The 2019 NBA Playoffs are underway!
Every day from now until the end of the postseason, our NBA.com Staff will bring you one top performer following the completion of the playoff games on that day.
You'll be able to see the best performance and three honourable mentions from each day, while also having access to all prior "Player of the Day" files, as we see who can tally the most honours these playoffs.
Today's player of the day is...
James Harden
Team's result: Rockets 118, Jazz 98
Stat line: 32 points (11-24 FG, 6-13 3PT), 13 rebounds, 10 assists
Harden notched his third career playoff triple-double to lead the Rockets to a 2-0 series lead against the Utah Jazz.
The MVP candidate scored 17 of his 32 points in the first quarter, setting the tone on offence for the Rockets, with the Jazz struggling to find many answers on defence.
James Harden had 32 pts, 13 reb, 10 ast in a 118-98 win vs the Jazz tonight.
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) April 18, 2019
Harden is the 6th player in NBA postseason history to record multiple 30-point triple-doubles, joining LeBron James, Oscar Robertson, Russell Westbrook, Charles Barkley and Wilt Chamberlain. (h/t Elias) pic.twitter.com/spfSqlpbXa
Kyrie Irving and Jayson Tatum
Team's result: Celtics 99, Pacers 91
Stat line: 63 points (26-46 FG, 9-15 3PT), 9 assists, 10 rebounds
Kyrie Irving (37 PTS) kept the Celtics in the game with some tough shotmaking, while Jayson Tatum (26 PTS) stepped up with some clutch shots down the stretch to ice the game and put them up 2-0 over the Pacers.
They rallied from an 11-point deficit after three quarters to secure the win, outscoring the Pacers 31-12 in the fourth quarter.
Kyrie Irving (37 PTS) and Jayson Tatum (26 PTS) put on a show against the @Pacers as the @celtics take a 2-0 series lead #Celtics #NBAPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/OcNLUDsfT0
— NBA Australia (@NBA_AU) April 18, 2019
Giannis Antetokouonmpo
Team's result: Bucks 120, Pistons 99
Stat line: 26 points (11-18 FG, 1-3 3PT), 12 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 blocks
After trailing by one point at half-time, the Bucks put their foot down in the third quarter, dominating the Pistons, thanks largely to the play of Antetokounmpo.
He scored 13 points in nine minutes of the period on 6-for-9 shooting, setting the tone for the Bucks with his aggressive play as they went on to outscore the Pistons 35-17 and take control of the game.
Antetokounmpo is always good for a highlight and today he did not disappoint, throwing down this monster jam on former teammate Thon Maker.
😱😱😱 OH MY GIANNIS!!!!!#FearTheDeer | #NBAPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/lTok7qrYac
— NBA Australia (@NBA_AU) April 18, 2019
Previous winners
April 15 – Giannis Antetokounmpo
