RADIO
The 2022-23 NBA Playoffs are here! The excitement is in the air as 16 teams compete for the world championship. This part of the season is where legends are made. No one can afford an off-night because every game counts and a string of bad luck could lead to elimination.
Some teams are entering yet another playoff grind. The Golden State Warriors will participate in their 11th postseason in 13 years. Conversely, the Sacramento Kings ended a 16-year playoff drought by qualifying in this year’s bracket. Veterans and youngsters compete, hoping to prove they are the best in the highly-competitive field.
As the first round of the playoffs starts, here are some players you must look out for. They may not be household names to basketball fans for now. But they have a chance to build a lofty reputation by elevating their game and helping their team advance through multiple rounds.
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Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves
The number one overall selection in the 2020 NBA Draft continues to build on his game. “Ant-Man” averaged 24.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game this season, leading all Timberwolves scorers. Those numbers earned him his first All-Star selection this year. Minnesota will rely on him to lead the way against Denver. Unfortunately, he only had 18 points in their lopsided Game 1 loss to the Nuggets.
Mikal Bridges, Brooklyn Nets
The fifth-year veteran from Villanova is making the most of his opportunities after getting traded to the Brooklyn Nets. He is not a second fiddle anymore after averaging 26.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.7 assists in 27 regular season games with Brooklyn. The Nets are facing the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round of the Eastern Conference Playoffs, and he scored 30 in their series-opening loss.
Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers
Maxey has been a silent yet steady contributor for a team with superstars James Harden and Joel Embiid. He increased his regular-season point average to 20.3 per game, ranking third in the group. The former Kentucky standout took a backseat during Game 1 of their series against Brooklyn, scoring 13 points. But it will only be a matter of time before the spotlight burns bright on him.
Desmond Bane, Memphis Grizzlies
The third-year player out of TCU might be getting more headlines because of his mouth and antics. But Bane does have game, averaging 21.5 points, five rebounds, and 4.4 assists in 58 regular-season games. He also averaged 18.8 points in 12 postseason games last year. Bane was also second in scoring with 22 in their Game 1 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Rui Hachimura, L.A. Lakers
Injuries have derailed Hachimura’s once-promising career. He never played more than 57 games in each of his four seasons with the Washington Wizards. But the Los Angeles Lakers took a flyer on him via a midseason trade this year. The gamble looks to have paid off after he scored 29 points and grabbed five rebounds in their Game 1 win over second-seed Memphis Grizzlies.
Evan Mobley, Cleveland Cavaliers
Mobley missed only three games this season, posting averages of 16.2 points, nine rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 1.5 blocks per game. The big man from USC is tenacious on both sides of the game, and his efforts earned him an NBA All-Rookie First-Team selection last year. But he would have to bounce back from their Game 1 loss to the New York Knicks after finishing with only eight points.
Dejounte Murray, Atlanta Hawks
Murray joined the Atlanta Hawks via a 2022 off-season trade. In five seasons with the San Antonio Spurs, he improved his point average from 3.4 to 21.1. Meanwhile, his 20.5 points per game in his first year with the Hawks rank second behind Trae Young. However, he led the way for the Hawks with 24 points in their Game 1 loss to the Boston Celtics.
P.J. Tucker, Philadelphia 76ers
He is a guy who always finds a role in any team he plays. Competing in Israel, Ukraine, Italy, and Germany helped strengthen his resolve. That’s why he is the epitome of hustle in the league. Tucker is suiting up for the Philadelphia 76ers in this year’s playoffs. While he only had six points in their win over the Nets, he added seven rebounds, two assists, and five steals.
Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks
Brunson was an excellent acquisition for the New York Knicks during the 2022 season. The former Villanova standout plays like a star who deserves his four-year, $104 million contract. He averaged 24 points per game this season and led the team with 27 points in their victory over the Cavaliers. His game is rising, which will bode well for the Knicks.
De’Aaron Fox, Sacramento Kings
His last name is appropriate because he is among the league’s fastest players. Fox finally entered the playoffs for the first time after six seasons. He led the Sacramento Kings with 25 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game. Fox did not disappoint in his first postseason game, finishing with 38 points, five rebounds, and three steals in a win over the defending champions Golden State Warriors.
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