Discover the key players to watch in the second round of the NBA playoffs. Get insights into the stars shaping the race toward the championship and what to expect in this intense playoff stage.
The second round of the NBA playoffs is underway, and teams are getting a step closer to winning a championship. However, the competition gets tougher, and teams need to be at their best to ensure that they advance.
There are some great teams remaining, and all of them have stars. Those stars are the keys to success, and when it comes to this round of the playoffs, a few of those players will stand out. With that said, here are a few players to keep an eye on in this round of the playoffs.
1.) James Harden
James Harden has made the playoffs every year of his career, and while he reached the NBA Finals early in his career, he has not won a championship. This year is a chance for the 2018 Most Valuable Player (MVP) to put the narratives around his playoff performances to rest, as he can help the Cleveland Cavaliers win it all.
Harden has had a challenging time in this year’s playoffs, as his turnovers and occasional shooting woes have impacted his play. He had ups and downs in Cleveland’s series against the Toronto Raptors, and he is trying to bounce back against the Detroit Pistons. This is the prime opportunity to do so, and he can reach the Conference finals for the first time since 2018. The Cleveland star continues to climb various lists (such as the all-time postseason scoring list), and strong performances from now on will help him add something else to his legacy.
2.) Anthony Edwards
Anthony Edwards is one of the NBA’s young stars, and he is trying to lead his team to victory. He had a strong regular season, and despite dealing with an injury, he is doing well in the playoffs. The Minnesota Timberwolves beat the Denver Nuggets in the first round, and now, they are taking on the San Antonio Spurs. Edwards helped his team get a road win over the Spurs in Game 1, but San Antonio recovered in the second game.
Edward is fighting through his injury, and as time goes on, the Timberwolves will need him if they hope to advance.
3.) Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander took home the MVP award last year, and he led his team to a championship. This year, the Oklahoma City Thunder have a legitimate shot at repeating, and Gilgeous-Alexander continues to play at a high level.
The MVP averaged 31.1 points, 6.6 assists and 4.3 rebounds during the regular season, and during the playoffs, he is averaging 30.6 points, 7.6 assists and 3.4 rebounds. The Thunder beat the Phoenix Suns in the first round, and now they are taking on the Los Angeles Lakers. Oklahoma City’s playoff journey is off to a good start, and Gilgeous-Alexander is playing a huge role.
Things are looking up for the star and his team, and by the end of the postseason, he could bring home another MVP award and championship.
While these three players are worth keeping an eye on, there are others who could help their team win. Players like Cade Cunningham and Donovan Mitchell are stars, and their play impacts their teams’ chances. Then, there are veterans like LeBron James trying to give their team a boost. The playoffs are getting tougher, and in the end, the best team will come out on top.
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