Playoff Riser

Whether a player elevated their game in the postseason — bigger moments, tougher defenses, higher stakes.

130entities ranked

Playoff Riser Leaderboard

#	Entity	Score	Reasoning
	Michael Jordanplayer	98	Jordan's playoff performance transcended his already-elite regular season play, averaging 33.4 PPG in playoffs vs 30.1 in regular season, with six Finals MVPs, a perfect 6-0 Finals record, and iconic clutch performances that defined his legacy as the ultimate postseason performer.
	Bill Russellplayer	98	Russell won 11 championships in 13 seasons with his playoff performance defining his legacy entirely—he elevated in elimination games, averaged more rebounds in playoffs than regular season, and his teams went 10-0 in Game 7s with his defensive dominance and leadership reaching transcendent levels when stakes were highest.
	LeBron Jamesplayer	95	LeBron's playoff performance across four championships with three franchises, including multiple Finals MVP awards and legendary series (2016 comeback from 3-1, 2012 ECF Game 6, 2018 carrying Cavs), demonstrates consistent elevation beyond his already-elite regular season standards with increased scoring efficiency and defensive intensity when stakes were highest.
	Hakeem Olajuwonplayer	95	Hakeem's 1994 and 1995 playoff runs represent one of the greatest elevations in NBA history, winning back-to-back championships as the clear best player while dominating both ends against elite competition, with his 1995 playoffs particularly legendary for dismantling Robinson, Barkley, Malone, and Shaq in succession.
	Jerry Westplayer	95	Jerry West elevated from All-Star to immortal in the playoffs, averaging 29.1 PPG in postseason versus 27.0 regular season across his career, earning Finals MVP on the losing team in 1969, and delivering countless clutch performances that literally made him the NBA logo.
6	Jimmy Butlerplayer	88	Butler has consistently elevated his game in the playoffs with multiple deep runs as the primary option, most notably his 2020 Finals performance (35.2 PPG in losses, outdueling LeBron in games 3 and 5) and 2023 run as an 8-seed to the Finals, demonstrating remarkable late-game clutch performance and increased scoring efficiency when stakes are highest.
6	George Mikanplayer	88	Mikan dominated the early NBA playoffs with five championships in six years, consistently elevating his scoring and rebounding in the postseason while facing the league's best defenses, including averaging 28.4 PPG in playoff runs compared to his regular season marks and delivering in every Finals appearance.
6	Elgin Baylorplayer	88	Baylor elevated significantly in the playoffs with a career 27.0 PPG in postseason versus 27.4 regular season but with dramatically increased rebounding (12.9 vs 13.5) and consistently dominant performances in Finals appearances, including his legendary 61-point game in the 1962 Finals and multiple 40+ point performances on the biggest stage despite never winning a championship.
6	Larry Birdplayer	88	Bird elevated his scoring average from 24.3 to 23.8 PPG in playoffs but dramatically increased his efficiency and clutch performance, delivering three championships with multiple iconic playoff moments including his legendary 1987 Eastern Conference Finals duel with Dominique Wilkins and consistently dominant Finals performances that earned him two Finals MVPs.
6	Bob Pettitplayer	88	Pettit elevated significantly in the playoffs with higher scoring averages (25.5 regular season vs 28.4 playoff career), dominated the 1958 Finals with 29.3 PPG to deliver St. Louis its only championship, and consistently performed at a higher level across 88 playoff games including multiple 40+ point performances in elimination contexts.
6	Walt Frazierplayer	88	Frazier elevated significantly in the playoffs, averaging 20.7 PPG and 8.1 APG in postseason versus 18.9 PPG and 6.1 APG in regular season, with iconic performances in both 1970 and 1973 Finals including his legendary 36-point, 19-assist Game 7 in 1970, consistently raising his game when stakes were highest.
6	Bill Waltonplayer	88	Walton's 1977 Finals MVP performance (18.5/19/5/3.5 blocks) represented a significant elevation over his regular season, dominating both ends against Philly's frontcourt while playing through pain, and his 1986 Sixth Man of the Year playoff run with Boston showed clutch reliability despite limited minutes.
6	Shaquille O'Nealplayer	88	Shaq's playoff dominance was extraordinary with three Finals MVPs and career playoff averages (24.3 PPG, 11.6 RPG) that matched his regular season while his efficiency and physicality consistently elevated in high-stakes moments, particularly during the 2000-2002 championship runs where he was virtually unstoppable.
6	Magic Johnsonplayer	88	Magic elevated his game consistently in the playoffs with three Finals MVPs, higher playoff PER than regular season, and legendary performances including his rookie Game 6 at center, demonstrating exceptional ability to raise his level when stakes were highest without quite reaching the legacy-rewriting tier of Jordan or LeBron.
