LeBron James

Of all his many accomplishments on a basketball court, LeBron James had never started a postseason game this hot. The 20-year veteran wasted no time in getting to work against the Denver Nuggets in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals, scoring on an array of layups, fadeaways and 3-pointers as he did everything in his power to stave off a series sweep. James shot 11 for 13 from the field and 4 for 4 behind the arc as he poured in 31 first-half points, his highest-scoring postseason half in a career spanning 282 games. The 19-time All-Star shot 15 of 25 in the game for 40 points while also mixing in 10 rebounds, nine assists, two steals and four treys for the Los Angeles Lakers on May 22, 2023. It was the 29th 40-point playoff game of James’ career — the second most in NBA history.