As much as the stars usually shine in the NBA Playoffs, it’s also a time when unheralded players and up-and-coming standouts rise to the occasion. Their level of play can etch their names into postseason lore. With the first round in full swing, there have been quite a few players who are making quite a stir.
Here are a few unexpected stars so far in the NBA Playoffs.
Jalen Brunson
Where would the Dallas Mavericks be without Jalen Brunson? The news of Luka Doncic’s injury was a gut punch for fans and the immediate concern was where would the Mavs get their points. Well, enter Jalen Brunson.
He had 24 points in a Game 1 loss to the Jazz before following it up with a 41-point barrage in Game 2 to help Dallas tie the series. As an encore in Utah, he fired 31 points to give his team the 2-1 series lead. Even when Doncic came back for Game 4, he still had 23 points.
Everyone knew he had an impactful regular season, but he’s proven to be Dallas’ second-best player. From averaging just 8.0 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in just 16.3 minutes during last year’s playoffs, he’s now putting up an eye-popping line of 29.8 points, 5.3 boards, and 4.8 dimes.
Jordan Poole
Jordan Poole’s stock sky-rocketed this season as Klay Thompson was still working to get his legs under him. He could have been in the conversation for the Most Improved Player award and that’s a testament to how good this 22-year-old kid has been.
Save for the quiet 11-point outing he had in Game 4 versus the Denver Nuggets, Poole has scored at least 27 points so far in the playoffs.
Watching him play is like witnessing a watered-down version of Steph Curry. That’s not a knock on him, but more of the fact that Curry is such a generational player that comparing anyone to him may sound blasphemous. That being said, Poole brings that same flair when it comes to shot-making as he continuously hits those electrifying 3-pointers that get the crowd up on their feet. He is getting first-hand guidance not just from Curry himself, but from Thompson, as well. That’s two of the game’s greatest marksmen teaching you the art of shooting. It also helps that the Golden State Warriors’ system allows him to be the kind of scorer that he is.
Anthony Edwards
This guy is built for the playoffs. And we’re not just talking about his insane mic skills where he gives quotable quotes left and right.
Last year’s runner-up for Rookie of the Year, Anthony Edwards is in his first postseason. However, he is playing as though he’s an 8-year veteran, acting like he’s been here before. It’s the way he carries himself on the court. It’s the way he asks for the ball in the crucial stretches. It’s how he sizes up the opposing defense before making his move. He is in his element, as highlighted by his 24.8 points on 48.5 percent shooting through four playoff games.
Edward’s demeanor on and off the court personifies the upstart Minnesota Timberwolves. They don’t care that they needed the play-in tournament to get into the playoffs. And they absolutely don’t care that they’re up against the heavily-favored, second-seeded Memphis Grizzlies.
You have to appreciate the swagger, the confidence, and the vibes of this rising star. He’s going to be a force in the league for years to come.
Tyrese Maxey
If you just simply read this stat line of 38 points, 14-of-21 shooting, five triples, and four rebounds in the Philadelphia 76ers’ Game 1 victory, you might have immediately assumed it was James Harden. But of course, this was Tyrese Maxey’s coming-out party. He had the game in the palm of his hands as he shredded the Toronto Raptors’ defense.
Maxey then came close to a triple-double in Game 2 with 23 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists. He cooled down a bit in Game 3 (19 points) before the Raptors finally said enough is enough, limiting the second-year guard to just 11 points in Game 4.
The 21-year-old has earned the respect of the Toronto defense because simply letting him loose would cause a ton of problems for your team. Worrying about Joel Embiid is one thing, then you also have to take into account James Harden. And now, you have to make a game plan for Maxey as well. He provides that extra boost for Philly and can single-handedly change the momentum of the game.
It’ll be interesting to see how Maxey adjusts with the defense now keeping a close eye on him.
Brandon Ingram
Brandon Ingram was waiting for this moment. After not making the playoffs his first five years in the league, he now has a chance to showcase his game on the global stage. Having potential is very different from actually living up to that potential. Ingram is now proving he’s worth all that hype.
After a quiet 18-point performance in his playoff debut (which ended up in a loss), he’s finally put on his cape and emerged as the superhero who the New Orleans Pelicans have been waiting for. He took charge in Game 2, erupting for 37 points on a crisp 61.9 percent shooting clip, had 11 rebounds, and was one assist away from a triple-double.
In what has now turned out to be a free-for-all battle of wits between the top seed and eighth seed, Ingram has scored at least 30 points in the last three games. He’s been unboxing his scoring package, unfurling fadeaways, triples, floaters, set shots, hooks, and power dunks. A scorer with great length and versatility, Ingram is meeting the high expectations set before him.
A special mention in this list should be Jose Alvarado. The 6-foot-0, 179-pound undrafted rookie is now becoming a cult figure in New Orleans. The hustle and energy that he brings are exactly what the Pelicans need and what the Phoenix Suns are dreading. He has been hounding Chris Paul, forcing the legendary playmaker into turnovers.
In Game 4, Alvarado was all up on Paul’s grill and was even able to force an extremely rare eight-second violation all by himself. He was also able to unleash his signature move – the unexpected steal from behind – on Paul no less. He plays with a kind of fervor that will inspire his team and the crowd while infuriating the opposing team.
Before the first round is over, make sure you keep an eye out on Alvarado too.
