As the final whistle of G6 of the Finals between the Warriors and Celtics sounded, the NBA 2021-22 season officially came to an end. The Golden State Warriors finally won the O'Brien Cup, and Curry has the best chance of successfully realizing his dream in the Finals. Value player. Before the start of the game, the Lakers and Nets were the favorites to win the championship. One did not make the playoffs, and the other was swept out in the first round. The two teams used their performance to verify a truth to fans: There is no shortcut on the road to success!

The playoffs are a stage for testing the quality of stars! There are more intense physical confrontations and clearer defensive arrangements, which makes it difficult for stars to produce good data. Just like Trae Young, who averaged 28.4 points per game in the regular season, his data dropped after encountering targeted defense in the playoffs. to 15.4 points. On the contrary, those who can demonstrate their own value in such an environment are often appreciated by management and fans, and their own worth will also increase accordingly.

Take a look at the seven stars who have proven their strength in this year’s playoffs:

Postseason data: 17 points, 2.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists, field goal percentage of 50.8, three-point shooting percentage of 39.1

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In the 2019 offseason, Poole, who finished his sophomore year at the University of Michigan, entered the draft with averages of 12.7 points, 2.9 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game. "He has rich weapons on the offensive end and is dumbfounded on the defensive end," according to scouts. evaluation of him. If Poole had been placed in the draft ten years ago, he would have had only one outcome, and that would be undrafted. But the small ball era became his springboard to the NBA. Due to his comprehensive offensive skills, the Warriors chose to use the No. 28 pick in the first round to pick him.

Poole, who just entered the league, is lucky. The Golden State Warriors are currently in the recovery period from the disintegration of the "Space Battleship". With Durant's departure and Thompson's season reimbursement, the Warriors are the only ones to lead the league in statistics. Just over $100 million in luxury tax.

In his rookie season, Poole went through a difficult adaptation period. Behind his average of 8.8 points per game, he was in an embarrassing situation with a field goal percentage of only 33.3. For a while, negative news about "parallel imports" and "quick trades" followed one after another. And arrived. Fortunately, the Warriors were in a period of decline at the time, and Poole's poor performance did not cause too many waves. After adapting to the intensity of league competition, Poole surrendered 12 points and a field goal percentage of 43.1 in the second year, ranking among the best in the team. Settle into the role of Curry's substitute.

During last offseason, Poole conducted targeted training to improve the stability of the offensive end. One of the important tasks was to watch Curry’s game videos and learn how to get rid of the defense, choose breakthrough routes, and make three-pointers. The forceful movements of his arms when shooting and his ultimate mastery of details allowed Poole to make rapid progress.

"You just work hard, and then you inadvertently surprise everyone." Poole's sudden rise this season surprised head coach Cole. The data was finally fixed at 18.5 points and 4 assists, which surprised Warriors fans.

Poole, who played in the playoffs for the first time in his career, did not panic at all. As the strongest firepower of the Warriors' bench, he hit 2.3 three-pointers per game in 27.5 minutes of playing time, more than five times. Cheng's shooting percentage is higher than Curry, Thompson and Wiggins. In this year's finals, Poole came off the bench and made 15 three-pointers, second only to VanVleet (16) of the Raptors in 2019, ranking second in history.

This summer, Poole will be eligible to renew his contract with the Warriors in advance, which is expected to be US$100 million over four years. However, the team's high luxury tax is currently the biggest problem with contract renewal.

Playoff statistics: 27 points, 6.2 rebounds, 6 assists, field goal percentage of 47.5, three-point shooting percentage of 40.7

As the second overall pick in 2016, he is 2.03 meters tall and has a wingspan of 2.21 meters. Ingram, whose figure resembles Durant, had high hopes from the Lakers, but after three seasons of training, he could not withstand the sensation of James landing in Los Angeles. Ingram became the main bargaining chip for the Lakers to acquire the thick-eyebrow brother, and came to New Orleans, which was preparing to rebuild. Pelican. In the first season after joining, due to the team's tactical tilt, Ingram averaged 23.8 points, 6.1 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game, putting one foot on the list of stars.

Just when Ingram, who had received the maximum salary, wanted to work harder, the talented No. 1 pick Zion Williamson jumped out. After getting rid of injuries, he averaged 27 points and 7.2 rebounds per game, which was extremely impressive. The ornamental style of play captured the support of a large number of fans. Not only was he selected to the All-Star for the first time in his career, but he also took away Ingram's ball rights and leadership status in the team.

Just as the team management was thinking about who to build the team around, injuries found Zion again. The foot injury caused him to miss all games this season. label. Zion Williamson, who has only played 85 games in three seasons and has the attributes of a "glass man", has gradually disappointed the team and fans.

In the first half of this season, Ingram led the Pelicans with a single core. In order to help the team win more easily, the small forward shifted more energy to linking the team's offense, but The overall strength is too poor to fundamentally improve the team's ranking. In order to change this predicament, the Pelicans reached a deal with the rebuilding Trail Blazers, and McCollum became the strongest signing this season. The Pelicans also used a high winning rate at the end of the season to catch up with the last train of the playoffs.

