NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 17: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks reacts during the second half against the Houston Rockets at Madison Square Garden on January 17, 2024 in New York City. The Knicks won 109-94. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
This is how we rank the top 20 players in the NBA conference finals:
1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – Thunder:
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 04: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder reacts to his three pointer during a 107-104 Oklahoma City Thunder win at Staples Center on November 04, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
The 2024-2025 NBA regular season MVP justifiably takes the number one spot.
2. Jalen Brunson – Knicks:
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – JANUARY 29: Donte DiVincenzo #0 and Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks react following a basket during the first half of the game against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on January 29, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
The 2024-2025 NBA Clutch Player of the Year excels when the lights are at their brightest.
3. Anthony Edwards – Timberwolves:
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – FEBRUARY 06: Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves dunks against the Chicago Bulls during the first half at the United Center on February 06, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Some call him the future face of the league, others call him the secret son of Michael Jordan.
4. Tyrese Haliburton – Pacers:
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – DECEMBER 28: Tyrese Haliburton #0 of the Indiana Pacers holds up three fingers after the Pacers made another three-point basket in the second half against the Chicago Bulls on December 28, 2023 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. Indiana defeated Chicago 120-104. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)
Somehow, he has helped the Pacers recreate the Reggie Miller 8 points in 9 seconds moment twice in this year’s playoffs.
5. Karl-Anthony Towns – Knicks:
May 21, 2025; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) reacts in the fourth quarter against the Indiana Pacers during game one of the eastern conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
The Big Bodega’s elite three-point shooting and overall offensive versatility at 7’0 tall will be key for New York to make its first NBA Finals appearance since 1999.
6. Julius Randle – Timberwolves:
May 14, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle (30) raises his arm to pump up the crowd after making a shot against the Golden State Warriors in the first half during game five of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
This is the best version of Randle that we have ever seen, regarding his jump shot consistency and playmaking.
7. Pascal Siakam – Pacers:
May 21, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam (43) controls the ball against New York Knicks guard Miles McBride (2) in the third quarter during game one of the eastern conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Kawhi could not have won without Pascal in 2019, and neither can Haliburton this year.
8. OG Anunoby – Knicks:
May 21, 2025; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby (8) shoots against the Indiana Pacers in the second half during game one of the eastern conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
There is a reason why the Pacers comeback in the 2024 Conference Semifinals occurred after OG suffered a hamstring strain.
9. Jalen Williams – Thunder:
May 20, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams (8) shoots against Minnesota Timberwolves forward Josh Minott (8) and guard Mike Conley (10) in the fourth quarter during game one of the western conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-Imagn Images
Don’t let Game 6 against the Nuggets take away from how special Williams is as a rhythm scorer and All-Defense level talent.
10. Chet Holmgren – Thunder:
May 13, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren (7) dunks against the Denver Nuggets during the second half of game five of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Chet has not even scratched the surface of his potential, yet he can knock down a 30-foot three-pointer before racing down the court to get a chase-down block.
11. Mikal Bridges – Knicks:
May 21, 2025; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks forward Mikal Bridges (25) controls the ball against Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard (2) in the third quarter during game one of the eastern conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
Game-winning steal in a Game 1 was a fluke? How about Game 2?
12. Josh Hart – Knicks:
May 21, 2025; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) and guard Josh Hart (3) react in the third quarter against the Indiana Pacers during game one of the eastern conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
For how hard Josh Hart plays on a nightly basis, he should never have to pay for another meal in New York City.
13. Jaden McDaniels – Timberwolves
May 20, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) drives against Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels (3) in the fourth quarter during game one of the western conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
“They’ve got Kevin Durant, but we’ve got Jaden McDaniels” = a quote from Anthony Edwards that has continued to age well as Minnesota continues to defeat high-ranked opponents.
14. Myles Turner – Pacers:
May 21, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (33) controls the ball against New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby (8) in the second quarter during game one of the eastern conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Indiana fans must be glad that the team never traded Turner at some point over the last decade because of his superb ability to stretch the floor and also contest shots at the rim.
15. Andrew Nembhard – Pacers:
May 21, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard (2) controls the ball against New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson (23) in the first quarter during game one of the eastern conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
It is officially not crazy to call Andrew Nembhard one of the biggest playoff risers in the NBA.
16. Isaiah Hartenstein – Thunder:
May 20, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein (55) shoots against Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert (27) in the second quarter during game one of the western conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-Imagn Images
When his flip shot is falling, don’t be surprised to see him eclipse the double-digit point mark while also compiling four stocks.
17. Alex Caruso – Thunder:
May 20, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Alex Caruso (9) reacts after scoring a three point basket against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second quarter during game one of the western conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
He can guard Jokic, he can guard Antman, and he has underrated hops?
18. Rudy Gobert – Timberwolves:
Apr 30, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert (27) gets the rebound against Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) during the first half in game five of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
The four-time DPOY winner has not had a huge role outside of Game 5 against the Lakers, but he is still a key member of Minnesota’s big rotation.
19. Naz Reid – Timberwolves:
May 14, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Naz Reid (11) shoots the ball against the Golden State Warriors in the first half during game five of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
For the Wolves to win this series, they need Naz to shoot threes at his 38% regular season clip and limit his unforced turnovers.
20. Lu Dort – Thunder:
Thunder guard Lu Dort led the league in drawing offensive fouls last season, with 57 fouls drawn.
Thunder
His three-point shot has a high arc like Dirk, and his defensive stance is reminiscent of the Glove.
Not top 20, but shoutout Aaron Nesmith – Pacers:
May 13, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith (23) and guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) and forward Pascal Siakam (43) celebrate during the second half of game five against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
Nesmith has turned into a fantastic rotation player for Indiana with his energy on both sides of the floor.
Not top 20 but shoutout Mitchell Robinson – Knicks:
May 10, 2025; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson (23) warms up prior to game three of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs against the Boston Celtics at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
Big Mitch undeniably deserves a shoutout for the tremendous defense he has played throughout the 2025 playoffs thus far (circa the play where he rotated to all five Celtics players along the perimeter and then got a steal).
Other Honorable mentions:
May 13, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell (9) saves the ball from going out of bounds during the first half against the Cleveland Cavaliers of game five of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
