Brunson
The closerThe captain. Every old doubt about his size and his ceiling got answered, night after night, until 45 in Game 5 ended the argument for good.
Chapter 07
The Ensemble
Five players, five different problems to solve. This is how each one got there.
The ensemble
Five ways to win
Five players, five different problems to solve. This is how each one got there. The rest of the roster is two chapters ahead.
Towns
The elbow hubNobody was sure where he fit until Brown moved him to the elbow. That one change opened the offense for everyone else.
Bridges
The tradeEvery quiet night, the trade got relitigated. Finals Game 2 is where he made the price look right.
Hart
The glueOut of the closing group in Cleveland Game 1; 26 points in Game 2. In the middle of everything, all season.
Anunoby
The tip-inThe block on Fox, then the tip-in at 1.2 seconds. The whole season's defense-first bet, cashed in one possession.