6	Giannis Antetokounmpoplayer	88	Giannis elevated significantly in the 2021 playoffs, averaging 30.2/12.8/5.1 with historic Finals performances including a 50-point closeout game, overcoming previous playoff struggles and defensive schemes that limited him, demonstrating clear postseason growth that enhanced rather than defined his legacy.
6	Rick Barryplayer	88	Barry elevated significantly in the playoffs throughout his career, most notably leading the 1975 Warriors to a championship with a dominant Finals performance (28.2 PPG on elite efficiency against a heavily favored Bullets team), and consistently increased his scoring average and efficiency in postseason play across both ABA and NBA playoffs.
6	Dirk Nowitzkiplayer	88	Dirk's 2011 playoff run (.530 TS% in Finals, clutch performances against Miami's elite defense) elevated him from perennial playoff disappointment to champion, consistently delivering in fourth quarters of elimination games and demonstrating marked improvement in high-leverage postseason moments throughout his prime.
6	Moses Maloneplayer	88	Moses Malone elevated significantly in the playoffs, most notably in 1983 when he dominated the postseason (25.8 PPG, 15.3 RPG) after predicting 'Fo, Fo, Fo' and leading the 76ers to a 12-1 championship run, plus his three Finals MVP-caliber performances demonstrate consistent postseason excellence that exceeded his already-elite regular season production.
19	Dwyane Wadeplayer	85	Wade's 2006 Finals performance (34.7 PPG, leading Miami from 0-2 deficit) and consistent playoff elevation throughout his prime (career 22.3 playoff PPG vs 22.0 regular season, with significantly higher usage and efficiency in crucial moments) exemplify a player who reliably raised his game when stakes were highest.
19	Tim Duncanplayer	85	Duncan's playoff career featured five championships with consistently elite two-way performance, including multiple Finals MVPs and the iconic 2003 carry job where he averaged 24.7/15.4/5.3 in the playoffs, demonstrating his ability to elevate in the postseason while maintaining remarkable efficiency and defensive dominance across 251 playoff games.
19	Kawhi Leonardplayer	85	Kawhi's playoff résumé includes two Finals MVPs with dramatically elevated efficiency (2014: 61.2% TS in Finals; 2019: 30.5 PPG on 62% TS in playoffs), iconic game-winners, and consistent performance increases when stakes were highest, though he doesn't quite reach the legacy-rewriting tier of Jordan/LeBron.
19	Kobe Bryantplayer	85	Kobe's playoff career featured multiple iconic elimination game performances (81-point mentality translated to Game 7s), consistently elevated efficiency in Finals appearances, and clutch shot-making that defined his legacy, though he didn't quite reach the tier of players who completely rewrote their narrative through postseason dominance alone.
23	Paul Pierceplayer	82	Pierce elevated significantly in the playoffs throughout his career, most notably in the 2008 championship run where he won Finals MVP with clutch performances, and consistently raised his scoring efficiency and usage in postseason elimination games compared to his regular season numbers.
23	Kyrie Irvingplayer	82	Kyrie Irving's playoff resume includes iconic clutch performances (2016 Finals Game 7 shot, multiple 40-point games), consistently elevated efficiency in high-stakes moments, and a reputation as one of the most reliable postseason scorers of his generation, though without the sustained multi-year dominance or legacy-rewriting impact of the Legend tier.
23	Isiah Thomasplayer	82	Isiah Thomas elevated his scoring from 19.2 PPG regular season to 20.4 PPG in playoffs while leading the Bad Boy Pistons to back-to-back championships, including his legendary 25-point third quarter on a sprained ankle in the 1988 Finals and multiple clutch performances in elimination games.
23	Tony Parkerplayer	82	Parker elevated his game significantly in the playoffs, winning Finals MVP in 2007 with dominant performances, consistently raising his scoring efficiency in postseason runs, and delivering clutch performances in multiple championship series despite being the third option behind Duncan and Ginobili for much of his career.
23	Nikola Jokicplayer	82	Jokic's playoff performance has consistently exceeded his MVP-caliber regular seasons, with higher scoring averages, improved efficiency in elimination games, and carrying Denver to a championship with historic playoff metrics including multiple 30-point triple-doubles in Finals closeout situations.
23	Julius Ervingplayer	82	Erving elevated significantly in the playoffs throughout his career, with his ABA playoff scoring average (27.7 PPG) exceeding his regular season mark (28.7 PPG) while maintaining elite efficiency, and his 1983 NBA Finals MVP performance at age 33 demonstrated clutch excellence when it mattered most, though he falls just short of the legend tier occupied by Jordan and LeBron who rewrote legacies entirely through postseason dominance.
