A pair of unexpected starters delivered performances that were even more surprising this week in the playoffs. Andrew Goudelock of the Lakers sprang for 20 points last night, while Patrick Beverley delivered 16 points, 12 rebounds and six assists for the Rockets in Wednesday's loss to the Thunder.
Beverley also lunged at Russell Westbrook, who was trying to call for a timeout, and that resulted in a tear of the right lateral meniscus in Westbrook's knee. The injury will keep Westbrook out for the rest of the playoffs, the team announced today. That could open up an opportunity for Derek Fisher, another player who wasn't on an opening-night roster, just like Beverley and Goudelock. Similarly, Aron Baynes may be thrust into the spotlight with Tiago Splitter out indefinitely with a sprained ankle, just as Jeff McDonald of the San Antonio Express-News suggests (Twitter link).
All but three playoff teams have players who went from out of the league on opening night to the postseason. The Celtics, Heat, Rockets and Grizzlies all have three such players. Here's a complete list:
- Celtics: Terrence Williams, Shavlik Randolph, D.J. White
- Knicks: Kenyon Martin, Quentin Richardson
- Heat: Chris Andersen, Juwan Howard, Jarvis Varnado
- Bucks: None
- Nets: None
- Bulls: Malcolm Thomas
- Pacers: None
- Spurs: Aron Baynes, Tracy McGrady
- Lakers: Andrew Goudelock
- Thunder: Derek Fisher
- Rockets: Patrick Beverley, James Anderson, Tim Ohlbrecht
- Clippers: DaJuan Summers
- Grizzlies: Keyon Dooling, Donte Greene, Willie Reed
- Warriors: Dwayne Jones