The 10 Most Valuable Players of the 2013 NBA Playoffs, So Far

Stats: 40.4 MPG, 18.3 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 4.8 APG, 1.9 SPG
Player Efficiency Rating: 16.9
Signature Performance: Eastern Conference Quarterfinals, Game 1 (23 points, 11 rebounds, 12 assists)

The Indiana Pacers have the best overall defense in the NBA, and that attack has been led by Paul George. George has played the role of swiss-army knife for Indiana, guarding stars like Carmelo Anthony and Josh Smith during these playoffs, facilitating the ball, and scoring at a solid rate. While his shooting percentage is not ideal, George is at the ripe age of 23 and looks to improve down the road.

Stats: 35.3 MPG, 18.4 PPG, 8.4 RPG, 1.8 APG
Player Efficiency Rating: 19.2
Signature Performance: Western Conference Quarterfinals, Game 3 (27 points, 11 rebounds, 2 assists)

Many wondered if Z-Bo could return to his old dominant 2011 playoff form, and he has proven that he's back to his old self. After two very average performances in Games 1 & 2 of the first round, Randolph turned up the heat by averaging 24.7 PPG & 9.0 RPG in the final four games of the series to help close out the Clippers.

Stats: 39.6 MPG, 28.3 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 1.8 APG, 1.2 SPG
Player Efficiency Rating: 20.4
Signature Performance: Eastern Conference Semifinals, Game 2 (32 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists)

If this ranking was centered around shooting percentages, one would be hard-pressed to find Melo on any kind of list. While Melo has struggled to shoot efficiently, he has carried a large portion of the Knicks' offensive production during these playoffs with a 38.4 Usage Rate. Now with the Knicks struggling to find offense against the Indiana Pacers, Melo's points are needed more than ever.

Stats: 33.1 MPG, 12 PPG, 9.7 RPG, 2.6 APG, 2.5 BPG
Player Efficiency Rating: 19.9
Signature Performance: Eastern Conference Quarterfinals, Game 7 (24 points, 14 rebounds, 6 blocks)

Joakim Noah has been a surprise in these playoffs. The Bulls' All-Star center seemed to be questionable for the playoffs with an ongoing bout with plantar fasciitis, but toughed it out and helped the Bulls upset the Brookyln Nets. Noah has been feisty, but in heavy minutes, Noah has brought the fire and desire to the Bulls to keep their playoff hopes alive.

Stats: 36.3 MPG, 23.3 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 5.6 APG, 1 SPG
Player Efficiency Rating: 24.4
Signature Performance: Western Conference Semifinals, Game 2 (32 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists)

The San Antonio Spurs' first round matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers was a cakewalk. Against the much tougher matchup in the Golden State Warriors, Parker has stepped it up. In the first three games, Parker has averaged over 26 PPG, sparked by an amazing Game 3 performance at Oracle Arena where Parker scored 25 of his 32 points in the first half.

Stats: 39.3 MPG, 18.7 PPG, 7.7 RPG, 3.6 APG, 1.7 BPG
Player Efficiency Rating: 22
Signature Performance: Western Conference Quarterfinals, Game 4 (24 points, 13 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 blocks)

Throughout this season, many people argued that Marc Gasol was the best center in the NBA, and he has lived up to that billing during the 2013 playoffs. Gasol does so much for the Grizzlies from his all-around great defensive impact to his passing ability from the high post. The 2013 Defensive Player of the Year has helped create a serious contender in Memphis, and has even added a sweeping hook shot to his offensive arsenal.

Stats: 32.6 MPG, 17.4 PPG, 2.4 RPG, 4.3 APG, 1 SPG
Player Efficiency Rating: 18.3
Signature Performance: Eastern Conference Quarterfinals, Game 4 (34 points, 4 assists, 2 steals)

When Nate Robinson signed with the Chicago Bulls, he was signed just as insurance for Derrick Rose. But Nate has broken out into a star in his own right with some clutch performances, including his one-on-five comeback against the Brooklyn Nets in Game 4, and his spectacular Game 1 against the Heat. The bigger question will be, what kind of contract Nate can get this offseason after his playoff run?

Stats: 42.1 MPG, 25 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 8.3 APG, 1.8 SPG
Player Efficiency Rating: 22.6
Signature Performance: Western Conference Quarterfinals, Game 4 (31 points, 7 assists, 4 steals)

The NBA Playoffs are where stars are born and it seems like every year there is some player who manages to do just that with clutch performances. This year, Stephen Curry stepped up and improved his profile by leading the Warriors to a series upset of the Denver Nuggets, ever after losing their All-Star forward David Lee to a hip injury. Curry has been unstoppable from the three-point line (especially in third quarters) and, along with Klay Thompson, has given Warriors fans hope for the future.

Stats: 43.1 MPG, 32.3 PPG, 9.3 RPG, 6.2 APG, 1.4 SPG, 1 BPG
Player Efficiency Rating: 29.8
Signature Performance: Western Conference Semifinals, Game 1 (35 points, 15 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 blocks)

The Durantula was already considered one of the elite players in the Association, but after Russell Westbrook went down with a torn meniscus, Durant has been a one-man wrecking crew. Since Westbrook went down, Durant is averaging 34 PPG, 10.6 RPG, 6.1 APG, and 1.6 SPG. While the Thunder's playoff hopes might be in question, Durant is proving just how dominant he can be.

Stats: 37.2 MPG, 23.7 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 7.1 APG, 1.6 SPG
Player Efficiency Rating: 27.7
Signature Performance: Eastern Conference Quarterfinals, Game 4 (30 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists, 3 steals)

What else can you say about the" King?" Even with "average" numbers for his standards, LeBron has continued to prove that no matter what, he is still the best basketball player in the world. Miami has lost only one game in the playoffs while Bron Bron continues his mastery of efficiency, shooting 55% in the playoffs, so far.