Taj Gibson, Mike Conley, Joakim Noah -10 dark horses of the post-season: NBA Playoffs 2011 (Pt-3)
Chicago Bulls - Taj Gibson
Gibson, the 26th overall pick in the 2009 NBA Draft, has established himself as a prolific role player in Chicago Bulls line up. In the 2010-11 regular season, Gibson started quite a number of games as power forward due to injury to Carlos Boozer.
Gibson is a versatile player who is not only a good mid range shooter, but also a force to reckon with at the defence. His tremendous defence, including 7 rebounds and 2 steals, in game-1 against the Miami Heat was overwhelming as the Bulls’ came out victorious and took an early advantage in their Conference finals 1-0.
Gibson may not have the depth as some of the other power forwards in the league, but he certainly showed signs of maturity in the Conference Finals against the Heat. Taj Gibson played 16 games in the post season an in 17.8 minutes per game; he averaged 5.92 points on a 0.566 percent shooting.
Memphis Grizzlies - Mike Conley
Although Memphis Grizzlies were defeated by the Oklahoma City Thunder in Western Conference semi-finals, but their team showed some great resistance against Thunder in all seven postseason games. While Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol deservedly walked away with all the accolades after the series, but a certain Mike Conley also announced himself in the playoffs.
The 4th year point guard, whose inconsistent play has frustrated many over the years, hit a purple patch in the playoffs. Conley played 13 playoffs games this postseason and averaged 15.2 points, 3.80 rebounds and 6.4 assists per game.
Chicago Bulls - Joakim Noah
Although Chicago Bulls’ energy guy Joakim Noah somewhat lacks athleticism and is injury prone, but his spirit to win often brings the very best out of him. On the road to the Conference Finals, it was Noah energy at the backcourt that kept the defensive setup of the Chicago Bulls intact. After playing only 48 games in the regular season due to thumb and ankle injuries, Noah ensured that he makes it up in the playoffs.
Although Noah played very well, both against the Indiana Pacers and the Atlanta Hawks, his performances fell apart against the Miami Heat. Up against the Big Three of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, Noah completely lost his groove. With the exception of game -1, in which he scored 9 points and clutched 14 rebounds, Noah was never able to counter the offensive might of the Heat and it was eventually his performance that proved to be a major factor in the Bull’s loss. The g*y slur incident didn’t help either. However, knowing Noah, the Finals debacle would only make him more hungry and will urge him on to bring out his best.
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