The podium is the NBA postseason’s version of a game ball. With more media packing the locker rooms in the playoffs, the league will often pull certain players out of the fray and up on stage in the interview room. Most of the time, it’s a spot reserved for a team’s star. But occasionally, an unsung hero will swing a game and get their moment in the spotlight. That is what J.A. Adande would call a Podium Game. Here are the under-the-radar players most likely to get one as we barrel toward the big stage of the postseason.
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April 22, 2019
The New Class Breaking Through in the NBA Playoffs
All the usual stars have come out for the postseason—well, except LeBron—but a new wave of impact players is also starting to take shape. We run down the six young players who have become podium regulars in Round 1.
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April 9, 2019
Podium Guys: Could Will Barton Put the Nuggets Over the Top This Postseason?
The do-everything guard spent most of 2018-19 injured, but he’s been regaining his form over the season’s second half. Denver has lofty goals for these playoffs, and Barton could be key.
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April 2, 2019
Podium Guys: Can Joe Harris Shoot the Nets Into the Playoffs and Beyond?
The fifth-year guard leads the NBA in field goal percentage from 3. Will he help lift Brooklyn to new heights?
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March 29, 2019
Podium Guys: Can Pascal Siakam Help End Toronto’s Postseason Curse?
The Raptors forward has been a revelation this season, earning a starting role as a two-way contributor. Is it finally time for Toronto to reign over the Eastern Conference?
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March 27, 2019
Podium Guys: How Important Is Eric Bledsoe to the Bucks’ Title Hopes?
The former Sun had a highlight-worthy performance against the Rockets on Tuesday. Milwaukee holds the league’s best record, and now the only question is how far the Bucks will go in the postseason.
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March 25, 2019
Podium Guys: Could Bojan Bogdanovic Be the Pacers’ Difference-Maker in the Postseason?
The Indiana forward has stepped up his game in Victor Oladipo’s absence. After another stellar performance Sunday against the Nuggets, is it time to take him seriously as a playoff threat?