One unsung hero from every remaining NBA playoff team

His scoring uptick has been a huge boost for the Pacers and should he maintain his efficiency from distance, Nembhard could be the secret weapon behind Indy's title pursuit. 

Minnesota Timberwolves - Julius Randle (Forward)

When the Timberwolves made the stunning trade to send Karl-Anthony Towns to the New York Knicks in exchange for Julius Randle last offseason, the general consensus was that Minnesota had wasted a year of Anthony Edwards' prime by depriving him of a superstar teammate.

Months later, that opinion couldn't be more wrong. 

So far this postseason, Randle has thrived as the beta alongside Edwards.

After pouring in 22 points per game to help eliminate the Los Angeles Lakers, the team that drafted him in 2014, the 30-year-old erupted for 25.2 points, 6.6 rebounds and 7.4 assists on Golden State in the second round.

Randle, a three-time All-Star, has thrived as both a scorer and playmaker, providing Minnesota with the tireless scorer they lacked in Towns.

While many tried to write him off as an inefficient scorer, Randle has been integral to Minnesota's success, providing the team with clutch scoring and playmaking when teams key on Edwards. 

New York Knicks - Josh Hart (Guard)

New York is buzzing after the Knicks advanced to their first Eastern Conference Finals in 25 years. Jalen Brunson, the 2025 NBA Clutch Player of the Year, has continued his torrid pace in the playoffs, leading all remaining players with 346 playoff points.

While Brunson can be counted on to score in bunches, his backcourt mate Josh Hart has been a pleasant surprise for the Knicks. 

Known best for his tireless motor, hustle and tendency to crash the glass, Hart has upped his scoring contributions in the playoffs.

Hart has scored 10+ points in all but two games and twice scored 20+ points against Boston to help the Knicks eliminate their division rival.

Without sacrificing his intensity on defense, Hart has lifted New York with his scoring outbursts and is a big reason why New York is on the cusp of their first Finals appearance since 1999. 

Oklahoma City Thunder - Jalen Williams (OKC)

Aside from MVP frontrunner Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder have little in the way of consistent scorers, but All-Star Jalen Williams has helped fill that void this postseason.

His 19.6 points per game ranks second on the team and with their season hanging in the balance on Sunday, Williams delivered his best game yet.

The 6-foot-5 guard poured in 17 points in the second quarter, pacing the Nuggets total by himself, and finished the game with 24 points on 58 percent shooting.

Along with his 24 points, Williams had a team-high seven assists against one turnover. 

“He brought his A-game when we needed it most,” Shai Gilgeous-Alexander said of Williams, “and that’s what makes you the upper echelon in this league.”