This is Ingram's first playoff appearance in his career. The opponent he faces is the regular season champion Suns. Since the winning percentage difference between the two sides is 34 percentage points, 50% of the media believe that the Pelicans will be swept out. In the second game of the series, Ingram scored 37 points, 11 rebounds and 9 assists at the Suns' home court. While winning his first playoff victory, Ingram also responded to the media who questioned the Pelicans' lack of victory before the game.

Although the final score was fixed at 4 to 2, the Suns did not play easily in the entire series. If it were not for Paul's superb performance of 14 of 14 shots in G6, the two sides would most likely be competing for the lead. Seven finals. After Ingram has been tempered in this series, he has officially entered the ranks of stars. The Pelicans with all healthy members next season are worth looking forward to.

Playoff data: 21.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 46.6 field goal percentage, 34.7 three-point field goal percentage

Defeated the Jazz 4-2, eliminated the Suns 4-3, and was not defeated The promising Mavericks made it all the way to the Western Conference Finals. Facing the Warriors with a full lineup, Doncic's statistics were still gorgeous, averaging 32 points, 9.2 rebounds, 6 assists and 1.6 steals per game, but his field goal percentage was only 41.5. On the other hand, Brunson, who has just been promoted to the second team leader, averaged 18 points and 4.2 assists per game in the Western Conference Finals, and his three-point shooting percentage was 40.2, making him the best player on the team.

As a second-round pick in 2018, Brunson, who is only 1.85 meters tall, has never been reused in the first three seasons of his career. This season, due to Hardaway Jr. being reimbursed for the season, the Mavericks wanted to relieve Doncic. Under offensive pressure, Brunson, who has comprehensive offensive skills, had to be used.

This time the Mavericks tried to hire people, but got a big surprise. The short and stocky Brunson has an extremely soft shooting touch. He is especially good at mid-range jumpers. During the regular season, his field goal percentage exceeded 5. Success, which is very rare for a small player.

With his outstanding performance in the contract year, Brunson’s current value has skyrocketed. Salary experts predict that he will receive a four-year contract worth $85 million in the free market. The Knicks are interested in this The teenager is very interested and plans to hire his father as the team's assistant coach, hoping to use the "family card" to recruit him.

Due to the limited salary space of the Mavericks, in order to avoid paying the luxury tax, there is a high probability that Brunson will be sent away through a sign-and-trade.

Playoff data: 25.2 points, 4.2 rebounds and 3 assists, field goal percentage of 45.5, three-point shooting percentage of 40.3

The moment Curry won the championship trophy, the Timberwolves became has become the focus of discussion among fans. In order to acquire Russell at the beginning of 2020, he did not hesitate to send Wiggins and a first-round pick. This outrageous operation helped the Warriors return to the top. The poor selection vision of the Timberwolves management was the main reason for the team's decline, but the iron tree also blossomed. Last season's "free-range" mode for the top pick Edwards quickly paid off.

After a season of experience, Edwards, who is strong and athletic, has figured out the intensity of NBA confrontation and understood his speed advantage. When Towns and Russell returned from injuries, this The Timberwolves began to realize their talents. He achieved a record of 46 wins and 36 losses in the regular season, and then defeated the remnant Clippers in the play-offs. He returned to the playoffs after four years. Edwards averaged 21.3 points, 4.7 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game in the regular season, and repeatedly performed shocking dunks.

Playing in the playoffs for the first time in his career, the youngster Edwards showed the momentum of a newborn calf who is not afraid of tigers. Facing the equally young Grizzlies, Edwards, who is nearly two meters tall and weighs 102 kilograms, has a matchup advantage. Obviously, outside shooting and breakthrough finishing are extremely efficient.

The fly in the ointment is that Edwards’ defensive efficiency in this series is only 111.3, and he lacks defensive awareness and experience on the court; at the same time, three-pointers accounted for 52 of the total shots, giving up the impact on the inside and allowing space players to Center Towns was having a hard time.

Edwards' outstanding performance put the team's point guard Russell in an embarrassing situation. The latter only averaged 12 points and 6.7 assists per game in the playoffs. His poor performance greatly disappointed the management. In order to correct Edwards, the Timberwolves are selling Russell in the free market. He currently has one year left on his maximum salary contract worth $31.38 million.

Playoff statistics: 23.1 points, 6.9 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 47 field goal percentage, 37.3 three-point field goal percentage

The 2016 draft class is an out-and-out draft pick. , except for the No. 1 pick Simmons and No. 2 pick Ingram, other players are like foils, including No. 1 pick Jaylen Brown, who scouts call him "the rough guy" with explosive physical fitness. Brown, who just entered the league, lacked offensive skills. He liked to run rampant when getting the ball, and he also performed many funny dunks. His poor performance meant that he only got 17.6 minutes of playing time in his rookie season.

When Brown was in the quagmire, Green Army star Garnett sent a caring text message: "Do you know the true meaning of the Green Army? Keep your head up, young man, don't be a coward!" When Brown regained his strength, Later, he discovered the heartfelt care from coaches, trainers, and home team fans. After playing with hope and love, Brown chose to start on defense and contribute to the team's victory with a positive attitude.

