The best puzzle for the championship! A list of the five most outstanding 3D players in the playoffs, and the Knicks are on the list

In the 2025 NBA playoffs, the role of 3D players (role players with three-point shooting and defensive ability as their core values) is becoming increasingly critical. With their ability to occupy the ball, open up space and their contributions on the defensive end, they have become an important puzzle for the team to compete for the championship. Here are the five most outstanding 3D players in the playoffs so far:

1. Anunobi (New York Knicks)

Average of 17.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.5 steals and 1.1 blocks per game, and a three-point shooting percentage of 38%

As the Knicks' core defensive weapon against the Celtics, Anunobi defends Tatum, successfully limits his key round efficiency. In addition, his ability to switch defenses and steal efficiency in multiple positions (second in the league in steals per game) directly affects the trend of the series. Anunobi also has a certain ability to break through with the ball and is rated as a "weakened version of Leonard."

2. Nesmith (Indiana Pacers)

Average of 16.3 points and 6.3 rebounds in the playoffs, with a three-point shooting percentage of up to 56.1%

He is 1.98 meters tall but can defend four positions, and is one of the core of the Pacers' defensive system. In the series against the Cavaliers, he created Mitchell's key offensive foul and completed a make-up dunk, which became the key to the team's reversal. Because his playing style without taking the ball is perfectly adapted to Halliburton's passing system, his efficient cut and receiving and shooting ability provide great space for the Pacers' offense.

3. Bridges (New York Knicks)

Average of 14.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, 1.9 steals and 1.1 blocks in the playoffs. His three-point shooting percentage was 32%

In the second round against the Celtics, Bridges successively intercepted Brown and Tatum, directly locking in the victory. Although the three-point efficiency was low, his restraint and comprehensiveness of the defensive end (covering the outside line to the front line) made it a "non-sale product" for the Knicks to trade with 5 first-round picks. His characteristics have become crucial in the Thibodeau high-intensity rotation system.

4. Caruso (Oklahoma City Thunder)

Average of 9.8 points, 3.4 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 2.8 steals and 1 block, with a three-point shooting percentage of 45.5%

Average 21.8 minutes of playing time per game (equivalent to 16.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, 6.9 assists, 4.6 steals and 1.6 blocks). Its ball quotation and defensive prediction ability have become the core of the Thunder's outside defense. After the Thunder renewed its contract with 81 million for 4 years, its performance proved that it is far beyond its value.

5. McDaniels (Minnesota Timberwolves)

Average of 16.4 points, 5.4 rebounds, 1.1 steals and 0.8 blocks per game, with a shooting percentage of 57.8% in the regular season, McDan, who performed mediocrely in the regular season, has fully upgraded on both offense and defense ends of the playoffs. In the game against the Warriors, 3 steals and 3 blocks in a single game, showing the potential of top wing defensiveness. Beverly once called him "Contemporary Pippen". His ball-holding ability and bullet-changing ability make him hope to transform from a 3D player to an All-Star star. The value of

3D players are infinitely magnified in the era of small balls. They are not only the "lubricant" in the tactical system, but also can change the direction of the game through defense or three-pointers at critical moments. So everyone feels that those 3D players still play a crucial role in the team this season's playoffs. Welcome to discuss in the comment section!