Players that elevated their play in the playoffs vs. players that played worse

[Im Still Ballin]

Off the top of my head, here are the guys that upped their performance in the postseason per the stats:

- Hakeem Olajuwon
- Kevin McHale
- James Worthy
- LeBron James
- Michael Jordan
- Kawhi Leonard
- Reggie Miller

And the guys that dropped off in the playoffs:

- Patrick Ewing
- Karl Malone
- David Robinson
- Kevin Garnett
- James Harden

Am I missing anyone?

[FultzNationRISE]

I would list Lebron twice on the elevators list, just so that people really get the message.

I think he’s earned that.

[SouBeachTalents]

A couple other guys I feel deserve mention in the elevated category
Kareem
Shaq
Magic
West
Barry

One player that I feel doesn't get the criticism that they deserve for declining in the playoffs is Bird. He's obviously not on the level of the guys you mentioned, as his stretch from '84-'87 was incredible. But '80-'83 he was extremely unimpressive, and he had a terrible series in the '88 ECF. And even in the years I mentioned, his Finals in '85 & '87 were, for a player of his stature, nothing to write home about.

[FultzNationRISE]

I dont know what the stats say but probably Billups was nicknamed “Mr Big Shot” for a reason.

Some role players that come to mind would be Horry, James Posey, Trevor Ariza.

And actually, probably wouldnt hurt to list Lebron for a third time.

[FultzNationRISE]

Role players who dropped off a cliff and ruined things for their teammates include JR Smith, Boobie Gibson, Donyell Marshall, Iman Shumpert, Kevin Love, Mario Chalmers, Joel Anthony, Kentavious Caldwell Pope.

[Manny98]

Players that drop off in the playoffs

Harden
Embiid

[ShawkFactory]

Jason Terry is actually one that always elevated.

[FultzNationRISE]

Jason Terry is actually one that always elevated.


Terry was just a stud all around, and is probably the most underrate player in history. Theres literally no shame or disgrace WHATSOEVER in him dropping a big performance on your squad. Nobody should act like there is, ever.

Im not referring to any specific incident, just pointing that out in general.

[Im Still Ballin]

Luka Doncic is another name for #TeamPlayoffElevation

[Im Still Ballin]

Anthony Davis is also a #PlayoffElevator

[FultzNationRISE]

Anthony Davis is also a #PlayoffElevator


Watch yourself bub.


:crazysam:

[beasted]

Gotta list LeChoke in the played worse category after 2011.

[Round Mound]

Barkley was one who elevated his level of play in the play-offs except the games he was injured.

[Axe]

Stephen curry shoots a lot worse in the postseason

[Baller789]

Playoff Rondo?

[Johnny32]

curry and kobe should both be on the worse list.