are lean in the middle.  Nene, who recovered from cancer last year, is putting up 12.4 points and pulling down 7.2 rebounds, slightly lower than the regular season, but steady enough for a star-studded roster led by Chauncey Billups and Carmelo Anthony.  Nene needs to continue to improve if Denver has any chance to beat the Lakers in the Western Conference Finals.

Aaron Brooks – Houston Rockets

Brooks has demonstrated that he is one of the quickest guards in the league.  Yet to be tested, he is surging towards the top of fantasy leagues, lists, and ledgers.  Brooks has increased his scoring average by four points to over fifteen points per game including a game high 34 in the Yao-less Game 4, leading the Rockets over the Lakers to tie up the series 2-2.  The diminutive point guard stands tall among top playoff performers.

No more will these guys play in obscurity.  Courtney, Glen, Nene, and Aaron:  here is your recognition. 

Since the advent of Michael Jordan, the NBA has built its reputation one star at a time.  But basketball is a team game, and any team that has serious postseason aspirations needs its second line players to step up.  Thanks to the likes of Courtney Lee, Glen Davis, Nene, and Aaron Brooks the Magic, Celtics, Nuggets, and Rockets are looking good and planning for playoff triumph.  (Stats provided by CBSSports.com)

Source: http://www.BasketballDailyNews.com U. S. Sports Media, Inc