NBA Playoffs Unsung Heroes Heading Into Round 2

(Photo : (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)) MIAMI, FLORIDA - APRIL 29: Derrick White #9 of the Boston Celtics reacts after making a basket against the Miami Heat during the fourth quarter in game four of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs at Kaseya Center on April 29, 2024 in Miami, Florida. 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

The drama of the NBA Playoffs has lived up to its hype.

With the first round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs at an end, each series has had an unsung hero who has established themselves as the standout performer, or, Series MVP.

Here are some round 1 series standouts as we enter the second round of the 2024 NBA playoffs.

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. New Orleans Pelicans

Round 1 MVP: (OKC) Chet Holmgren

In their first playoff series together, the young Oklahoma City Thunder team has shown up and asserted their will against his Zion Williamson-less New Orlean Pelicans.

Throughout the first round, you could make the case for SGA as the team's leader and potential MVP. However, Chet Holmgren has been the Batman to his Superman play.

Holmgren has stepped up for the Thunder in his first playoff series in his young career; Chet's stats so far may not be flashy, but he definitely has made a huge impact in this series with the Pelicans.

Shai, Chet , and Jalen Williams went lethal weapon 3 😂🔥 all 3 were super efficient were over 58 FG% @shaiglalex 33 points 5 assists 68 FG% @ChetHolmgren 26 points 7 rebounds 69 FG% & @jdubwttp 21 points 7 assists 5 Reboinds 58 FG% @JordanRichardSC
pic.twitter.com/Dfti0tKJlK
— Swish Cultures (@swishcultures_) April 25, 2024

Chet Holmgren has managed to hold the paint down against prominent players, with a staggering five blocks in Game 1, and he became the first first rookie in OKC franchise history to score at least 25 points and grab five rebounds in a playoff game.

Denver Nuggets vs. Los Angeles Lakers

Round 1 MVP: (DEN) Jamal Murray

The Denver Nuggets have knocked the Los Angeles Lakers out of the NBA Playoffs.

Despite not being the most efficient player on the court through the first three games of the series, Jamal Murray has still come up in big moments through their round 1 series against the Lakers.

Murray torched LA's hopes by hitting a big-time game-winning shot in not just Game 2 but also in Game 5 to give the Denver Nuggets a win in the series.

Jamal Murray has managed to continue to be a major scoring threat for Denver, which will definitely help the Nuggets down the line in the playoffs.

Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Phoenix Suns

Round 1 MVP: (MIN) Rudy Gobert

The usual story around Rudy Gobert is that he becomes a liability on offense in the NBA playoffs.

However, that couldn't be any less of the case this time around, as Gobert has played a significant role in helping the Minnesota Timberwolves sweep the Suns.

His defense has set the tone for the Timberwolves throughout the series and his offensive impact has been evident.

Gobert has done a solid job anchoring the league's best defense and has contributed to the Timberwolves' success in the postseason.

Rudy Gobert scored 14 points with 16 rebounds in Game 1 and 18 points with 9 rebounds in Game 2. Following these, his Game 3 performance was his best so far with 19 points and 14 rebounds.

A lot to like from Rudy Gobert in G2 vs PHX defending in space and isolation.

He was very comfortable extending his defense to take on Phoenix's ball handlers and contained them well overall. Impressive mobility. pic.twitter.com/xaGhjr7OYj
— 𝒥ℴ𝓃𝒶𝒽 (@Huncho_Jman) April 24, 2024

Staying on the court late to seal games defensively is another reason why Gobert's presence translates to success for the Timberwolves.

Los Angeles Clippers vs. Dallas Mavericks

Round 1 MVP: (DAL) Daniel Gafford

Daniel Gafford stats haven't looked impressive, but his impact can not be denied.

He has been able to provide the Dallas Mavericks with elite rim protection and rebounding which has helped make the difference in their seven game series against the Los Angeles Clippers.

Gafford did start the postseason on the slower side, but picked things up later with a 13-point performance in Game 6 that featured an intense poster dunk over Clippers center Ivica Zubac.

His energy to close out games is what made the difference in this series.

Boston Celtics vs. Miami Heat

Round 1 MVP: (BOS) Derrick White

The Boston Celtics cruised past the Miami Heat in five games to advance to the Eastern Conference Semifinals, and Derrick White was the reason why.

White played a significant role in the Celtics' wins in both Game 4 and Game 5.

Dropping 25 points on 8 of 13 shooting in Game 5 and 38 points on 15-26 shooting in Game 4.

Derrick White made history in the Celtics first round matchup against the Heat, becoming just the sixth player to average at least 20 points per game on 55/45/90 shooting splits in a playoff series (minimum five games). Whit has joined the likes of James Harden, Kevin Durant, Allan Houston, and Byron Scott.

New York Knicks vs. Philadelphia 76ers

Round 1 MVP: (NYK) Josh Hart

New York Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson started slow in round 1 against the Philadelphia 76ers, not playing up to the All-Star level that we have seen throughout the regular season, which has allowed a variety of Knicks role players to step up in his place.

One in particular is Josh Hart, who has been spectacular so far in the postseason.

Along with doing the dirty work, grabbing rebounds and defense, Hart has stepped up the scoring; which has helped the Knicks take the series over the 76ers in Game 6.

Josh Hart has scored 20 or more points in the first three games of the series against Philadelphia and has hit some big shots when the Knicks needed them most; like his Game 6 fourth quarter three-pointer that all but sealed the series.

Milwaukee Bucks vs. Indiana Pacers

Round 1 MVP: Myles Turner

The Indiana Pacers are riding high after knocking off their rival Milwaukee Bucks out of the NBA Playoffs, and Myles Turner was a strong factor in this series.

Myles Turner has been the backbone of this exciting Pacers team and it showed through in the postseason.

In the first round of the playoffs Turner averaged 19.2 points per game, helping Indiana secure their first series win since 2014.

His defensive rim pressure and floor spacing made all the difference for Indy in the series, which helped give them the edge over the Bucks.

Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Orlando Magic

Round 1 MVP: Max Strus

The Cleveland Cavaliers managed to outlast Paolo Banchero and the Orlando Magic in seven games.

Donovan Mitchell has been big time throughout the series stepping up as true superstar when his number has been called upon.

However, Max Strus was the difference maker throughout the series. His floor spacing is what helped the Cavaliers come out victorious in their Game 7 showdown.

Strus knocked down three 3s in Game 7 for the Cavs, as he was a threat from anywhere on the court. This opened up the offense for Mitchell and Garland, which in the long run had helped the Cavaliers take the series from the Magic.