NBA Playoffs Review: Poole, Tyrese Maxey, and the best performers so far.

After completing the play-in tournament, the playoffs kicked off on Saturday, April 16.

Despite the absence of several high profiles in LeBron James, Mo Bamba, and a few others, this year’s playoffs boasts one of the most exciting matchups we’ve seen in Game day 1.

The Playoffs are where reputations can get made or forever changed.

A cup-winning shot, a defender, standing tall and carrying a team to a level that didn’t seem possible, or simply a record-setting individual performance can take a great player and turn them into a legend. It does not always have to result in a championship, either. 

Here we review some of those best individual performances as we look back at the postseason’s day one result.

Jordan Poole, Warriors

Poole deserves recognition for putting together one of the best all-around performances in his playoff debut. In just 30 minutes, he became the third player in the Warrior’s history to score 30 points despite playing lesser minutes.

He racked up 30 points, five three-pointers, three assists, and one rebound. The debutant stepped in to fill Stephen Curry’s shoes, who had just returned from a foot injury.

He is a better scorer than he was in 2019, and with his confidence, he should be in attack mode throughout the playoff

Tyrese Maxey, 76er

Tyrese Maxey outshined a game that saw several 76ers stars clock impressive feats.

Tobias Harris became the first 76er in 31 years with 26 points, six rebounds, six assists, and James Harrid, six games with at least 14 assists, are third-most by any 76er in a season.

But the most impressive player of the night was 21-year-old Maxey, who became the third-youngest player in NBA postseason history with a 38-point game.

Maxey showed discontent after not reaching 40 points, and with his zeal to impose his influence on the game, the youngster aims for the top and the 76ers are in safe hands.

Ja Murant, Timberwolves

Minnesota Timberwolves upset The Memphis Grizzlies in Game 1 of the first-round playoff, winning 130-117.

Anthony Edwards was influential in setting his team on the path to winning, but one outstanding player who had the fans off their seat was Ja Murant.

He contributed 32 points, four rebounds and eight assists as the grizzlies had no answers to the Timberwolves’ firing attack.

What Next In The Playoffs

Round 1 of the playoff is still on, and Trae Young of the Atlanta Hawks would be looking to repeat his form when his team comes up against Miami Heat. He racked up 38 points in a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Miami Hawks also come out firing and set an excellent defensive block against Young.

A significant threat to the Celtic’s defense is the high profiling scorers Brooklyn Nets have within their ranks.

Kevin Durante and Kyrie Irving will spearhead the Nets’ attack against one of the most refined defenses in the NBA this season.

Kyrie Irving, who would be squaring up against his former side for the second time in a row, has pleaded with the fans to get over his departure.

The Chicago Bulls have always struggled against the Bucks during the regular season. Their struggle plays down to their inability to form a defensive structure against the Two time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo.

The Greek international has averaged 29.9 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 5.8 assists in 67 games this season and will be a stern test for the Chicago bulls when the two sides face.