NBA Playoffs: Mike Conley and Key Players Will Decide Who Survives First Round

Mike Conley might not be the biggest name on the Memphis Grizzlies, but he's quickly become an integral part of his team's chances in the first round against the Los Angeles Clippers.

He helped Memphis build a 27-point lead in Game 1, making all five of his three-point attempts and scoring 17. And after suffering through the Clippers' historic comeback, Conley came back and scored 19 points in a seven-point win.

Of course, Conley's most important contribution may be the defense he plays against Chris Paul. So far, he's been unable to contain the superstar.

Still, Conley is a solid defender and has good side—if he can even begin to solve the riddle that is Chris Paul, Memphis will have a significantly better shot at returning to the Western Conference Semifinals.

Nick Young and Mo Williams, Los Angeles Clippers

Without Caron Butler, the Clippers will need to rely even more on their bench scorers, namely Young and Williams. Both are capable of getting hot from range—they combined for 22 points in Game 2 and 28 points in Game 1.

Given Los Angeles' inability to consistently get stops, it may take some productive games from these two to make up the difference

Joe Johnson, Atlanta Hawks

So far, Johnson hasn't exactly proven how important he is to the Hawks' postseason hopes.

He shot just 3-15 in Atlanta's Game 1 victory, but had a 22-point Game 2 loss.

Chances are Johnson will have to have much-improved performances for the remainder of the series if Larry Drew's team is to have a chance—especially with Josh Smith possibly missing at least Game 3 with a strained knee.

Ty Lawson, Denver Nuggets

Lawson may not be enough to give the Nuggets a chance against the Lakers, but he'll be essential to any chances they do have.

He scored just seven points on a terrible shooting night in Denver's 15-point Game 1 loss. The Nuggets' second loss came by just four points, thanks in large part to Lawsons' 25 points and seven assists.

Vince Carter, Dallas Mavericks

After showing some signs of returning to prime form late in the regular season, Carter has thus far been a non-factor against the Oklahoma City Thunder. In two close losses, he has just a combined 18 points on 7-23 shooting.

The Mavericks know what they're going to get from Dirk Nowitzki and Jason Terry. Shawn Marion is more of a utility guy than a go-to scorer. That leaves Vince Carter as the all-important unknown.

Jameer Nelson, Orlando Magic

Nelson played well in Orlando's lone win, racking up 17 points and nine assists in a tight 81-77 victory over the Indiana Pacers. Since then, he's struggled and the Magic have dropped two-straight. In those losses, Nelson shot a combined 7-23 from the field and tallied just eight total assists.

Whatever small chances Orlando has to survive this series will require far more consistent outings from Nelson. He'll need lots of help to be sure, but this team isn't going anywhere without him taking the lead.

Lou Williams, Philadelphia 76ers

Williams numbers speak for themselves in establishing his importance. He was just 1-6 in Philly's Game 1 loss to the Chicago Bulls, but looked like an entirely different player in Game 2, picking up 20 points and seven assists.

He also played a central role in triggering a 76ers run that quickly took Chicago out of the game.