2021 NBA Playoffs: 5 role players who impressed the most during the postseason

#3 Jae Crowder

Crowder finishes a dunk

Jae Crowder averaged an impressive 10.8 points per game in his 22 appearances during the 2021 NBA Playoffs. He also averaged an astounding 6.1 rebounds per game. Crowder supported Devin Booker in the Phoenix Suns' first-round series against the LA Lakers after Chris Paul's injury.

The Suns forward played exceptional defense in the NBA Playoffs at crucial moments. He was able to defend the likes of LeBron James and Anthony Davis to guide his team to a 4-2 win in the first playoff round. In the finals against the Milwaukee Bucks, Crowder averaged 11.7 points and 8.5 rebounds.

#2 Kevin Huerter

Huerter (second from right) attempts a shot

In a performance reminiscent of Steve Kerr's during his Chicago Bulls career, Kevin Huerter was a threat to opponents all over the court. His ability to shoot three-pointers off a dribble or pass, combined with his ability to drive in and split the defense, was a treat to watch. It's no surprise that Kevin Huerter averaged an impressive 11.1 points in his NBA Playoffs appearances.

Kevin Huerter nails the pullback three!Huerter has 12 points to lead the Hawks, and Atlanta leads 48-46 at the half. 😤(📽️: @ATLHawks)pic.twitter.com/yh9MG0soMn

— theScore (@theScore) June 21, 2021

Huerter was never recognized as a great defender but he held his own while guarding opposing wings. He stepped up his game following De'Andre Hunter's injury and was arguably the Atlanta Hawks' best perimeter defender in the 2021 NBA Playoffs.

#1 Brook Lopez

Brook Lopez with the Larry O'Brien Trophy

Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton are undoubtedly the Milwaukee Bucks' two best players right now. Having said that, it would have been impossible for the Bucks to win the NBA title without Brook Lopez.

BROOK. LOPEZ. 😳 pic.twitter.com/RjdWWmPucD

— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) July 2, 2021

Lopez is an exceptional support player. The 7'0 ft center averaged 13 points in his 23 NBA playoffs matches. During Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals, Lopez scored 33 points against the Atlanta Hawks to give the Bucks the series lead and eventually a ticket to the finals.