May 10, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls point guard Nate Robinson (2) drives around Miami Heat point guard Norris Cole (30) during the second half in game three of the second round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs at the United Center. Miami won 104-94. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

As the 2013 NBA playoffs continue to go by, we’re getting closer and closer to a champion. For some, this may be terrifying, but for others, it’s a very good thing. Teams like the Warriors, Grizzlies, Pacers, and the Bulls are underdogs, but are nevertheless in the series and none have been swept. It’s been pretty incredible so far and we’re set for a very long rest of the postseason.

The Bulls may have been obliterated by the Heat in Game 2, but they did their job to win one road game in the first two, come away with a split, and steal home-court advantage. So did every other road team, but I focus on them because they’re the team with the most heart in the NBA right now, especially playing without their MVP. The Warriors have as much heart as magic, but which players on these teams are actually the center of everything?

1. Nate Robinson

If there’s any disagreement here, I’d be stunned. Nate Robinson, without a doubt, earns the top spot on this list for the amount of heart that he’s shown this season. The Bulls are very much alive in this Heat series, and are competing very intensely. The reason that they’ve gotten so far is because he’s been leading the team fearlessly, showing he can defend the taller guys and score in the paint as well. With Kirk Hinrich, Derrick Rose’s replacement already out, Robinson has completely taken over the Bulls team and is running the helm pretty well.

He may seem arrogant or act like a punk, but he sure has a lot of heart, as he knows what he wants and will do whatever it takes to get there. He may be at the mercy of the King, but at least he’s trying to get his team through a tough time.

2. Chris Andersen

Feb 14, 2013; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Miami Heat forward Chris Andersen (11) reacts to a call in action against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at the Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports

The only thing I need to say about Chris Andersen is that next to Kenyon Martin, he has been one of the best free agent signings this season. Anderson has had some double-doubles, electrifying put back dunks, nice rebounds, and insane blocks. His trademark flapping of the wings gets the crowd involved. We know that he’s got a lot of tattoos, suggesting that he’s just one of those arrogant players, but his heart is in it and he truly wants a championship, and will deserve the ring if the Heat win it all yet again.

3. Stephen Curry

May 8, 2013; San Antonio, TX, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) during a post game interview against the San Antonio Spurs in game two of the second round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs at the AT

If Klay Thompson won’t show any emotion after scoring 34 points, Stephen Curry will. It’s not just the fact that the Warriors have been knocking off higher seeds in important games, but it’s that the Warriors are the lowest seed remaining in the playoffs, and are alive and working. It’s incredible to say the least, and Curry is a big reason why. Thompson is also, but he doesn’t really show any emotion.

With the shimmies and the high fives, and the deep 3-pointers and celebrations, Curry shows more heart that one could imagine. He’s taking this Warrior team places and they have found their rhythm. It may seem arrogant that he does all this team, but considering how the Warriors built their team, over time, it’s about time they have some celebration, even if they don’t win the championship.

4. Kevin Durant

May 7, 2013; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) talks to NBA official Gary Zielinski in action against the Memphis Grizzlies during the second half in game two of the second round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports

And then there was one. From the departure of James Harden, to the injury suffered by Russell Westbrook, the Thunder are struggling to get a flow going, and are down 2-1 in Memphis. It’s quite unfortunate because it’s intimidating to play on the Thunder’s home court, but it hasn’t seemed like that to the Grizzlies.

Aside from that, Kevin Durant never fails to impress, putting up nearly a triple double each game, and almost giving his shoulders a strain with the way he throws his fist in celebration. He continues to show heart, and that’s why the Thunder are still in this race.

April 28, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry (30) celebrates after making a basket as point guard Jarrett Jack (2) looks on against the Denver Nuggets during the third quarter in game four of the first round of the 2013 NBA playoffs at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Nuggets 115-101. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Stephen Curry Goes Supernova in 3rd Quarter of GSW/DEN Game 4

When Steph Curry gets hot he gets HOT! In a very important Game 4 against the Denver Nuggets Curry went absolutely nuts in the third quarter. His stat line read 22 points on 8/11 shooting (5/8 from three). This may be the best single-quarter performance by a NBA player in the playoffs so far (maybe Nate Robinson). I guess you can call this Steph’s coming out party to casual NBA fans.

Kenneth Faried Punches Hole in Wall

Benjamin Hochman – The Denver Post

If an opposing player scored 22 points in a quarter single-handily destroying our hopes of winning a playoff game I’d take my anger out on a wall also. This isn’t anything to kill Kenneth Faried over though. He’s human and these type of games take an emotional toll on these players.

Asked if he used his injured left foot or his right foot to kick the hole, Faried said, “I don’t know, I just kicked it, I was mad.” (Faried is right-handed, so one would assume he’s also right-footed)

Benjamin Hochman – DenverPost.com

He’s just lucky he walked away unscathed *looks at Amare Stoudemire*.

Miami Heat Complete Sweep of Milwaukee Bucks

Surprisingly this is the first sweep in the “Big 3″ era for the Miami Heat. Everyone knew it was coming though the Heat like to play around with their foods sometimes. Dwyane Wade sat out as a precaution to his knee injury, Lebron James carried this Heat team to a fairly easy Heat victory. Brandon “We’re Gonna Win in 6″ Jennings scored a total of three points in this game. Three. Très. In an elimination game on his home court. The Heat now rest until the winner of Brooklyn/Chicago is decided.

While the Miami Heat advance to the next round, the future of the Milwaukee Bucks is certainly in limbo. J.J. Redick‘s an unrestricted free agent, they’ve made no decision on the future of Brandon Jennings who’ll be a restricted free agent and Monta Ellis has a player option worth $11 million that he could opt out of if the right opportunity arises. These are three out of the four best players on the Bucks team. There’s also no word on the future of interim coach Jim Boylan either. At this point in time this franchise has no clear direction, so this offense the team could see a major haul.

Boston Celtics Live to Fight Another Day

J.R. Smith‘s suspension for throwing an elbow at Jason Terry ruined the New York Knicks chance of sweeping their rival in the Boston Celtics. The series is over. The odds of Boston coming back after being down 0-3 are zero, but Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, Jeff Green and Jason Terry put together their best game to walk away with a victory. Carmelo Anthony had several chances to end the Celtics, but he struggled mightily from the field (4-14 in 4th q/OT). Who would’ve thought that the Knicks would desperately missed J.R. Smith in a playoff game.

Dwight Howard Gets Ejected in Game 4 Loss, Plans To Test Free Agency

Call it dejavu. The last time the Los Angeles Lakers got swept in the playoffs Andrew Bynum got ejected from the game. Fast forward two years later and Dwight Howard is following suit. After getting a technical in the first half for “inadvertedly” elbowing Cory Joseph, Howard got ejected mid-third quarter for arguing a call with a ref.

After suffering a sweep at the hands of the San Antonio Spurs, the Lakers are officially in off-season mode. And SURPRISE, Dwight Howard says he’s going to test the free agent market. LA has the upper-hand: it’s the best city in the world, Dwight has a chance to build a resume compared to the greats (Wilt, Shaq, Mikan, etc) and the front office can offer him $30 million more than any other team. Honestly no one knows what D12 is gonna do. Houston is the more attractive destination (James Harden pairing/cap space/McHale?), Los Angeles has the monetary advantage, he could land in Atlanta with his best friend Josh Smith and play for his home town and Dallas has Dirk + an owner who’ll be willing to do any and everything to get Dwight. But the playoffs aren’t near over so we’ll see how this goes down in the Summer.