The 2012 NBA Playoffs have seen superstars rise to the occasion and hopefuls show and prove. The usual suspects –LeBron, Wade and Griffin– have been nothing short of magnificent, while the league’s newbie’s continue to earn their stripes. Here we highlight the top plays of the postseason thus far, from no-looks passes to rim rockin’ slams to buzzer beaters– these standout performances are a sample of what keeps us watching.

J.R. Smith Channels John Starks

Jeremy Lin and Carmelo Anthony are the main attractions on Broadway for the New York Knicks. But when went down with a season-ending injury, Anthony was left to shoulder the heavy task of upsetting the Miami Heat alone. With Amar’e Stoudemire sparring with fire extinguishers, Melo desperately searched for one of his teammates to step up. During the Knicks lone win against the Heat in their first-round series, J.R. Smith answered Melo’s call in Game 4 and channeled Knicks legend John Starks’ “The Dunk” to surprise LeBron James and Co. for a sick reverse-windmill slam from the baseline, bringing the Garden faithful to their feet.