5 Most Disappointing NBA Players in the Conference Finals
By Zack Jiang
The NBA Conference Finals are where some dreams come true while others are crushed. For two teams, their hard-fought playoff hopes are cut short just a step away from a Finals appearance. It's a stage filled with pressure where the stars shine. However, some players end up crumbling due to fatigue and the intimating atmosphere. Here are five players who have let fans down with their play in the Conference Finals.
5. Enes Kanter
Enes Kanter was a major acquisition for the Blazers as he filled the void that Jusuf Nurkic left. Prior to the Warriors series, he was averaging over 32 minutes per game and a double-double (13 points; 10 rebounds). However, against the Warriors, he has been rendered useless. In his last two games he has averaged 5.5 points and 5 rebounds per game. He has been relegated to the bench and notched just over seven minutes in Game 3.
4. Danny Green
Danny Green was a major bonus in the Kawhi Leonard trade. The veteran sharpshooter shot 45.5% from three during the regular season and played stellar defense. But under the pressure of the Conference Finals, Green has caved. He is averaging just 5.7 points per game against the Bucks while shooting 20% overall and 28.6% from three.
3. Pascal Siakam
Pascal Siakam was one of the most improved players during the regular season and broke out again in the playoffs. Against the 76ers in the second round, he averaged 19.4 points per game. However, the length of Giannis Antetokounmpo has locked him up. Despite a 25-point performance in Game 3, Siakam is averaging just 16 points on 40.4% shooting.
2. Khris Middleton
The Bucks are winning their series despite a drastic drop-off from their All Star Khris Middleton. After torching the Celtics in the Eastern Conference semifinals for 19.2 points per game, Middleton is scoring just 10.7 points a game against the Raptors. His deadly three ball has not fallen as he shooting 26.7% from deep. If the Bucks have real championship aspirations, they need more out of Middleton.
1. Damian Lillard
Damian Lillard rocked the first round of the playoffs with an unforgettable walk-off game winner. In the second round he slowed down but was still very effective. However, he has been a shell of himself against the Warriors. Lillard has averaged just 20.3 points while shooting 32.6% from the floor. The Portland guard is dealing with a separated ribs injury, but if he isn't using it as an excuse, we shouldn't either.