Dallas Mavericks: 5 unassuming players that make team playoff threat

Unassuming player that makes Dallas Mavericks playoff threat: 3. Jalen Brunson

Brunson is having a third-year breakout and finally getting some recognition after the Mavs recent hot stretch. He is a Sixth Man of the Year candidate, but still may be more famous for helping Villanova win two NCAA championships in his three seasons.

Brunson is averaging 12.5 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.5 assists in 25.0 minutes per game this season. He has connected on 52.1 percent of his field goals and hit 39.5 percent from 3-point land. It has been an outstanding season for JB.

The 6’1 guard missed the team’s playoff run inside the Walt Disney World bubble. He suffered a shoulder injury in February and underwent surgery just days after the NBA shutdown. Brunson is hungry for his first NBA playoff experience. He raised his game in the NCAA Tournament for Villanova. Will the Dallas Mavericks get the same treatment?

Brunson figures to play all the minutes without Luka Doncic on the floor in the postseason. He needs to key the second unit and keep the offense rolling. Getting the 22-year-old superstar two rests in a massive playoff game can be the difference between winning and losing. Brunson must continue to play well and make difficult shots in the postseason for that to happen.

Next: No. 2