The 2024-25 NBA playoffs are in full swing, and superstars are still the focus of the stage. However, behind the dazzling spotlights, the "unsung heroes" of each team are also quietly shining at critical moments.

Here are the players who deserve to be seen in the playoffs:

Cleveland Cavaliers | Jarrett Allen
Although he was once an All-Star, Allen's role now is more purely pragmatic. With Evan Mobley's injury status unknown, he became the last bastion of the restricted area defense, averaging 15 points per game and no tactics designed specifically for him. His rebounding and rim protection ability will determine how far the team can go.

Denver Nuggets | Christian Braun
Braun averaged nearly 40 minutes per game in the playoffs. He is a tough defender and decisive in transition scoring. Although his outside shooting is still unstable, his performance has far exceeded expectations and represents the depth of the Denver Nuggets lineup.

Oklahoma City Thunder | Alex Caruso
As a defensive expert, Caruso's performance in the playoffs was the key to the game. He was the team's steal leader and often guarded the opponent's main attack point. In the second round against the Denver Nuggets, Caruso scored 20 points, 6 assists and 5 steals, showing his all-round value.

New York Knicks｜Josh Hart
Even though he is only 6 feet 4 inches tall, Hart still grabs rebounds in the restricted area and repeatedly delivers key defense. He is the player that coach Tom Thibodeau trusts most at critical moments and is known as the "soul of the Knicks."

Golden State Warriors | Buddy Hield
Hield has been questioned for his ups and downs, but after Stephen Curry was out due to injury, he was on fire, especially in the game against the Houston Rockets where he scored 33 points.

Boston Celtics | Al Horford
With Kristaps Porzingis in an unstable state, Horford has once again become a key rotation player. His stable defense and corner three-pointers make him an irreplaceable veteran pillar of the team.

Minnesota Timberwolves | Jaden McDaniels
Defense has long been his signature, and now McDaniels has also performed well on the offensive end. In the first round, he scored 30 points and 25 points in two efficient games against the Los Angeles Lakers, showing his evolution in both offense and defense.

Indiana Pacers | Aaron Nesmith
Since joining the Indiana Pacers, Nesmith has blossomed in the team. He scored in double digits in six consecutive playoff games this season, and made contributions on both offense and defense in the crucial game against the Cleveland Cavaliers.