The 2024-25 NBA playoffs have begun with all eight first-round Game 1s completed. The biggest surprise so far might be the Timberwolves` dominant win over the Lakers. However, those who have followed the Timberwolves closely know their strength, even if many favored the Lakers in predictions for this series.
Beyond the team results, several individual performances stood out unexpectedly. While we acknowledge the contributions of star players, this article focuses on the lesser-known players who significantly elevated their game in their playoff debuts. We`ll highlight three such players, true role-player standouts, who were crucial to their teams` victories. Davion Mitchell`s strong performance for the Heat in their loss to Cleveland is also noteworthy.
Ty Jerome, Cavaliers
Labeling Ty Jerome`s Game 1 performance as entirely surprising may be misleading. Anyone familiar with his play this season for the Cavaliers knows he is a valuable player capable of more than just supporting stats and hustle. However, predicting he would score nearly 28 points, especially in his first-ever playoff game, would be disingenuous.
Jerome`s 28 points mark the third-highest scoring debut in Cavaliers playoff history, only surpassed by LeBron James` 32 in 2006 and Kyrie Irving`s 30 in 2015. He scored 20 of his points within a crucial 12-minute stretch spanning the third and fourth quarters, almost single-handedly turning a close game into a decisive win for the Cavaliers.
It`s unfortunate that the 20-minute rule impacts Most Improved Player eligibility. This rule, requiring a minimum of 20 minutes per game for eligibility towards the 65-game minimum, overlooks players like Jerome. These are players who start with limited minutes but progressively increase their playing time and impact as the season progresses.
Jerome has become a vital component of this Cavaliers team, a fact he emphatically demonstrated with his outstanding Game 1 performance.
Jaden McDaniels, Timberwolves
The Lakers` Game 1 loss to the Timberwolves might sting even more considering they initially drafted Jaden McDaniels. McDaniels showcased his offensive capabilities by scoring 25 points on efficient 10-of-13 shooting against them. Drafted 28th overall in 2020, McDaniels was traded to the Thunder as part of the Dennis Schroder deal.
For those familiar with the Timberwolves, this performance isn`t entirely out of character. McDaniels reached the 20-point mark 11 times this season, with a season-high of 30. While generally considered a streaky shooter, he possesses the ability to be a significant offensive threat on any given night, as the Lakers experienced firsthand. He can create his own shots more effectively than his defense-first reputation suggests.
Nevertheless, securing 25 points from McDaniels in a playoff game is a bonus for the Timberwolves. Their playoff success will depend on contributions from players beyond Anthony Edwards, especially when Edwards has a relatively quieter game, like his 22 points in Game 1 where the Lakers focused their defense on him.
The Timberwolves` Game 1 victory was fueled by their faster and more physical play compared to the Lakers. Julius Randle contributed 16 efficient points, including four 3-pointers, and Naz Reid added 23 points with six 3-pointers. However, these players are generally recognized for their scoring ability, albeit with some inconsistency, particularly in Randle`s case.
McDaniels is a true wild card, and he played like an ace in Game 1.
Aaron Wiggins, Thunder
The Thunder are favored to win the championship for several reasons. They boast a likely MVP candidate and a formidable defense. Furthermore, they have a deep roster of talented players. Aaron Wiggins is one such player. On many other teams, he would be a starting player. However, on the Thunder, similar to Jerome on the Cavaliers, he didn`t play enough minutes to qualify for Most Improved Player consideration.
Wiggins is a versatile player, capable of shooting, defending, and contributing both on and off the ball. He is one of OKC`s many valuable assets. He scored at least 30 points in three games this season, including a 41-point game, and accumulated 80 points in OKC`s final three regular-season games.
He is undoubtedly a highly capable player, and his $47 million, five-year contract is exceptionally team-friendly. However, having Aaron Wiggins lead scoring in a historic 51-point playoff victory was an unexpected headline.
Yet, it is indeed true. Wiggins, in just 26 minutes and without playing in the first quarter, led OKC with 21 points, shooting 8-of-15. He made four 3-pointers and played strong defense, mirroring the overall team effort of the Thunder. Having a player of his caliber as a rotational piece is a significant advantage for the Thunder, highlighting their roster depth.
Jasper Hawthorne