The 2025 NBA Playoffs showcased exceptional talent and countless unforgettable performances. With the Oklahoma City Thunder earning their first championship in franchise history, parity remains at an all-time high.
With the 2024-25 season now over, it’s time to look back on which players distinguished themselves this postseason. While championship odds are already out for next season, you can consult the advice of the experts at Sportsgrid to make the best bets.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder
The 2024-25 NBA MVP and Finals MVP has been a revelation this postseason.
Averaging 29.9 points, 5.3 rebounds, 6.5 assists, and 1.7 steals per game, he has demonstrated upper-echelon scoring prowess and playmaking ability. He was also a playmaking contributor to the NBA’s top-ranked defense.
His leadership even cemented him as the greatest player in Thunder franchise history.
https://twitter.com/ThunderLead/status/1937521152366116995
Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks
Jalen Brunson is the 2024-25 NBA Clutch Player of the Year and led the Knicks to their first Eastern Conference Finals appearance since 2000.
This postseason, he averaged 29.4 points (46% FG, 36% 3PT, 85% FT) and 7.0 assists per contest, securing his Knicks legend status.
He was the ultimate engine of the Knicks’ offense during the playoffs. His ability to create shots both for himself and his teammates, combined with his composure in high-pressure situations, has been instrumental in the Knicks’ near-Finals run.
Even when defenses have focused on limiting his impact, Brunson has consistently found ways to deliver, whether by drawing fouls, hitting mid-range jumpers, or orchestrating the offense with precision.
https://twitter.com/KnicksLead/status/1928280203416973428
Julius Randle, Minnesota Timberwolves
Minnesota returned to the Western Conference Finals largely because Julius Randle delivered when they needed him to.
Randle posted 21.7 points (50% FG, 39% 3PT, 88% FT), 5.9 rebounds and 4.9 assists over 35.6 minutes per game during the postseason.
Combined with Rudy Gobert, Randle turned the Timberwolves into a real threat for any team. His versatility on offense, whether attacking the rim, pulling up from mid-range, or facilitating plays for his teammates, has added a new dimension to Minnesota’s game.
The Timberwolves throttled the eventual champions once, but couldn’t muster a Game 6. Regardless, they’ll remain in contention for years to come.
Karl-Anthony Towns, New York Knicks
In his first season with the Knicks, Karl-Anthony Towns showed a strong series of performances this postseason, averaging 21.4 points (49% FG, 35% 3PT, 85% FT) and 11.6 rebounds per game.
Together with Mitchell Robinson and Jalen Brunson, Towns made a significant contribution to the Knicks’ recent success. He averaged 24.8 points and 12.2 rebounds in the Eastern Conference Finals against the Pacers.
With the East seemingly wide open next season due to three catastrophic Achilles injuries (Damian Lillard, Jayson Tatum, Tyrese Haliburton), the Knicks have a good a shot as any to make it to the NBA Finals.
Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves
Anthony Edwards emerged as a breakout star this past season, leading the Timberwolves with a playoff average of 25.3 points (45% FG, 35% 3PT, 72% FT), 7.8 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 1.1 steals per game.
His scoring and leadership were instrumental in the team’s deep playoff run and Edwards has become one of the true new faces of the league.
Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana Pacers
Tyrese Haliburton was the catalyst for the Indiana Pacers’ unexpected Finals appearance. However, a devastating Achilles injury in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals may have set the Pacers back from potential juggernaut territory.
Nonetheless, Haliburton established himself as a star this postseason, averaging 17.3 points (46% FG, 34% 3PT, 83% FT), 5.3 rebounds, 8.6 assists and 1.3 steals per game.
His high basketball IQ and clutch performances, including multiple game-winning shots, left the Eastern Conference hopefuls devastated.
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