NBA Playoffs 2012: Players Who Must Step Up in Monday's Game 2 Action
In the NBA playoffs, a sub-par performance from one or more of your key players will completely cripple you.
That was clearly evidenced on Saturday as a few teams lost their playoff openers in disappointing fashion.
With first-round action continuing on Monday, the Knicks, Mavericks and Pacers all need big showings to avoid a devastating 0-2 hole. The following players must step up to save their team's season.
Carmelo Anthony, New York Knicks
There's really no nice way to say it: Carmelo was absolutely terrible in Game 1 against Miami. Like, historically bad.
He had more turnovers (4) than made field goals (3) and shot just 20 percent from the field. He only attempted five free throws (compared to 14 for counterpart LeBron James) and posted an atrocious plus/minus of -35.
When you're the best player on a team, that type of performance is unacceptable.
Based on his competitiveness and skill level, I'm expecting Anthony to play much better in Game 2. If he doesn't, the Knicks will get blown out again.
Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas Mavericks
Nowitzki was solid against Oklahoma City in Game 1, hitting 8-of-18 field goals and 9-of-10 free throws on his way to 25 points.
However, he also committed six turnovers, a few of which came on critical possessions. On two different occasions in the final minutes, Nowitzki tried to do too much off the dribble, eventually getting stripped by a Thunder defender.
It's almost unfair to ask so much of Nowitzki, but he must play perfectly for the defending champs to have a chance in this series. If he commits any crucial errors, especially in crunch time, the Mavericks will have no shot.
Indiana's Bench
In Game 1 against Orlando, the Pacers bench of Darren Collison, Leandro Barbosa, Lou Amundson and Tyler Hansbrough were just awful offensively.
In 70 total minutes of playing time, the four combined for just 14 points on 6-of-24 shooting.
On a team that doesn't have a true superstar to take over offensively, balanced and efficient scoring is critical. The Pacers didn't get that from their reserves on Saturday, and they lost home court advantage because of it.
Look for Indiana's bench to step up on Monday. If they don't, the Pacers will head to Orlando down 0-2.
