Ranking top 10 players in 2024 NBA playoffs ahead of finals
The Dallas Mavericks punched their 2024 NBA Finals ticket on Thursday, knocking off the Minnesota Timberwolves in five games to claim Western Conference supremacy. They will take on the Eastern Conference champion Boston Celtics to cap off this year's playoffs, which has featured numerous standout performances.
The league-best Celtics (64-18), spearheaded by superstar wings Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown open the series as (-225) favorites. Playing in its second finals in three years, Boston will attempt to win its first championship since 2008 and NBA record 18th in franchise history.
Meanwhile, the fifth-seeded Mavericks (50-32), headlined by superstar guards Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving are (+180) underdogs. However, the duo shouldn't be counted out after averaging 59.4 combined points per game over five Round 3 contests against the league's No. 1 defensive team.
The Celtics and Mavericks' finals showdown tips off on June 6 in Boston, providing both teams with an extended opportunity for rest. With a week to go before the series commences, here's a look at this year's top playoff performers thus far (minimum seven games played).
Top 10 2024 NBA playoff performers entering finals
#10 Pascal Siakam
Star forward Pascal Siakam proved to be a monumental trade deadline acquisition for the Indiana Pacers. The one-time NBA champion brought title experience and reliable frontcourt scoring during their surprise East finals run.
Over 17 outings, Siakam averaged a team-high 21.6 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 0.8 steals and 0.8 3-pointers per game on a blistering 54.1% shooting. Meanwhile, the two-time All-Star ranks fifth in total playoff points (367).
#9 Kyrie Irving
Kyrie Irving has been an ideal running mate next to Luka Doncic in their first playoff run together. Their one-two backcourt scoring punch and clutch shot-making abilities have allowed Dallas to come out on the right end of numerous close games.
Through 17 appearances, Irving is averaging 22.8 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 5.2 apg, 1.2 spg and 2.6 3pg on 48.5% shooting. The eight-time All-Star ranks fourth in total playoff points (388) and steals (20) and tied for fifth in 3s (45).
#8 Donovan Mitchell
Cleveland Cavaliers star shooting guard Donovan Mitchell's playoff run was cut short early in Round 2 against Boston due to a left calf strain. Nonetheless, when healthy, the five-time All-Star played at an elite level, guiding the Cavaliers to their first postseason series victory since 2018.
Over 10 contests, he averaged 29.6 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 4.7 apg, 1.3 spg, and 2.9 3pg on 47.6% shooting.
#7 Jaylen Brown
Jaylen Brown has been shooting lights out this postseason, serving as the NBA's top No. 2 scoring option. Through 14 outings, he is averaging 25.0 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 2.6 apg, 1.1 spg and 2.0 3pg on a scorching 54.1% shooting.
The three-time All-Star's hyper-efficient scoring earned him this year's East finals MVP trophy. Meanwhile, it could be argued that he has been the Celtics' top player during their entire NBA Finals run.
#6 Jayson Tatum
While Jayson Tatum hasn't had his most efficient playoff run, he remains the No. 1 scoring option on an NBA Finals team. He has also been a reliable rebounder and playmaker for the Celtics as they have coasted to a 12-2 postseason record.
Through 14 games, the five-time All-Star is averaging 26.0 ppg, 10.4 rpg, 5.9 apg, 1.1 spg, and 2.1 3pg on 44.2% shooting.
#5 Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
OKC Thunder superstar point guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander only appeared in 10 playoff contests this year but was one of the most consistent performers.
The 2024 MVP runner-up averaged the second-most points (30.2 ppg) of any player who played seven-plus games. He also chipped in 7.2 rpg, 6.4 apg, 1.3 spg, 1.7 bpg and 1.6 3pg on 49.6% shooting.
Gilgeous-Alexander's crafty scoring and tenacious defense nearly helped the Thunder force a Game 7 in Round 2 against the eventual West champion Mavericks.
#4 Jalen Brunson
New York Knicks star point guard Jalen Brunson's electric postseason run also ended early due to injury. He sustained a fractured left hand against Indiana in Game 7 of the second round. However, before doing so, Brunson appeared poised to carry the shorthanded Knicks to their first East finals appearance since 2000.
The first-time All-Star remains the playoffs' leading scorer among players with seven-plus games played. Over 13 contests, Brunson averaged 32.4 ppg to go along with 3.3 rpg, 7.5 apg, 0.8 spg and 2.0 3pg on 44.4% shooting. He ranks third in total postseason points (421) and fourth in assists (97) despite playing just two rounds.
#3 Anthony Edwards
At just 22 years old, Anthony Edwards proved his ability to be the No. 1 scoring option on an NBA championship contender in this year's playoffs. His Timberwolves eliminated the star-studded Phoenix Suns and defending champion Denver Nuggets in Rounds 1 and 2.
Over 16 playoff outings, Edwards averaged 27.6 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 6.5 apg, 1.5 spg and 2.9 3pg on 48.1% shooting. The two-time All-Star ranks second in total postseason points (441) and steals (24), tied for third in total assists (104) and fourth in 3s (46).
#2 Nikola Jokic
Despite coming up short in Round 2 against Minnesota, Nuggets three-time MVP center Nikola Jokic did nearly everything possible to carry his team to victory.
Over 12 postseason appearances, he averaged 28.7 ppg, 13.4 rpg, 8.7 apg, 1.4 spg and 1.2 3pg on a torrid 54.5% shooting. He ranks second in total playoff rebounds (161) and tied for third in assists (104) in only two rounds of action.
Jokic's efficient well-rounded play made few hold his team's shortcomings against him, with fans instead calling for Denver to bolster its depth.
#1 Luka Doncic
With his sensational NBA Finals run, Luka Doncic has made a case for being the league's top player. The 25-year-old leads the NBA in total playoff points (489), rebounds (164), assists (150), steals (28) and 3-pointers (57).
Through 17 games, the West finals MVP is averaging 28.8 ppg, 9.6 rpg, 8.8 apg, 1.6 spg and 3.4 3pg on 43.8% shooting. Meanwhile, the Mavericks have dispatched three of the West's top four seeds (LA Clippers, OKC Thunder and Minnesota).
Also Read: Luka Doncic joins Jayson Tatum in pantheon of greats ahead of 2024 NBA Finals matchup