2025 NBA Playoffs: Unsung Heroes Who Could Decide the First Round

While NBA championships are often won by superstars, supporting players are crucial. Looking ahead to the playoffs, let`s consider impactful players who aren`t the primary stars but could determine the outcome of first-round series. These are players who can significantly influence their team`s success with standout performances.

Cleveland Cavaliers: Ty Jerome

Ty Jerome has been exceptionally efficient this season. He`s exceeded expectations in shooting accuracy compared to similar shots taken by other players. This high efficiency is notable, placing him near NBA stars like Kevin Durant and Nikola Jokic in this metric.

Jerome has become a valuable bench player for Cleveland, especially with his 44% three-point shooting, providing offensive support when Donovan Mitchell or Darius Garland are resting. However, questions remain about his playoff performance. Can he maintain his shooting accuracy and defensive effectiveness when opponents target him more aggressively? His playing time in the playoffs, where stars usually play more minutes, is also uncertain.

Boston Celtics: Jrue Holiday

Jrue Holiday`s three-point shooting improved significantly after returning from a pinkie injury. Initially shooting 34%, he increased to 39% after his time off. This is important for Boston because opponents often prioritize defending his teammates, leaving Holiday open for shots. Despite being left open more often than other Celtics shooters except Al Horford, Holiday`s offensive contribution is crucial.

His partnership with Derrick White in the backcourt has been vital to Boston`s strong defense. Now, he needs to consistently perform offensively and capitalize on open looks, similar to his 40% three-point shooting during their championship run last season.

New York Knicks: Mitchell Robinson

Mitchell Robinson returned late in the season after ankle surgery but quickly showed his impact. In limited minutes, he was highly productive in scoring, rebounding, blocks, and steals, while shooting efficiently. He also excels at offensive rebounding.

Robinson provides a different dimension to the Knicks, who heavily rely on their starting lineup. While their starters are strong, they haven`t consistently beaten top teams. Robinson could be the key to changing this, offering offensive rebounding and potentially fitting into a larger lineup to challenge teams like the Celtics.

Indiana Pacers: Aaron Nesmith

The Pacers` slow start to the season may be attributed to the absence of Aaron Nesmith and Andrew Nembhard. Their return in January coincided with a significant turnaround for the team. After January 1st, the Pacers became one of the league`s top teams.

Nesmith contributes significantly on both offense and defense. He shoots 43% from three-point range and is their best defender against top opposing wing players. His impact is evident in the team`s performance with him on the court, where they significantly outscore opponents.

Milwaukee Bucks: Kyle Kuzma

The Bucks` acquisition of Kyle Kuzma, replacing Khris Middleton, was a gamble. Despite moving to a contender, Kuzma`s performance hasn`t dramatically improved from his time in Washington. His individual and team metrics remain poor.

Kuzma might still be the second option on offense, especially with Damian Lillard`s injury. However, he needs to improve quickly to justify his role and help the Bucks in the playoffs.

Detroit Pistons: Tobias Harris

Tobias Harris, often criticized in Philadelphia, is now showing his value on a different playoff team. The Pistons perform significantly better when Harris is on the court. His overall impact is greater than other key players on the team.

While his stats may not be eye-catching, Harris contributes in various ways, making him essential for the Pistons, who lack versatile two-way wing players. His playoff experience is also a valuable asset for Detroit`s younger players.

Oklahoma City Thunder: Aaron Wiggins

A key question for the Thunder is their scoring beyond Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Jalen Williams is vital in this aspect, but Aaron Wiggins could also be a crucial factor. After February 1st, Wiggins improved his three-point shooting and scoring, becoming a significant offensive contributor.

Despite the Thunder`s deep roster with strong defenders, Wiggins could play important minutes when Gilgeous-Alexander rests or is heavily defended. His performance in these moments could be critical for the Thunder`s playoff aspirations.

Houston Rockets: Steven Adams

Steven Adams isn`t a high scorer, but his physical presence significantly changes games. In limited minutes, especially in two-big lineups with Alperen Sengun, the Rockets become dominant on the offensive glass, grabbing a very high percentage of their missed shots.

While opponents might try to exploit the Rockets` two-big lineups defensively in the playoffs, the Adams-Sengun pairing has been highly effective. It provides a unique offensive advantage that could continue to be successful in the postseason.

Los Angeles Lakers: Rui Hachimura

While Austin Reaves is a strong option for the Lakers, Rui Hachimura also plays a critical role, particularly in lineups without traditional centers. Hachimura has played a significant portion of his minutes at center this season.

Hachimura`s three-point shooting provides offensive spacing, but his size and rebounding will be even more important in the playoffs. Lineups with Hachimura or LeBron James at center have been offensively potent, though defensively they are average.

Denver Nuggets: Russell Westbrook

Russell Westbrook is known for his inconsistent performances. This season has been a mix of highs and lows. After joining Denver, he initially exceeded expectations, filling in well for injured players. However, his recklessness has also cost the Nuggets games.

Westbrook`s playoff success may depend on playing alongside Nikola Jokic. He performs better with Jokic, showing better efficiency. Without Jokic, his shooting accuracy declines significantly. His role and playing time under the new coach in the playoffs remain to be seen.

LA Clippers: Ivica Zubac

Ivica Zubac has emerged as one of the most valuable players this season, surprisingly ranking high in player value metrics, even above stars like Anthony Edwards and Stephen Curry.

Despite playing alongside stars like Kawhi Leonard and James Harden, Zubac`s consistent performance on both ends of the court has been crucial. His value is especially important in the playoffs, where he`s expected to defend Nikola Jokic in the first round.

Minnesota Timberwolves: Julius Randle

Julius Randle needs to improve his playoff track record. His playoff shooting efficiency is historically low, and he has more turnovers than assists in playoff games.

His overall impact on the Timberwolves also needs to improve. The team performs worse with him on the court. For Minnesota to advance deep in the playoffs, Randle needs to elevate his game and become a more positive contributor.

Golden State Warriors: Brandin Podziemski

Brandin Podziemski improved significantly in the latter part of the season. After a slow start, his scoring and three-point shooting jumped after the Warriors` trade acquisitions.

Podziemski`s shooting makes him a better fit alongside players like Draymond Green. He and Moses Moody are crucial for providing spacing for the Warriors` stars. Lineups featuring Podziemski with key Warriors players have been highly effective. For the Warriors to make a playoff run, contributions from both young and veteran players like Podziemski are essential.