The NBA playoffs are always an exciting time for basketball fans, with teams battling it out for the coveted championship title. While star players are undoubtedly crucial to a team’s success, bench players can often make the difference in a close game. In addition NBA games today, a deep roster can help teams navigate the playoffs, especially in the later rounds when fatigue and injuries take their toll.
In this article, we’ll look at the top three bench players in the 2023 NBA playoffs so far.
Bruce Brown: The versatile threat
Bruce Brown has been an essential part of the Denver Nuggets’ bench rotation in the playoffs, averaging 25.9 minutes per game across 11 games. As an inverted screener, Brown is a versatile player who can score, rebound, screen, and push the ball, making him a valuable asset to the Nuggets.
In the postseason so far, Brown has been averaging 12.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game, shooting at a 53.2% clip from the field. Brown’s contribution off the bench could prove crucial with the Nuggets now in the Western Conference Finals.
If you’re looking to bet on the NBA Finals, keep an eye on Bruce Brown and the Nuggets’ performance in the upcoming rounds.
Josh Hart: The mid-season pickup
Josh Hart may not have had an immediate impact when he joined the New York Knicks mid-season, but he certainly made his presence felt in the playoffs. In 11 games played, Hart came off the bench in six of them, averaging 32.1 minutes per game.
Hart’s performance during the playoffs has been impressive, averaging 10.4 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game. His shooting has been consistent, too, hitting 47.9% of his shots from the field and 31.3% from beyond the arc.
While the Knicks’ playoff run came to an end against the Miami Heat, Hart’s contribution off the bench was undoubtedly a highlight for the team.
Malcolm Brogdon: The Sixth Man of the Year
Malcolm Brogdon has been outstanding since joining the Boston Celtics last summer, accepting a bench role after struggling with injuries in previous seasons. Brogdon’s efforts were recognized when he was named the 2023 Sixth Man of the Year.
In the playoffs, Brogdon has continued to impress, averaging 15 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game in 12 games, with an average playing time of 27.7 minutes per game. In addition, his shooting has been on point, hitting 45.5% of his shots from the field and 44.4% from beyond the arc.
With the Celtics just one game away from progressing to the Eastern Conference Finals, Brogdon’s contribution off the bench has been crucial. He’s undoubtedly one of the best bench players in this year’s playoffs.
Final Thoughts
The three players mentioned in this article have all made significant contributions off the bench in the 2023 NBA playoffs so far. Whether it’s Brown’s versatility, Hart’s consistency, or Brogdon’s scoring prowess, these players have shown that they can be crucial to their team’s success.
If you’re looking to bet on NBA Finals, it’s worth keeping an eye on the performances of these bench players, as well as the star players, as they could be the ones to tip the balance in a close game.
