The drama of the NBA Playoffs has lived up to its hype.
Almost halfway through the first round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs, each series has had an unsung hero who has established themselves as the standout performer, or, Series MVP.
Here are some round 1 series standouts so far through the 2024 NBA Eastern Conference playoffs.
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Boston Celtics vs. Miami Heat
Round 1 MVP: (MIA) Tyler Herro
Even with the Boston Celtics taking the lead in the series at 2-1, the Miami Heat are still alive thanks to a valiant effort in game 2 after being stomped by the Celtics in game 1.
Tyler Herro has played a big part in keeping the Miami offense alive so far in the postseason without Jimmy Butler.
Herro dropped 24 points in Boston during game 2, but had a lackluster showing in game 3 with only 15 points and shooting 5/16 from the field.
For the Heat to have any hope of winning the series, Tyler Herro needs to be the engine on offense. So far Herro has shown that he can help carry this Miami team, but he will need to be more efficient for the Heat to have a chance at defeating Boston.
New York Knicks vs. Philadelphia 76ers
Round 1 MVP: (NYK) Josh Hart
New York Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson has yet to play up to the All-Star level that we have seen throughout the regular season, which has allowed a variety of Knicks role players to step up in his place.
One in particular is Josh Hart, who has been spectacular so far in the postseason.
Along with doing the dirty work, grabbing rebounds and defense, Hart has stepped up the scoring; which has helped the Knicks take a commanding 2-1 lead over the 76ers heading into today's game.
Josh Hart has scored 20 or more points in each of the games against Philadelphia and will look to continue that this afternoon.
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Indiana Pacers
Round 1 MVP: (MKE) Khris Middleton
The Milwaukee Bucks have been without Giannis Antetokounmpo against the Indiana Pacers so far in this series, and aside from Damian Lillard there has been one other Bucks player that has shown up in the postseason.
Khris Middleton has stepped up tremendously for Milwaukee while being without Antetokounmpo in the lineup.
Middleton dropped 21 points in game 1 and followed up with 15 points in game 2. Both games led up to an eruption in game 3 of 42 points, but unfortunately the Bucks fell to the Pacers in this one.
Khris Middleton has found his place in the Bucks offense it seems and could be a reason why they manage to win the series even without Giannis Antetokounmpo playing.
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Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Orlando Magic
Round 1 MVP: Jarrett Allen
The Cleveland Cavaliers have lost command of the series now being tied up at 2-2 against the Orlando Magic.
Donovan Mitchell has been tremendous in scoring, but Jarrett Allen's defensive work for the Cavs has been a difference maker.
Allen so far in this series has set the tone for the Cavaliers by grabbing 20 rebounds along with three blocks during game 2 and also snagging 18 rebounds in game 1; to say when Jarrett Allen is controlling the boards, the Cavs win.
In game 4 we saw Allen post the team high in points at 21 with an efficient 8/11 shooting, but this still was not enough for the Cavs to bury the Magic in that one.
Jarrett Allen has made it difficult for the Magic to score inside the paint, contributing to their low offensive output in games 1 and 2. Pairing his defense with offense, the Cavaliers will need Allen on his A game in order to advance past Orlando.
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