With Round 1 all wrapped up, the 2019 NBA Playoffs are heating up even more with the Conference Semifinals action!
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 night.
You'll be able to see the best performance and three honourable mentions from each night, 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...
Al Horford
Team's result: Celtics 112, Bucks 90.
Stat line: 20 points (8-16 FG, 3-5 3PT, 1-2 FT), 11 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 blocks, and 1 steal.
As he has done all through the regular season, Al Horford did a little bit of everything for the Celtics in this crucial Game 1 win.
More importantly, his defence on MVP candidate Giannis Antetokounmpo, whether it's on his drives or as a help defender, was a huge reason for the team's win.
Led by Horford, the Celtics held Antetokounmpo to 22 points on 7-of-21 shooting. While we rave about his defence, Horford contributed an efficient 20 points to the team's total as well.
Honourable Mentions:
Kevin Durant
Stat line: 35 points (11-25 FG, 1-3 3PT, 12-15 FT), 5 rebounds, 3 assists,1 steal, and 1 block.
The two-time reigning Finals MVP carried over his form from the end of the previous series to Game 1 of the Conference Finals.
On a night when the Splash Brothers struggled from the field (combined 10-of-25), Durant recorded 35 points in 43 minutes.
His 35-point performance is his fifth straight 30+ point game and the fourth 35+ point outing in the last five games.
Kyrie Irving
Stat line: 26 points (12-21 FG, 2-5 3PT), 11 assists, and 7 rebounds.
While Horford led the charge on defence, Irving carried the team on offence.
He scored an efficient 26 en route to recording his second point-assist double-double of the 2019 postseason.
James Harden
Stat line: 35 points (9-28 FG, 4-16 3PT, 13-14 FT), 6 assists, 4 rebounds, and 3 steals
Despite having a rough shooting night from the field, Harden still scored a team-high 35 and nearly completed the upset in Game 1 but just came up short.
Previous winners
April 15 - Giannis Antetokounmpo
April 23 - Giannis Antetokounmpo
