Luckily enough, so too are the NBA playoffs. Teams and fans alike are getting amped up for what should be a thrilling postseason! The way players have performed throughout the season has created some exciting storylines leading into the playoffs as well as some expectations for certain matchups. This year’s playoffs will see several key athletes facing pivotal challenges, including health concerns and the need to improve their games. Among the most notable are Jaylen Brown, Franz Wagner, Ja Morant, Al Horford, Kristaps Porzingis, Myles Turner, Pascal Siakam, Trae Young, and Luka Doncic.
In other words, each of these players has presented exceptional talent and ability all season long. There are several critical factors that will determine how they perform in the playoffs. Injuries, team dynamics, and individual capabilities will all play a role in determining how far their respective teams can go in the chase for the championship.
Health Concerns and Performance
Unfortunately, Jaylen Brown’s health has become one of the biggest storylines as the Celtics head into the postseason. He played through a bone bruise in the right knee in the last few weeks of the regular season. Despite this dropoff, Brown rebounded remarkably, setting the league highwater mark with 320 made three-pointers at a remarkable clip of 39.5%. Indeed, it’s his knack for such high-wire acts, especially when the heat is on, that will be key to his team’s fortunes.
Franz Wagner’s performance has garnered attention. In the first month of the incipient season, he owned the hardwood. He notched eight games with 25-plus points, five-plus rebounds and five-plus assists. Wagner’s elite shooting ability from the midrange – he shot almost 51% on midrange jumpers – will be incredibly important when games slow down in the playoffs. Since coming back from injury, he’s played 35 games, averaging 24 points a game. His unique skill set and skill development will be paramount to his new squad’s offensive blueprint.
“He’s just been leading on all fronts, and I’m really impressed with his unselfishness, but knowing that he’s the guy.” – Eric Woodyard
Defensive Strategies and Playing Styles
Ja Morant’s attacking style contrasts sharply with Oklahoma City’s strong defensive performance in the regular season. Defensively, the Thunder have given up the least amount of paint points, at just 42.5 a night. Morant’s ability to penetrate defenses will be tested against one of the league’s top defensive teams.
Horford, at 38, is one of the oldest players in the league, and very few players his age have made such achievements. For all of his years, he’s still having a huge effect on one of the league’s best teams. His experience and leadership will be key as his young team plays in the postseason’s first round and beyond.
Kristaps Porzingis faced significant struggles learning on the fly in last year’s playoffs. He ended up missing almost all of the postseason due to complex leg injuries. His eventual recovery and return to form are still key to his team’s hopes of winning it all this season.
Myles Turner has been a pillar of Indiana’s defense for nearly a decade. Staying no more than five feet from the ball handler, this season he has played an integral part in drastically raising their defensive metrics. Indiana needs his presence down low to be successful. They have championship aspirations, hoping to recreate the magic from last year’s run to the Eastern Conference finals.
Rising Stars and Championship Aspirations
Since arriving in the middle of the year, Pascal Siakam has developed into the most important player for Indiana. He shot a career-high 41.2% from three-point range this season, making him an even more essential asset for spacing on the offense. His experience from last year’s playoff run will surely help Indiana as they head toward another potential deep postseason adventure.
For one thing, Trae Young is riding high after being named the 2023 Finals MVP. Young is the one player who could be considered the best player in any series that Denver may encounter this postseason. His success will heavily depend on balanced efforts from essential running mates like Aaron Gordon, Michael Porter Jr., Jamal Murray and Christian Braun. It’ll be their collective effort that’ll decide how far Denver goes.
Luka Doncic comes into this postseason with something to prove after last year’s deflating NBA Finals appearance. Redemption is very much on Moore’s mind, and the way he works with his next team will be critical in ensuring fortunes have shifted since previous collapses.
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