• In the Eastern Conference finals against the Pacers, Jalen Brunson went off, averaging 30.7 points on 20.8 field goal attempts per game, finishing 34.4% of the Knicks’ offensive possessions with a shot attempt, foul drawn or turnover — a usage rate nearly 5% higher than it had been against Boston the previous round.

Oklahoma City’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Indiana’s Tyrese Haliburton weren't expected to be starring in the leading roles on the NBA Finals stage.