NBA Playoff First Round Overachievers

The first round has given us one forgettable seven-game series (Hawks-Heat) and one that may be unforgettable (Celtics-Bulls). Through them all, certain players have stood out and gone above and beyond what was expected of them in the first round.

These overachievers, if you will, have shown that the bright lights of playoff basketball do not blind them. They realize their talent is only relative to the concept of the team, and their contribution has everything to do with what the team needs most.

Luis Scola - Houston Rockets

If you haven't watched him play, you're missing out. The Argentinean will not sweep you off your feet with quickness or an array of ball handling skills, but what he does bring is more fundamental than anything else in the NBA.

His shot fake is excellent, and at 6'9", he covers a lot of ground when a defender leaves his feet. He finishes around the basket well and has an excellent mid range game.

His shooting percentage was up (60 percent) and as a result averaged nearly four more points a game against the Blazers.

Trevor Ariza - Los Angeles Lakers

Incredibly efficient, shooting 61 percent from the field. He upped his scoring average from nine a game in the regular season to 12 a game in the first round.

He can knock down open shots, especially from beyond the arc (22-36), and he apparently passed the ball well, averaging just over four assist a game—way up from only 1.8 in the regular season.

He's become a welcome addition to Bryant's Lakers and, due to his size and speed, continues to serve as a big match up problem for other teams.

Ron Artest - Houston Rockets

As strange as it was to see him and Yao Ming joking about Artest running into the stands after a loose ball, it spoke volumes about the team chemistry right now.
And yes, Artest has a lot to do with that. It wasn't long ago that Yao was very concerned with Ron-Ron coming to the Rockets and perhaps corrupting any chemistry they had.

Artest's game is like a bigger, more physical Paul Pierce. He is deliberate in his movements, especially with the ball and utilizes his size on both ends. He can be intimidating at times and has embraced the fact that a 7'6" agile center is not to be ignored in the offense.

John Salmons - Chicago Bulls

Salmons showed his worth most when Ben Gordon was not on the floor. He does what Gordon won't in the clutch—make a read and react to what the defense gives him.

When Gordon fouled out of game six, he was able to get to the rim down the stretch for a big basket. He isn't an intricate part of the Bulls' offense, but he makes the most of his opportunities when he gets a touch.

Salmons can also defend. He caused problems for Paul Pierce and forced him away from the basket even though Pierce was extraordinary hitting plenty of big shots.

When Pierce did try to penetrate, Salmons was quick enough to cut his lane off and force him away.

Dahntay Jones - Denver Nuggets

Jones has embraced the defensive mentality of George Karl. He is physical and not afraid to muscle someone around and intimidate. Offensively, he improved a bit by shooting 60 percent from the field, good for an increase from points in the regular season to eight in the first round.

If he and the Nuggets keep a defensive mindset and continue to bully other teams who don't want to respond, the No. 2 seed could prove to be more than a viable opponent for the No. 1 seed Lakers in the West Finals.

Jason Kidd - Dallas Mavericks

Kidd only had three turnovers the whole series. His scoring average increased by a point and he has, for the time being, rejuvenated a Maverick squad that was once yesterday's news. His-off-the ball defense was excellent, as usual, as he averaged nearly 2.5 steals a game.

Glen Davis - Boston Celtics

What a huge series for the former LSU star. He more than doubled his scoring average from seven a game to 18 a game, but more importantly he provided a sound inside presence, rather unexpectedly, that the Bulls had to respect.

Davis was a bit of a liability on the defensive end, but he made up for grabbing big rebound after big rebound on both ends. He's no Garnett, but Celtic fans have to be pleased with his series against the younger and quicker Bulls.

Aaron Brooks - Houston Rockets

He played well, seeing an increase in assists and points. The guy stepped in at point guard when Houston traded Rafer Alston and the team hasn't skipped a beat.

I'm biased towards point guards, but Brooks must be doing something right for the Rockets to have handled Brandon Roy and Portland.

LeBron James - Cleveland Cavaliers

Overachieved? Seems absurd, right? But every one of his teammates' numbers were down in the series against Detroit. His game, as it has been in every playoff series he's been in, stepped up and he carried the Cavs to double digit wins in every game in a four game sweep.

He treated the first round like the last round and obliterated everything in his path. If this was the Eastern Finals, maybe I'd think differently.

But James is showing that he is one of the fiercest competitors who, unlike others (see underachievers), can get it done with or without the help of his teammates.

Additions? Disagreements? I'm sure there are both, so feel free to comment and respond.