Unsung heroes? Underrated players who could make a difference in NBA Finals

In the NBA playoffs, the outcome often rests on the underrated.

Certainly, the performances of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Tyrese Haliburton will be scrutinized and big games can propel their respective teams to victories. But it’s often the role players, sometimes off the bench, erupting on a scoring streak or clamping down on defense, who can make the difference between winning and losing.

Think Steve Kerr’s nine points off the bench for the Chicago Bulls — seven of which came in the fourth quarter — in the closeout Game 6 of the 1997 Finals, including the game-winning, 14-foot jumper with 5 seconds to play. Think Andre Iguodala winning Most Valuable Player of the 2015 NBA Finals for the Golden State Warriors, despite being a sixth man for most of the series.

Now, not every role player will win MVP, but steady contributions, in a series with two deep teams, will go a long way.

Here’s a look at three under-the-radar players for the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers who could make the difference between winning and losing in the 2025 NBA Finals: