Introduction

The 2018 NBA playoffs first round was filled with exciting moments and epic plays, from buzzer-beating shots to thunderous dunks. In this article, we take a look at the top 10 epic plays of the first round of the playoffs.

#10: Donovan Mitchell's Poster Dunk on JaVale McGee

Utah Jazz rookie Donovan Mitchell has been making noise all season, and he continued to do so in the playoffs. In Game 2 against the Golden State Warriors, Mitchell drove past Klay Thompson and threw down a vicious dunk over JaVale McGee, sending the crowd and social media into a frenzy.

#9: LeBron James' Game-Winner Against the Pacers

The Cleveland Cavaliers faced a tough challenge in the first round against the Indiana Pacers, and Game 5 was no exception. With the game tied and time running out, LeBron James hit a fadeaway jumper over Thaddeus Young to give the Cavs the win and a 3-2 series lead.

#8: Victor Oladipo's Dunk on Al Horford

Although the Pacers lost the series to the Cavs, Victor Oladipo had his share of highlights. In Game 6, Oladipo drove past Jayson Tatum and posterized Al Horford with a powerful one-handed slam.

#7: Terry Rozier's Steal and Dunk Against the Bucks

Boston Celtics guard Terry Rozier had a breakout performance in the playoffs, and Game 2 against the Milwaukee Bucks was no exception. With the Celtics up by two in the fourth quarter, Rozier stole the ball from Eric Bledsoe and threw down a fast-break dunk, igniting the crowd and helping Boston take a 2-0 series lead.

#6: Anthony Davis' Game-Winning 3-Pointer Against the Trail Blazers

New Orleans Pelicans big man Anthony Davis had a dominant series against the Portland Trail Blazers, culminating in a game-winning 3-pointer in Game 4. With the game tied and time running out, Davis hit a clutch shot from beyond the arc to give the Pelicans a 3-0 series lead.

#5: Jayson Tatum's Dunk on LeBron James

In Game 7 of the Celtics vs. Cavs series, Boston rookie Jayson Tatum showed that he wasn't afraid of LeBron James. Tatum drove past James and threw down a tomahawk dunk over him, announcing his arrival to the league and helping Boston advance to the Eastern Conference Finals.

#4: Clint Capela's Dunk on Karl-Anthony Towns

The Houston Rockets made quick work of the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round, and center Clint Capela had a highlight-reel play in Game 1. On a pick-and-roll with James Harden, Capela caught a lob and dunked over Karl-Anthony Towns, sending the Toyota Center into a frenzy.

#3: Kevin Durant's Game-Winner Against the Spurs

The Warriors had a scare in Game 4 against the San Antonio Spurs, with the game tied in the final seconds. But Kevin Durant came to the rescue, hitting a pull-up jumper over Rudy Gay to give the Warriors the win and a 3-1 series lead.

#2: Donovan Mitchell's 4th Quarter Explosion Against the Thunder

Donovan Mitchell had another epic moment in Game 6 against the Oklahoma City Thunder, scoring 22 points in the fourth quarter to help the Jazz eliminate the Thunder. Mitchell hit step-back 3-pointers, fadeaway jumpers, and layups, showcasing his scoring ability and clutch play.

#1: LeBron James' Buzzer-Beater Against the Raptors

The top epic play of the first round belongs to LeBron James, who hit a buzzer-beater to give the Cavs a 3-0 series lead over the Toronto Raptors. With time running out and the game tied, James dribbled to his left and hit a fadeaway jumper over the outstretched arms of OG Anunoby, silencing the crowd and leaving no doubt about who the best player in the world is.