When it comes to NBA players, experience is a key factor. Experience is essential when competition becomes intense, and success comes down to execution and veteran confidence. To corroborate this, you only need to look at the last 15 Finals MVPs – 14 out of 15 have been 26 and older.

Be that as it may, several younger players are staking their claim in the initial stages of the 2023 postseason. The budding NBA stars are gaining reps and the confidence needed to lead their teams to a title in the future. If you are a sports betting fan that wagers on NBA events on a top platform like Betway, you’ll be familiar with the names covered in this list. Several under-25 NBA players have stood out in the 2023 playoffs; however, we’ll only look at three. Let’s dig in!

Mitchell Robinson

Team: New York Knicks

Age: 25

New York Knicks knocked off the Cleveland Cavaliers in five games thanks to several factors starting with point guard Jalen Brunson. New York’s center, Mitchell Robinson, was also a key player for the team.

At 25, Mitchell’s offensive contribution was a series-swinger. New York registered a ridiculous 34.9% of its misses against Cleveland, a rate that beat its previous 31.8 percent offensive rebound rate during the season. This rate is also ranked as the second in the league.

While rebounding requires a team effort, Mitchell put in more work than his teammates. He caught 29 of New York’s 75 offensive boards and achieved this by playing the fifth-most minutes of any of his teammates.

Besides the second-chance opportunities, Robinson also ensured the Cavaliers struggled to convert their first hooks. Thanks to their aggressive defense above the arc, the Knicks forced the ball out of Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland’s hands. Additionally, when Cleveland’s release valve, mostly Evan Mobley, headed downhill, creating a 4-on-3 scenario, Mitchell was there to force the misses.

When Robinson was the primary defender, the Cavs could only manage 46.2 percent of their attempts inside six feet. That rate is lower than what other big names, such as Brook Lopez and Jaren Jackson, being considered for the season’s Defensive Player of the Year allowed during the season.

Trae Young

Team: Atlanta Hawks

Age: 24

Trae Young’s story this season goes a long way to prove that the playoffs can shift a player’s narrative on a dime. Trae was called a loser in the early postseason but went against the odds to become one of the under-25 standout NBA players. He was called a loser after struggling in a pair of listless losses to the Boston Celtics, which saw the Atlanta Hawks slide into an 0-2 hole.

However, Young rediscovered his form in Game 3, where he tallied 32 points and nine assists to inspire his team to an eight-point win. He continued his performances in Game 4, notching 35 points and 15 assists, but his contribution could not prevent a defeat. But, Young’s leadership which has been questioned throughout the regular season, rose to the occasion to help his team secure a victory in Game 5.

During the game, Young scored the winner from way beyond the arc with 1.8 seconds to go. He also contributed 38 points and 13 assists. Despite the numbers, Young also put in a shift and fought for his team, including putting in some strong and competitive stops against Malcolm Brogdon down the stretch.

Tyrese Maxey

Team: Philadephia 76ers

Age: 22

When the Sixers came up against the Brooklyn Nets, the Nets’ strategy was to send multiple bodies at Joel Embiid. Their strategy mostly succeeded but offered other Sixers an opportunity to attack the overcommitted defense. One of the players that maximized this opportunity was Tyrese Maxey.

The 22-year-old guard has been critical for the Sixers with a remarkable 21.8 points per game. He complimented Embiid well by attacking and slicing into gaps whenever Embiid got rid of the ball against double teams. For example, when Brooklyn sank toward the middle, Maxey took advantage and fired from deep. The youngster drilled 15 of his 30 three-point attempts in the four-game sweep.

However, he might not enjoy those spaces when the Sixers come up against the Boston Celtics in the second round. The Celtics may not commit many resources to slow Embiid down, especially if his knee sprain hinders him from hitting his top levels.

Nonetheless, Maxey has shown he is a worthwhile player that NBA betting fans, including those on Betway, cannot ignore. As defenses focus on the big man, Maxey has what it takes to make them pay for focusing on Embiid.