The excitement and the drama of the NBA Playoffs has now entered its second act.

So far through the Conference Semifinals of the playoffs, the league's brightest stars have stepped up and shown out.

Here are five players who have been standout performers in the second round of the NBA Playoffs.

Anthony Edwards

Minnesota Timberwolves

Position: Shooting Guard

Ant-Man has struck once again!

So far throughout this year's NBA Playoffs, Anthony Edwards has shown that he has what it takes to be the face of the league.

Edwards was sensational against Kevin Durant and Phoenix in the first round, helping the Timberwolves sweep of the Suns in the series. Anthony Edwards averaged 31 points, 8 rebounds, 6.3 assists and 2 steals through the four games.

With his Game 1, 40-point performance against the Denver Nuggets as any implication, Edwards is hungry for another standout series; but this time against the reigning champ Nuggets.

Based on how his Minnesota Timberwolves have looked against Denver, it is easy to see why Anthony Edwards is arguably the best player so far this postseason.

Jalen Brunson

New York Knicks

Position: Point Guard

Through the first two rounds of the NBA Playoffs, Jalen Brunson has lifted the New York Knicks to big wins, time in and time out.

Brunson has consistently dropped 40 points in the postseason, becoming the second player in New York Knicks history to post three consecutive 40-point games in the playoffs.

So far this year, even in losses, Jalen Brunson has managed to shine brighter than any other player on the court with him.

His clutch shot making and ability to create plays for his teammates is what makes him stand out compared to other players in this year's NBA postseason.

Jaylen Brown

Boston Celtics

Position: Forward

The Boston Celtics have wildly succeeded this season, largely thanks to Jaylen Brown.

Brown is fresh off a 32-point performance in Game 1 against the Cleveland Cavaliers and has managed to step up in places where Jayson Tatum hasn't been able to.

Without a doubt, Jaylen Brown's stellar play has been a major factor in keeping the Celtics dominant this postseason.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Oklahoma City Thunder

Position: Point Guard

In his first ever NBA postseason run of his career, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has not disappointed.

Gilgeous-Alexander and his Oklahoma City Thunder team are in the second round with a 1-0 lead over the Dallas Mavericks. SGA managed to score 29 points to go with 9 rebounds and 9 assists, out-performing his opposing MVP candidate Luka Doncic.

This young Thunder team has the tools in place to win it all, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been a significant reason for their success in the postseason.

Donovan Mitchell

Cleveland Cavaliers

Position: Shooting Guard

It is a well known fact that Donovan Mitchell typically steps up his play during the NBA Playoffs, and this season is no different.

So far, Spida Mitchell has been stellar for the Cavs averaging 29.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 4.5 assists while tackling the frisky Orlando Magic and the dominant Boston Celtics in the playoffs.

Donovan Mitchell has managed to get the most out of his Cavaliers this postseason, getting them into the second round for the first time since LeBron James' final season in Cleveland.