5 players who have exceeded expectations in the 2021 NBA Playoffs so far

5 players who have exceeded expectations in the 2021 NBA Playoffs so far

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#3 Reggie Jackson - LA Clippers

Reggie Jackson #1 of the LA Clippers

Reggie Jackson is an experienced player who had already played 50 postseason games before the 2021 NBA Playoffs. Yet, the 31-year-old was not expected to be one of the main performers for the LA Clippers in their postseason run.

Jackson did not start for the LA Clippers during the early weeks of the 2020-21 NBA season and came off the bench in the first two games of the 2021 NBA Playoffs.

However, his performances earned him a spot in the starting lineup. Jackson played a huge role in saving the LA Clippers' season in both the first and second rounds.

He has been great for the LA Clippers in the postseason, averaging 17.1 points per game with 50/42/92 shooting splits.

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#2 Paul George - LA Clippers

Paul George #13 of the LA Clippers

Another superstar whose reputation took a hit in recent postseason performances, Paul George has answered the call in the 2021 NBA Playoffs.

The LA Clippers' star has been heavily criticized for some of his performances in the NBA Playoffs. These have continued from his days with the OKC Thunder as well as the Clippers.

Still, 'Playoff P' has displayed his quality for the LA Clippers throughout the 2020-21 season. Despite some bumps on the road, George has been excellent in the 2021 postseason.

He has averaged 26.6 points, 8.9 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game in the NBA Playoffs with 44/37.5/89.2 shooting splits. Moreover, George was huge in the last two games of the second-round duel with the Utah Jazz. He led the LA Clippers to victory without Kawhi Leonard on the court.

PG averaged 32 points per game with 48/44/87 shooting splits in the last four games against Utah. Moreover, he opened the Western Finals with 34 points in a Game 1 loss against the Phoenix Suns.

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#1 Trae Young - Atlanta Hawks

Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks

The Atlanta Hawks had a tremendous offseason before the 2020-21 NBA campaign, and their moves have paid off in the NBA Playoffs. The franchise will play in the Conference/Division Finals for the first time since 2015 and the second since 1970.

The appointment of Nate McMillan as head coach in place of Lloyd Pierce has brought about several positive changes for the Hawks. However, Trae Young's performances in the 2021 NBA Playoffs have been the driving force for the team.

The Hawks won two series in which they did not have home-court advantage in the 2021 Playoffs. This is simply stunning from a team led on the court by a third-year player. Young is an NBA star and he is proving his worth when it matters the most.

Expectations were not high for the Hawks or Young before the NBA Playoffs. In fact, this has been common since the 22-year-old entered the NBA. However, Young has proven that he can be the leader in a deep postseason run.

He has averaged 29.1 points and 10.4 assists in the 2021 NBA Playoffs. Young has made 41% of his field goals and 33% of his three-point shots so far. Most importantly, with his high Usage Rate (fifth-highest of the postseason), he has done a magnificent job of taking care of the ball (only 3.3 turnovers per game).

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