Adande: So many choices, including the likely MVP of the regular season, Kevin Durant. I'll go with the one that's freshest in my mind: Damian Lillard in the Sunday nightcap, with 31 points -- none bigger than the five he scored after LaMarcus Aldridge (another weekend MVP candidate) fouled out. He took smart shots and aggressive shots. He took shots you wouldn't expect a playoff newcomer to take and make.
Elhassan: LaMarcus Aldridge. Hard not to pick the guy who went for 46 and 18 in a road victory.
Harris: It's not always smart to just rely on counting stats, but LaMarcus Aldridge did record the opening weekend's high in points (46) and rebounds (18). The All-Star forward was magnificent as he once again ate the Rockets alive and helped deliver a thrilling OT victory for Portland.
Stein: I suppose you're not going to let me split the vote between LaMarcus Aldridge and Damian Lillard despite the fact that they're the first duo with at least 45 points and 30 points, respectively, in a playoff game since Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen in 1992. So let's not overthink this and go with Aldridge, whose beastly 46 and 18 included 22 points in the fourth quarter and overtime. Bonzi Wells Alert: Aldridge's 46 points established a new single-game playoff high for any Blazers player, eclipsing a 45-point game from Wells in 2003.
Strauss: LaMarcus Aldridge, who suddenly discovered that the shots count for more if he takes a few steps back. Aldridge showed off the range in his 46-point, 18-rebound performance, but he also flaunted his brutal post game. LMA kept flattening poor Terrence Jones on the block.
