NBA Playoffs 2012: 7 Stars Who Will Come Up Huge in Round 2

The first round of the NBA Playoffs are officially over and stars are ready to shine in Round 2. 

The further the playoffs go, the better stars need to play. It's as simple as that. 

Some of theses players have already stepped-up their game, while others will have to improve from Round 1. 

Get ready for the playoff atmosphere to get even more exciting with the stars ready to shine. 

Chris Paul

Chris Paul came to the Los Angeles Clippers for one reason – to win a championship. 

Paul is one of the most competitive players in the league and he's willing to do anything to win a championship. In the first round Paul played like an MVP by averaging 20.4 points, 7.1 assists and 5.4 rebounds per game. 

The Spurs did not have any trouble with the Grizzlies or Devin Harris in Round 1. Harris is no Paul though. 

San Antonio won the regular season series against the Clippers 2-1, but Paul averaged 22.3 points and 8.6 assists per game. Look for him to continue his outstanding playoff performance in Round 2 against the Spurs. 

Tim Duncan

Tim Duncan just finds ways to get the job done. 

The veteran has had solid, but not eye-popping numbers in the playoffs so far. In the first round, Duncan averaged 14.3 points and 8.8 rebounds per game. 

Duncan knows his career may be close to an end and he wants to win another ring. The big man should make some huge shots, rebounds, blocks and passes the whole series. 

The Clippers have younger and quicker big men, but Duncan will continue to get the job done. 

LeBron James

LeBron James is finally playing like an MVP in the playoffs for the Miami Heat. 

James is on a mission. After winning his third MVP, he now has to win a championship and will do anything to make it happen. 

The Heat have already begun their second round series against the Indiana Pacers and James went off. After struggling in the first half, James finished with 32 points, 15 rebounds and 5 assists. James played best in the second half by scoring 26 of his 32 points.

Simply, James is on a mission. His performance will continue to prove that in the second round. 

Dwyane Wade

Dwyane Wade has always came through big for the Miami Heat in the playoffs. 

Going into this season, Wade has averaged 25.6 points, 5.6 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game; proving he can come up huge in the playoffs. 

Wade was clutch to start off Round 2 against the Pacers, scoring 16 of his 29 points in the second half to help Miami win Game 1. 

Indiana will have trouble with Wade all series, and he will continue to prove that he is clutch when it matters most. 

Kobe Bryant

Kobe Bryant is the most clutch basketball player since the great Michael Jordan. 

There is simply no stopping him when it matters most. Bryant wasn't at his best against the Denver Nuggets in the deciding game of Round 1, but his late three-pointer sealed the victory for the Los Angeles Lakers. 

Bryant averaged 29.1 points, 5 assists and 4.6 rebounds per game in Round 1. Every point was huge, especially in the fourth quarter.

The Thunder are in for a long series if Bryant can keep hitting big shots in big moments. 

James Harden

James Harden has every reason to have revenge on his mind when the Oklahoma City Thunder battle the Los Angeles Lakers in Round 2. 

After Metta World Peace gave Harden the people's elbow, Harden is ready for revenge. 

Harden averaged 18.6 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game in the first round against the Dallas Mavericks. Harden is a huge luxury coming off the bench for the Thunder. 

Harden has all the motivation in the world and his play will show it against the Lakers. 

Russell Westbrook

Russell Westbrook presents a huge mismatch for the Los Angles Lakers. 

Westbrook is the perfect mix of a facilitator and scorer, and Ramon Sessions and Steve Blake are not quick enough or physical enough to guard him. 

In Round 1, Westbrook averaged 22.3 points, 4.3 assists and 3.8 rebounds per game. His numbers may be even better against the Lakers. 

Westbrook is too much of a mismatch for the Lakers. His game will show it as he comes up huge in Round 2 for the Thunder.