In order to turn himself into a comprehensive offensive and defensive player, Brown studied under Tracy McGrady and humbly learned dribbling rhythm and jump shooting skills. In just three seasons, Brown's data rose to 20.3 points and 6.4 rebounds. The team's starting position.

After sweeping the Nets in the first round of this year's playoffs, the Celtics battled with the Bucks and Heat for seven rounds each, and advanced to the finals through two tiebreakers. During this period, Tatum ’s performance is the most eye-catching. During the Finals, Tatum was limited by Wiggins. In six games, he averaged 21.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 7 assists per game, with a shooting percentage of 36.7. On the other hand, Brown averaged 23.5 points, 7.3 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game, leading the team in scoring. He is the most stable player in the Celtics.

During this offseason, Brown is eligible to complete a contract extension with the Green Army in advance. The contract is approximately three years and US$110 million, but Brown's agency team is unlikely to accept this contract that is far below the maximum salary.

Brown currently has two years left on his contract, with salaries of US$28.05 million and US$30 million respectively. He will become a completely free agent in 2024. At that time, he will be eligible for a super maximum salary, provided that his performance can continue to be efficient. .

Playoff statistics: 27.4 points, 7.3 rebounds, 4.6 assists, 50.6 field goal percentage, 33.8 three-point field goal percentage

In last year’s playoffs, the Heat, who alternated between old and new, met in the first round. When the Bucks had a full lineup, coach Budenholzer arranged a "double-team package" for Butler. With Antetokounmpo and Tucker taking turns to defend, the tough guy's statistics were fixed at 14.5 points, 7.5 rebounds and 7 assists. The shooting percentage was less than 30%, and the Heat were swept out by the Bucks. Poor data and embarrassing results have plunged Butler, who holds the maximum salary, into a whirlpool of public opinion.

During the regular season this season, the addition of Lowry made the entire team more integrated. In order to smooth the lineup, Butler gave up some of the ball rights to Adebayor and Herro, adding more players to the team. Focusing on the defensive end, his data of 21.4 5.9 5.5 has no bright spots compared to other stars. Since the Heat's record has been leading the Eastern Conference, Butler's less than stellar performance has been automatically ignored by fans.

In the playoffs, which tests the quality of the stars, when the best sixth man of the season Herro failed on the offensive end and new aid Lowry frequently hit the iron outside the three-point line, the leader Butler no longer kept a low profile and took over. After attacking the flag, they defeated the Eagles 4-1, and then eliminated their old club Philadelphia 76ers 4-2. In seven games with the Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals, he averaged 25.6 points, 7 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and a field goal percentage of 47.7. Although the team failed to enter the finals, Butler, who gave his best, proved his star quality with his performance.

Playoff statistics: 16.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 46.9 field goal percentage, 33.3 three-point field goal percentage

During the regular season, Wiggins’ performance can be said to be high. Going down, before the All-Star Game, both offense and defense, personal performance and the Warriors' huge fan base, he was selected into the starting lineup for the first time in his career (Leonard and George were injured); after the All-Star Game, his performance was sluggish, and Thompson's comeback gave way to His positioning on the court was chaotic, and his unreasonable shots led to a decline in shooting percentage. Fortunately, the defense was always online and did not affect the overall rhythm of the Golden State Warriors.

In the playoffs, because the Warriors' opponents in the first two rounds, the Nuggets and Grizzlies, were not too strong, and the stars were centers and point guards, Wiggins did not have too much trouble against role players. What a brilliant performance, open shots, cuts without the ball, careful defense, and completed the tasks assigned by Coach Cole. After all, the "18-point curse" restricted this talented No. 1 pick.

In the Western Conference finals, Wiggins ushered in a real opponent, Doncic, who is over two meters tall and weighs 104 kilograms. He is a typical rhythm player without absolute breakthrough speed. Good at taking advantage of his body to score points.

Cole glanced at his own point guard line. Curry is the core of the team's offense and cannot expend too much energy on the defensive end; Poole is a defensive black hole, and defense is equal to giving away points; Thompson has just recovered from a serious injury. Speed ??and size are not advantages.

So the important task of defending Doncic fell on Wiggins, who had a run-up jump of over 110 centimeters and strong upper body strength. After testing in the first two games, Wiggins adopted the method of retreating to advance. Defense, using his excellent bounce to interfere when Doncic was about to take action, allowed the latter to hit just over 40% of the field in the five-game series.

In the subsequent finals, Wiggins was the core of the Green Army's offensive attack. According to statistics, Tatum only had a shooting percentage of 37.5 when facing Wiggins' defense. At the end of the series At the end of a game, Wiggins' airtight defense gave Tatum no chance to make a shot, causing the latter to look confused when he was substituted. Perhaps this is the gap between the No. 1 pick and No. 3 overall pick.

This summer, Wiggins has the qualifications to renew his contract with the Warriors in advance. As one of the few offensive and defensive stars in the league, Wiggins has a low-key personality, dedicated work, and reliable attendance rate. He is the perfect match for the current Warriors system. An indispensable part, his outstanding performance in the playoffs deserves a maximum salary contract with an annual salary of about 35 million.