YİĞİT İN DÜNYASI- KIŞ SEZONU

PG, Chris Paul

PPG RPG APG SPG BPG

18.0 8.0 14.0 5.0 0

"You don't go from not making playoffs to winning a championship. It just doesn't work that way ... We're headed in right direction,'' Hornets' coach Byron Scott told the AP after losing Game 7 to the Spurs 91-82. With that being said, point guard Chris Paul sure did try his best to go all the way. In New Orleans' final game of the season, the three-year vet registered 18 points, 14 dimes and eight rebounds. Paul led his team throughout the season and it was no different in the playoffs. While this year may not have been The Big Easy's moment to shine, even their opponent, Spurs' coach Gregg Popovich sees the potential with Paul at the helm, as he explained to USA TODAY, "I don't think there's any doubt their time will come."

SG, Kobe Bryant

PPG RPG APG SPG BPG

26.3 5.0 5.0 1.7 0

Some may have changed the channel or turned off the TV when they saw the Spurs up by 20 in the third quarter in Game 1 of the Conference Finals. Those guilty know they made a big mistake. Kobe Bryant led his team to an impressive comeback. Scoring all but two of his 27 points in the second half, Bryant was on fire and not even the reigning champs could put out his flame. He finished the night with 27 points, nine dimes and five rebounds en route to an 89-85 Game 1 victory. Following the win, the Lakers' superstar explained to the Los Angeles Times, "I can get it off any time, and in the second half, I did that."

SF, Paul Pierce

PPG RPG APG SPG BPG

19.7 4.7 4.3 0.7 0.7

Coming off an epic 41-point performance in Game 7 against the Cavs, Paul Pierce gave the Pistons a taste of his offensive power two nights later in Game 1 of the Conference Finals. Registering 22 points, six rebounds and six assists, P-Squared played a pivotal role in the teams' Game 1 88-79 victory. Focused and ready for Detroit despite a lack of rest, following the Game 1 win Pierce explained to the AP,"This was the perfect game for them to come in and try to steal one. And we were aware of that."

PF, Tim Duncan

PPG RPG APG SPG BPG

20.0 17.3 3.5 1.0 1.5

No team has ever fought back from a three-game hole in a playoff series. Already down by two games heading into Game 3, the San Antonio Spurs knew very well what was at stake. Tough on defense and aggressive on offense, the reigning champs took control in Game 3, defeating the Lakers 103-84. Tim Duncan dominated on both ends of the floor, registering 22 points, 21 rebounds and five assists. In addition, he held Lamar Odom to seven points. Following the matchup The Big Fundamental explained to the San Antonio Express-News, "When it comes down to it, it doesn’t matter what the game plan is, it doesn’t matter how you draw it up. People have to show up, and people have to put performances on the floor."

C, Tyson Chandler

PPG RPG APG SPG BPG

13.0 15.0 1.0 0 1.0

They may have not won the fight but they threw some hard punches along the way. Tyson Chandler challenged the Spurs down low, as he played hard and strong throughout the series. In Game 7 the 7-1 center continued to flex his muscle, as he logged a double-double with 13 points and 15 rebounds in the Hornets' season-ending 91-82 loss. Despite the fact that New Orleans' failed to go all the way, Coach Byron Scott expressed that he was pleased with his team's performance, as he explained to USA TODAY, "We've developed something special. Obviously we still have to add some pieces to the puzzle. But I like the direction we're going."

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