The NBA Finals can be a kingmaker. There are some players who have thrust themselves into the NBA history books because of their performances in the Finals. Did anyone know who Matthew Dellavedova was before he almost passed out chasing Steph Curry around? Would Robert Horry be “Big Shot Rob” if it weren’t for his clutch 3-pointer against the Pistons?
There are plenty of players in this year’s Finals with the same opportunity. Here are the 10 most important players in this year’s Finals between the San Antonio Spurs and the New York Knicks.
#10 – Carter Bryant – San Antonio Spurs
There may not be a player on either of these teams I like more than Bryant. His minutes are dwarfed by others on this list, but what he can bring in those short bursts is a game-wrecking defensive identity.
He’s been up-and-down throughout the playoffs, yet I would expect him to at least get a few chances on the court because of his defense. He would likely be tasked with slowing Jalen Brunson down, and if he can do so credibly, then it may swing games.
#9 – Mitchell Robinson – New York Knicks
A pinky injury may be a concern for Robinson, but like Bryant, he has a defined role in this series: stopping Victor Wembanyama. Robinson is the only player on the Knicks with any sort of shot to curb Wembanyama offensively, and while Karl-Anthony Towns may be more of an offensive threat, Robinson will make Wembanyama work in a different way on the other side of the court.
Robinson is a monster on the offensive glass, averaging 4.2 during the regular season. If he can bruise and batter Wembanyama on the boards, it may limit Wembanyama’s offensive effectiveness.
#8 – Mikal Bridges – New York Knicks
Occasionally maligned, Bridges is still an integral part of the Knicks roster. The offense can come and go, but it will be a necessity in this series. His defense continues to be solid, and it will be in high demand this series as New York will need a way to slow down the trio of Spurs’ guards.
#7 – De’Aaron Fox – San Antonio Spurs
Simply put, Fox is the adult in the room for the Spurs. Need a pair of reliable hands in the fourth quarter? Swing the rock to Fox. Need a bucket after the other team hits a 3-pointer? Let Fox cook. He’s a steady presence, who may not score 30 points, but will score a very loud 18 and push San Antonio over the finish line for a win.
#6 – Dylan Harper – San Antonio Spurs
Harper has shown that he has the moxie to take big shots in clutch-time, even as a rookie. He’ll have some games in this series where his impact may be minimal, but the games where he does show up will have a profound effect.
His unique skill set brings a different flavor to the Spurs’ offense when he is on the court. And when San Antonio throws out the three guard lineup, Brunson will have to defend someone, and I’d imagine that he may be on Harper, which is a great matchup for the Spurs.
#5 – Stephon Castle – San Antonio Spurs
It’s only year two for Castle, can you believe it? He already plays like a cagey veteran—especially on the defensive side. He’ll need it too as Castle will most likely be the primary defender on Brunson for much of the series, which is no small task.
His raw athleticism and size should pose problems for the Knicks defenders guarding him too. Castle has done a great job attacking the basket during these playoffs and when Towns is inside the paint, it should be much easier than the previous series against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
#4 – Karl-Anthony Towns – New York Knicks
Supremely talented on offense is a great description for Towns. Perhaps even better would be to say that he makes dubious decisions defensively. The Knicks can’t have dumb fouls in this series from Towns; he’s far too valuable against Wembanyama.
The Finals will be a test of Towns’ growth and decision-making. They need him to be smart, while also being deathly efficient with the ball in his hands.
#3 – OG Anunoby – New York Knicks
The Spurs are weakest on the wings. If the Knicks have any hope of winning this series, Anunoby needs to be at least the third best player in the Finals. He’s averaged nearly 20 points per game throughout the playoffs and has been money from behind the arc.
San Antonio’s team defense is excellent, which could pose challenges for Anunoby, but his offensive game continues to grow and exceed expectations. His defense will also be important, and I’m really interested to see if New York ever tries to put Anunoby on Wembanyama to switch things up.
#2 – Jalen Brunson – New York Knicks
Brunson has averaged under 27 points per game in these playoffs. The Knicks haven’t needed a massive offensive showing from him so far. That will change in the Finals. Towns will be neutralized against Wembanyama, Bridges will have his hands full defensively, and while Anunoby may play well, it won’t be enough without Brunson.
His small stature may hurt him in this series because of the Spurs’ size, and Brunson will have to play with heightened defensive intensity. He can’t be a revolving door for the San Antonio guards that like to drive to the basket.
#1 – Victor Wembanyama – San Antonio Spurs
There was no other choice but Wembanyama for No. 1. The Spurs are here in the first place because of Wembanyama. The Finals go through him. I can’t wait to see what Wembanyama does on this elevated stage.
Will his offensive ability force the Knicks to play two bigs? Will his defensive ability reduce the offensive impacts of Brunson and Towns? Does New York have any answers for him?
When you inspire this many questions, you’re the undisputed most important player in the Finals. This is an even better test: if Wembanyama plays like the alien he is, then the Spurs win, and if he falters, then the Spurs will lose.
