The NBA playoffs continue to deliver magical moments night after night. From sharpshooting clinics to clutch defensive stands, this week gave us performances that reminded us why we love playoff basketball. Here are the five that stood out.

#1 – Buddy Hield (33 PTS, 9 3PM, 12/15 FG vs. Rockets, May 5)

When Steph Curry demands attention, shooters like Hield feast. The Warriors’ sniper went nuclear in Game 7, draining 9 threes on near-perfect shooting (12/15 FG) to eliminate Houston 103-89. After inconsistent minutes all season, Hield proved he’s still among the NBA’s elite marksmen when it matters most.

#2 – Mikal Bridges (14 PTS, 7 REB, 5 AST, 3 STL vs. Celtics, May 8)

Bridges was ice-cold (0/8 FG) until the fourth quarter—then became New York’s savior. His late-game explosion erased a 20-point deficit, capped by another game-sealing steal. The ultimate two-way wing delivered when it counted most, giving the Knicks a shocking 2-0 series lead (91-90 win).

#3 – Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (34 PTS, 8 AST, 11/13 FG vs. Nuggets, May 8)

The MVP candidate responded to OKC’s Game 1 collapse with a surgical 34-point masterpiece on 11/13 shooting. SGA’s effortless dominance (plus 8 assists) powered a 149-106 rout, proving why he’s the league’s most unstoppable mid-range assassin when locked in.

#4 – Donovan Mitchell (43 PTS, 9 REB, 5 AST, 5 3PM vs. Pacers, May 10)

‘Spida’ made history as Cleveland’s first 40-point playoff scorer since LeBron (2016), dropping 43 in back-to-back games. His heroics saved the top-seeded Cavs from an 0-3 hole against the underdog Pacers, showing why he’s one of basketball’s most explosive scorers when the lights shine brightest.

#5 – Aaron Gordon (22 PTS, 8 REB, 5 AST vs. Thunder, May 10)

With Jokic struggling, Gordon took over as Denver’s X-factor. His 22-point, 8-rebound night (plus 5 assists) showcased his evolving offensive game, lifting the Nuggets to a pivotal 113-104 win. From game-winners to timely plays, Gordon is having his best postseason yet.