Inventory: Top 10 Most Random Breakthrough Performances in NBA Playoff History

During the NBA playoffs, the stars are facing tremendous pressure. However, role players sometimes have amazing breakthrough performances. During the NBA playoffs, the spotlight is usually focused on the stars. However, given the fierce competition in the playoffs, everyone must go all out. Therefore, even players with the least number of appearances need to stand up when they need it.

This creates unexpected performances for the players who are most easily overlooked. The following are the top ten most random breakthrough performance rankings in the NBA playoffs.

1. Biyongbo (Game 3 of the 2016 Eastern Conference Finals)

The Toronto Raptors trailed 0-2 to LeBron James' Cleveland Cavaliers, who need to go all out to avoid falling into deeper dilemmas. As a result, Biyongbo stood up. In the third game, Biyongbo scored only 7 points. However, his team record of rebounds with 26 rebounds stole the limelight. In the past, Biyongbo was at best considered a marginal starter. In this game, he replaced the injured Jonas Valanciunas and made full use of this opportunity.

2. Timofee Mozgoff (Game 4 of the 2015 Finals)

LeBron James led the team to the NBA Finals after returning to Cleveland. Unfortunately, the Cavaliers also suffered injuries including Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love, which forced Cleveland to rely on Russian center Timofe Mozgov. Mozgov's starting performance was not ideal, but he did respond. As the Cavaliers' best inside player, he ended up scoring 28 points and 10 rebounds, but that still isn't enough to ensure the team's victory. Despite this, Mozgov's performance is still commendable.

3. Sean Livingston (First Game 1 of 2016)

Sean Livingston's NBA career was initially interrupted by a serious knee injury. However, in the 2016 NBA Finals, he proved that he could still make a significant contribution to this playoff contender. In the first game of the series, Livingston made 8 of 10 shots and scored 20 points. In the end, the Golden State Warriors defeated the Cavaliers 104-89 and won the first game.

4. Reggie Jackson (Fourth Game of the First Round of the 2014 Playoffs)

In the first round series against the Memphis Grizzlies, Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook performed poorly, with the two making only 11 of 45 shots. Fortunately for the Oklahoma City Thunder, role player Reggie Jackson has been impressive. He scored 32 points, helping the Thunder narrowly defeat his opponent 92-89.

5. Meyers Leonard (Game 4 of the 2019 Western Conference Finals)

Meyers Leonard is a first-round pick and has not performed well in the NBA. However, in the 2019 Western Conference Finals, he showed a good performance. He showed extraordinary fighting spirit, making 12 of 16 shots, 5 of 8 three-pointers, scoring 30 points and 12 rebounds. Unfortunately, this is not enough to help the Portland Trail Blazers succeed in relegation and eventually suffered a tragic sweep.

6. Daniel Gibson (Game 6, 2007 Eastern Conference Finals)

LeBron James was finally exhausted in Game 6 after a tough double overtime game in Game 5. Although James didn't play at his best, the Cavaliers still have to thank Daniel Gibson. Gibson, who was still a rookie at the time, made his debut at the right time. In a key game of the series, he broke out and scored 31 points, making 5 of 5 three-pointers, helping the Detroit Pistons lose away.

7. Brian Scala Bryan (Fifth in the 2004 Eastern Conference Finals)

Brian Scala Bryan is notorious for his arrogant remarks off the court. Despite this, his performance in the fifth game of the 2004 Eastern Conference Finals was indeed "white Mamba". Scala Bryan has no effect on the New Jersey Nets throughout the playoffs. However, when the series was tied 2-2, things changed, and he came on as the bench and scored 17 points and made 4 of 4 three-pointers. His solid performance helped the Nets take the lead in the series.

8. Leon Poway (2nd Game of the 2008 NBA Finals)

The Boston Celtics have the hope of winning the championship after forming the three giants Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen. Although it was these three who led the team into the NBA Finals and defeated the Los Angeles Lakers, the Purple and Gold Army never expected Leon Poway to shine in Game 2. The power forward, who was still a sophomore at the time, came on the bench and scored 21 points, making 6 of 7 shots. In the end, the Boston Celtics narrowly defeated their opponent 108-102.

9. Russell Westbrook (Game 7 of the first round of the 2025 playoffs)

By 2025, Russell Westbrook has passed its peak. However, in the seventh game against the Los Angeles Clippers in the first round, the Denver Nuggets welcomed a "veteran" Westbrook with relief. In just 27 minutes of playing time, Westbrook scored 16 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists and 5 steals. Westbrook's wonderful performance marks the first time in NBA playoff history that a player has completed this data in less than 30 minutes in the playoffs.

10. Mike Miller (Fifth Game 2012 Finals)

Three-pointer has always been Mike Miller's signature skill. But when playing for the Miami Heat, which has three big-name LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, no one expected Miller to shine in Game 5 of the 2012 NBA Finals. Miller, who returned from injury, scored 23 points against the Thunder and made 7 of 8 three-pointers, secured the championship for the Heat.