Image via Complex Original
The 2011 NBA Playoffs have officially begun and they were everything fans expected and more. For the first time in NBA playoff history, the No. 1 and No. 2 seeds lost their playoff openers (sorry, Spurs and No Lake Show fans). There were also a number of games decided on the last possession, a few buzzer-beaters, and an MVP-worthy performance. So, in anticipation of more epic playoff action to come, here are the 5 Best Plays of the 2011 NBA Playoffs' opening weekend...
5. Serge Ibaka Says "FOH!" to Nene Hilario
PLAYER: Serge Ibaka, Oklahoma City Thunder
COMPLEX SAYS: With only three points, four blocks, and five rebounds, Ibaka had a relatively quiet night in the Thunder's 107-103 victory over the Denver Nuggets. But he gave the Oklahoma faithful something to get hyped about with this monster rejection of Nene Hilario. A swat that would truly make fellow Congolese baller, Dikembe Mutombo, proud.
4. STAT Posterizes Jermaine O'Neal
PLAYER: Amar'e Stoudemire, New York Knicks
COMPLEX SAYS: In his playoff debut as a Knick, STAT went off for 28 points and 11 boards. His ability to score on defenders like KG, Big Baby, and Jermaine O'Neal is what kept New York in the game throughout the fourth quarter. It's also the reason we have to ask this question: Why didn't Mike D'Antoni keep feeding the monster in the last few possessions of the game? And refs, we peeped you getting down that Tim Donaghy steez with the phantom foul called on Melo in the closing seconds. FOH with that weak shit, it's the playoffs!
3. Ray Ray's Dagger
PLAYER: Ray Allen, Boston Celtics
COMPLEX SAYS: In a game that could be added to the growing Celtics-Knicks rivalry, Game 1 came down to the final possession and was sealed with a clutch shot by the NBA's new three-point leader. Allen is the only player to have a career total of seven three-pointers within the final 24 seconds of playoff games in NBA history. Reggie who?
2. Shane Battier FTW
PLAYER: Shane Battier, Memphis Grizzlies
COMPLEX SAYS: The Western Conference No. 8 seed Grizzlies upset the No. 1 seed Spurs 101-89 in San Antonio with this game-winning three-pointer by Battier. Turns out the jumper wasn't even the highlight of the day for Battier, whose wife delivered a baby girl on Sunday. He said it was the single craziest day of his life. With all due respect to Battier, we think Cube put it best.
1. D-Rose's Block and Spin Move
PLAYER: Derrick Rose, Chicago Bulls
COMPLEX SAYS: Trailing Indiana by 10 with under four minutes remaining, the Bulls needed someone to take over if they had any hope of winning. Who better than the same dude who's been carrying them all year? Rose led the Bulls on a 16-1 run to complete the comeback in their 104-99 victory. No play was more electrifying than this block of Darren Collison and ill spin move to follow on the other end. M-V-P, M-V-P, M-V-P...
