Best Plus Minus / Series MVP: Damian Lillard (+22 in 268 minutes, Net +24). The first two regular seasons of Damian Lillard have been filled with impressive scoring efficiency, at-times lackadaisical defense, and a very heavy minutes burden. Now, the narrative goes that the playoffs, especially the first time, are a test that most players tend to fail. While basketball nerds might point to a higher minutes load against a high pace team, most people will only remember that he was better than his season averages in points, rebounds, assists, steals, and assist-turnover ratio. Actually, I take that back, all anyone will remember is this shot. Well done.
Worst Plus Minus / Series LVP: Dorell Wright (-33 in 79 minutes, Net -31). The Blazers have been a starter-heavy team all year, and the playoffs only accentuate that strategy. Given the tightness of the series, the quality play of Nic Batum, I don't think this says anything about Dorell Wright.
Jerome James Award: Dwight Howard. For the record, I had a whole lot of venom stored up for Patrick Beverley for this spot, but given the torn meniscus, knee sprain, and fever, it's just not right. So, unfortunately, this has to go to D12. 26 points, 13 rebounds, and almost 3 blocks per game are ridiculous numbers. But, why were the Rockets +8 with Dwight off the floor in the series, and -8 with Asik off the floor? While some could argue that the Dwight produced despite flaws like poor foul shooting, James Harden managed to be +15 despite his famously bad defense, and Howard was -6. Looks like the big guy was the bigger problem in this series.
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