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The 2021 NBA playoffs are underway, with sixteen teams fighting for the ultimate prize - the Larry O'Brien Championship. As has been the case in the super-team era, each franchise's fate will be decided by their two best players, or in the Brooklyn Nets' case, their three superstars.
However, having a reliable option off the bench has proven to be a decisive factor in multiple championship runs, with Manu Ginobili's influence on the San Antonio Spurs team being a very good example of that.
2021 NBA Playoffs: 5 bench players who potentially could be difference-makers for their teams in the postseason
With the NBA Playoffs underway, there are a few players who could have a major impact on how far their team goes in the tournament. It could be a player with innate scoring ability, or a defensive stopper who can guard the opposition's best offensive player.
On that note, let's take a look at 5 players who can make a telling contribution from the bench in the 2021 NBA Playoffs.
5) Derrick Rose, New York Knicks
2011 MVP Derrick Rose is one of the finalists for the NBA's Sixth Man of the Year award, a fact that shows to what extent the dynamic point guard has changed his role over the years. Since switching from the minnows Detroit Pistons, Rose has averaged close to 15 points, 4 assists and a steal on 48% shooting from the field.
The New York Knicks are down 1-0 in their first-round series against the Atlanta Hawks, and Rose certainly possesses the ability to put them back in the driving seat.
4) Montrezl Harrell, LA Lakers
After being deemed surplus by the LA Clippers despite winning the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award last season, Montrezl Harrell made the decision to join their city rivals, the LA Lakers. Harrell starred in a sixth-man role for the defending champions, tallying 13.5 points and 6 rebounds on 62% shooting from the field.
Harrell has been criticized for his poor defense quite a few times, but under Frank Vogel, he has managed to hold his own against quality offensive players. The LA Lakers have to win 16 games in order to retain the Larry O'Brien trophy, and Harrell must play a crucial role if they are to do so.
Also Read: 2021 NBA Playoffs: 5 Bold predictions for Round 1 of Eastern Conference matchups
3) Jalen Brunson, Dallas Mavericks
Jalen Brunson had a brilliant NBA regular season for the Dallas Mavericks, putting up 12 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists off the bench. Brunson missed out on last season's playoffs due to an injury but is set to get some major minutes this time around.
He had an impressive outing against the LA Clippers in game one, scoring 15 points. The diminutive point guard has provided the Mavericks with an injection of scoring and playmaking as part of the bench unit throughout the season. Head coach Rick Carlisle will have major expectations from him as the postseason progresses.
2) Rajon Rondo, LA Clippers
Rajon Rondo turned back the time in the 2020 NBA bubble, playing a substantial role in helping the LA Lakers raise banner No. 17. He chose to sign with the Atlanta Hawks in the offseason, which eventually led to a mid-season to LA Clippers.
Rondo ended the NBA regular season with just 5 points and 4 rebounds, but he has shown the capability of taking his game to the next level in the business end of the season.
The Clippers have acquired the former Boston Celtics man to emulate his 'Playoff Rondo' performances. Rondo didn't have a great game against the Mavericks in game one but expect him to be back to his usual best as the series progresses.
1) Jordan Clarkson, Utah Jazz
Jordan Clarkson is the outright favorite to win the NBA Sixth Man of the Year accolade, following a brilliant regular season that saw him average 18 points and 4 rebounds on 42% shooting. Despite Mike Conley and Donovan Mitchell going down at the tail end of the campaign, Clarkson's scoring prowess ensured that the Utah Jazz ended up as the NBA's best record and No.1 seed in the West.
Clarkson will now set his sights on the playoffs as the Utah Jazz attempt to win their first NBA Championship.
Guess the Lakers players!
