NBA Playoffs 2013: Players That Must Step Up to Save Teams from Elimination

As the 2013 NBA Playoffs transpire and the oddsmakers attempt to predict which team will become champion, the favorites have emerged victorious at a surprisingly high rate. With the road teams on their last legs, coaches and fans are all wondering one thing.

Which players must step up to save their teams from elimination?

In certain cases, elimination is not yet a reality worth acknowledging. For instance, the Brooklyn Nets and Chicago Bulls are tied at 1-1 and multiple series remain at the stage of 1-0.

With the Memphis Grizzlies, Milwaukee Bucks and Boston Celtics in a 2-0 hole, however, we must acknowledge the harsh reality that their run is coming to a close.

Fortunately, hope is not yet lost for any of those teams, as a 2-0 deficit is not insurmountable. Each of those teams are preparing for two consecutive home games and could even the odds in the process.

In order to do so, these players must step up.

Jason Terry, Boston Celtics

Jason Terry is one of the most successful postseason performers of his generation, averaging 16.9 points on 39.4 percent shooting from beyond the arc through his first 87 NBA Playoff games. In that time, Terry won an NBA championship and made two NBA Finals appearances.

Games 88 and 89 haven't been as kind.

JET began the Boston Celtics' series with the New York Knicks with a Game 1 performance to forget. Terry went scoreless in 20 minutes of action, going 0-for-5 from the field and 0-for-4 from beyond the arc.

In Game 2, Terry managed to score nine points in 34 minutes, but did so on 3-of-8 shooting—not what Boston expected when they signed him.

Terry needs to play closer to the level in which he performed when he helped lead the Dallas Mavericks to the 2011 NBA championship. In that time, Terry averaged 17.5 points on a slash line of .478/.442/.843.

If Terry fails to step up in a similar manner, don't be shocked to see the Celtics go out in four quick and painful games.

Zach Randolph, Memphis Grizzlies

Prior to the 2013 NBA Playoffs, Zach Randolph had played in 28 postseason games and posted averages of 17.2 points and 9.7 rebounds. In two games during the 2013 NBA Playoffs, however, Randolph is averaging 13.0 points, 6.0 rebounds and 5.0 fouls.

If Z-Bo doesn't get going, the Los Angeles Clippers will end this series before the Memphis Grizzlies know what hit them.

By trading Rudy Gay earlier this season, the Grizzlies effectively placed their future in the hands of their big men. While Marc Gasol does all he can to play elite defense, it's on Randolph to do just one thing.

Let the petty rivalry with Blake Griffin slide and start playing basketball.

As great as it is to see Randolph and Griffin battling down low, the physicality is at the point where it's about more than making plays. Instead, the two men are roughing each other up with the intention of sending a message.

Thus far, the only message received is that Randolph's Grizzlies are in an 0-2 hole and he hasn't done much to help them.

With the referees being painfully intolerant, Randolph must now cater his game to what is permitted and lead the Grizzlies' offense. As an inside-out threat that should be able to overpower Griffin, Randolph is certainly capable.

Will he let his rivalry get the best of him? Or will Z-Bo play at the elite level he's proven capable?

Step up or go home.

J.J. Redick, Milwaukee Bucks

The Milwaukee Bucks made a instant impact type of deal at the 2013 NBA trade deadline, as they acquired sharpshooter J.J. Redick from the Orlando Magic. Since joining the Bucks, however, Redick is averaging 2.8 points and 1.7 assists less on a drastically weaker slash line.

That's carried over to the postseason, where Redick is averaging 4.0 points in two games against the Miami Heat.

If the Bucks are to dig their way out of their current 0-2 hole and shock the world, they'll need Redick to catch fire. Redick, a career 39.0 percent shooter from beyond the arc, could go a long way towards improving Milwaukee's odds by heating up with the three-ball.

Against a Heat team that has yet to reach their elite potential from beyond the arc, it's time for Redick to step up before it's too late.

If he's able to make at least two three-pointers per game, Redick can team with Mike Dunleavy to provide supporting fire for Monta Ellis and Brandon Jennings. If Redick is unable to find his shot, however, the Bucks stand no chance.

As is the case for the other men on this list, it's time to step up and produce or go home.