The 2024 NBA playoffs are in full swing, with teams locked in intense battles to separate themselves from opponents in the first-round. But before many game threes start, who were the most pivotal players in the second set of games in the first round?
NBA Playoffs: MVPs of Round One Game Two
5. Orlando Magic vs. 4. Cleveland Cavaliers (96-86 CLE) MVP: Jarret Allen
After a pedestrian offensive showing in game one of the series, the Orlando Magic found themselves forced to play from behind again against the Cleveland Cavaliers in game two. Hampered by the temporary absence of two-way guard Jalen Suggs — the team’s steals per game leader — the Magic struggled defensively without their and on the floor and shot a measly 25.7% from beyond the three-point line.
Unsurprisingly, Cavs guard Donovan Mitchell was the prime scorer, leading the team with a serviceable 23 points on 40.9% shooting. However, Jarret Allen really made the difference. Cleveland’s center was dominant around the net on both sides of the court, recording a 16-point, 20-rebound double-double while also clocking two steals and three blocks in an excellent all-around game for the one-time All-Star.
7. Philadelphia 76ers vs. 2. New York Knicks (104-101 NYK) MVP: Josh Hart
The Philadelphia 76ers desperately needed a win in game two of their series against the New York Knicks. Reigning league MVP Joel Embiid and All-Star guard Tyrese Maxey did their part to even the series for Philly, combining for 69 points, 19 rebounds, and 16 assists. However, it wouldn’t be enough. The rest of the Sixers lineup underperformed, and the team was stifled around the net by a Knicks squad that was set on securing the series lead before traveling to Philadelphia.
New York guard Jalen Brunson led the team in scoring with 24 points, but his 25.7% shooting hindered the Knicks as much as it helped them. It was forward Josh Hart who made the difference. The seven-year vet followed up a solid game one effort with another superb performance around the net on both sides of the court. Hart recorded a 21-point, 15-rebound double-double, adding two blocks and two steals to help the Knicks take a 2-0 lead in the series.
7. Los Angeles Lakers vs. 2. Denver Nuggets (101-99 DEN) MVP: Nikola Jokic
The reigning NBA champion Denver Nuggets continue to be a buzzsaw. Though the game came down to one basket, the Los Angeles Lakers experienced another top-heavy performance from their lineup. Lebron James, Anthony Davis — the team scoring leader who registered a 32-point 11-rebound double-double on the night — and D’Angelo Russell all clocked in productive performances for the Lakers., but the rest of the team accounted for a mere 18 of LA’s 99 points.
Two-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic again demonstrated how valuable an asset he is to the Nuggets. “The Joker” recorded a 27-point, 20-rebound, and 10-assist triple-double, leading Denver in scoring while also elevating the cast around him. Along with the triple-double from the 2024 MVP finalist, Jokic’s playmaking helped guard Jamal Murray and forward Michael Porter Jr. put together 20 and 22-point scoring outings, respectively, getting the Nuggets one step closer to going to the second round. Murray notably hit a buzzer-beater over Davis to secure a win for the Nuggets.
6. Phoenix Suns vs. 3. Minnesota Timberwolves (105-93 MIN) MVP: Jaden McDaniels
The Minnesota Timberwolves picked up where they left off in game one with another assertive defense against the Phoenix Suns. The highest-rated defense locked down on defense and around the net, not allowing a single Suns player to score more than 20 points, a far from easy task when matched up against four-time scoring champion Kevin Durant and four-time All-Star Devin Booker.
Two-time All-Star and team-scoring leader Anthony Edwards struggled to get into a groove. He shot just 25% from the field and yielded only 15 points. Fortunately for the T-Wolves, the entire starting lineup put together productive performances. Most notably, Jaden McDaniels popped off, scoring 25 points on 58.8% shooting, more than doubling his average production per game. The Minnesota forward gave the T-Wolves the boost they needed to go up 2-0.
6. Indiana Pacers vs. 3. Milwaukee Bucks (125-108 IND) MVP: Pascal Siakam
The Indiana Pacers were reminded that their defense — ranked 24th of 30 in the league — is a major Achilles heel that the Milwaukee Bucks, even without former MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, exploited in game one. Fortunately for the Pacers, the team’s offense ensured the game wouldn’t come down to their defensive play. After a slow start in the opening minutes, Indiana went on a 17-point run to end the first quarter, nabbing a lead the team would sustain to win game two.
All-star guard Tyrese Haliburton ran the offense for the Pacers, dishing 12 assists on the night. Three of those assists went to veteran forward Pascal Siakam, who followed up a 36-point, 13-rebound outing in game one with another double-double. Siakam racked up 32 points and shot a stellar 69.6% on the floor, making three of his four three-pointers. The two-time All-Star also forced a steal and got two jams at the net to round out an outstanding all-around effort for Siakam.
5. Dallas Mavericks vs. 4. Los Angeles Clippers (96-93 DAL) MVP: Luka Doncic
The Dallas Mavericks didn’t have far to fall coming off their game one loss to the Los Angeles Clippers. The Mavs benefited from a more well-balanced offensive showing and a stingy defensive performance. Allowing only 93 points against an offense that averages 115 per game. Though Dallas lagged in the third quarter, the squad scored 31 points in the fourth, locking up the series-evening win for the Mavs.
Although he had a better individual performance during game one, Dallas’ Luka Doncic was as potent on the offensive end of the court as ever. The Mav’s guard, who nearly averages a triple-double per game, scored 32 points on 42.3% shooting, racking up nine assists and six rebounds. Doncic, not known for his defense, also locked down on defense. Earning a block and a steal to round out a great night for the MVP hopeful.
8. Miami Heat vs. 1. Boston Celtics (111-101 MIA) MVP: Tyler Herro
Winning game two wasn’t optional for the Miami Heat. Coming off a loss in game one where the Boston Celtics led from tip-off to the final buzzer, the Heat, still reeling from the loss of All-Star forward Jimmy Butler, put together an impressive team performance. Down by three at the half, Miami tightened up on the defensive end of the court. Holding the highest-rated offense in the association to 18 points in the third quarter, giving the Heat a lead they’d preserve to even the series at one game apiece.
Following a mediocre outing in the series opener, guard Tyler Herro caught fire from beyond the arch. While shooting 53.8% from the field, Herro made six attempts from deep en route to a team-leading 24-point scoring performance. The guard complimented his scoring with terrific playmaking, dealing 14 assists to earn himself a double-double. Leading the Heat to a massive victory as the series moves to Long Beach.
8. New Orleans Pelicans vs. 1. Oklahoma City Thunder (124-92) MVP: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
After narrowly staving off the New Orleans Pelicans in game one, the Oklahoma City Thunder — the youngest and most inexperienced team in the playoffs — reminded the league of why they earned the top seed in the Western Conference. The Thunder controlled the game from wire-to-wire. Exiting the first quarter with a 13-point lead that would only expand over the next 36 minutes of action.
Supported by a combined 47-point, 12-rebound eight-assist night from forward Jalen Williams and center Chet Holmgren, MVP finalist Shai Gilgeous-Alexander rebounded from a lackluster showing in game one with a performance far more similar to what he was doing in the regular season. The OKC guard shot brilliantly, scoring 33 points while making 68.4% of his shots. Gilgeous-Alexander would also add five assists and two steals to his stat line.