23	Dennis Johnsonplayer	82	Dennis Johnson consistently elevated his game in the postseason, earning Finals MVP in 1979 with Seattle, making multiple All-Defensive teams while raising his scoring and playmaking in crucial playoff runs with Boston, and becoming known as one of the most clutch and reliable two-way guards in high-stakes moments.
23	Willis Reedplayer	82	Reed elevated his game in the playoffs with higher scoring averages in championship runs, most iconically playing through severe injury in Game 7 of the 1970 Finals to inspire the Knicks' title, and won Finals MVP in 1970 while maintaining elite two-way production when stakes were highest.
23	Draymond Greenplayer	82	Draymond Green consistently elevated his defensive intensity, playmaking, and leadership in the playoffs, serving as the Warriors' emotional engine and defensive anchor in four championship runs, with his 2016 Finals (before suspension), 2017, and 2022 performances showcasing significantly higher defensive impact and clutch playmaking than his regular-season baseline.
23	Sam Jonesplayer	82	Sam Jones earned his 'Mr. Clutch' nickname by consistently elevating in the playoffs with a career postseason scoring average 1.1 points higher than his regular season mark (18.9 vs 17.7), hitting numerous game-winners in Finals games, and being entrusted with last-second shots by Red Auerbach over teammates like Bill Russell and John Havlicek during Boston's dynasty run through 10 championships.
23	James Worthyplayer	82	Worthy earned his 'Big Game James' nickname by consistently elevating in the playoffs, averaging 21.1 PPG in the postseason versus 17.6 in regular season, with three Finals MVP-caliber performances including his 1988 Finals MVP where he dominated the decisive Game 7 with 36 points.
23	John Havlicekplayer	82	Havlicek's playoff performance was consistently elite across 13 postseason appearances, averaging 22.0 PPG in playoffs vs 20.8 in regular season while earning Finals MVP in 1974 and delivering numerous clutch performances including his famous steal in 1965, demonstrating reliable elevation when stakes were highest.
23	Manu Ginobiliplayer	82	Ginobili's career playoff averages (14.0 PPG, 19.5 PER) exceeded his regular season marks (13.3 PPG, 18.3 PER), with legendary clutch performances including the 2005 Finals heroics and numerous game-winners, though his sixth-man role and supporting cast context place him below the Legend tier.
23	Klay Thompsonplayer	82	Klay Thompson consistently elevated in the playoffs with legendary performances including 41 points in Game 6 vs OKC (2016), 11 threes in a playoff game, and multiple closeout game heroics, maintaining elite efficiency while taking on tougher defensive assignments than in the regular season.
23	Chauncey Billupsplayer	82	Billups earned 'Mr. Big Shot' nickname by consistently elevating in playoffs, winning Finals MVP with superior efficiency (50.1% FG, 47.1% 3PT in 2004 Finals vs 41.5% regular season FG), and posting career playoff PER of 19.4 vs 18.1 regular season while leading underdog Pistons to championship and multiple deep runs.
23	Luka Doncicplayer	82	Luka has consistently elevated his scoring and playmaking in the playoffs, averaging 32.5 PPG across his playoff career compared to 28.7 in regular season, with signature performances including leading Dallas to the 2024 Finals and multiple 40+ point elimination games, though he hasn't yet captured a championship to enter the legend tier.
23	Kareem Abdul-Jabbarplayer	82	Kareem maintained elite production across six championships with consistent Finals MVP-caliber performances (2 FMVPs), including his legendary skyhook in clutch moments, though his playoff scoring efficiency remained roughly equivalent to regular season rather than dramatically elevated like the Legend tier.
40	Gary Paytonplayer	78	Payton elevated his defensive intensity and playmaking in the postseason, most notably helping limit Michael Jordan in the 1996 Finals after switching onto him and consistently raising his game in deep playoff runs with Seattle, demonstrating clear improvement over his regular-season performance in high-stakes moments.
40	Dennis Rodmanplayer	78	Rodman's defensive intensity, rebounding dominance, and willingness to do the dirty work consistently elevated in the playoffs, particularly during championship runs with Detroit and Chicago where his defensive assignments on stars like Magic Johnson and Karl Malone were pivotal to title success.
40	Kevin McHaleplayer	78	McHale elevated his efficiency and scoring in multiple championship runs, notably averaging 25.9 PPG on 60.4% shooting in the 1986 playoffs while becoming the Celtics' primary offensive weapon when it mattered most, consistently raising his game beyond his regular-season role as third option.
40	Anthony Edwardsplayer	78	Edwards has consistently elevated his performance in the playoffs, most notably in 2024 when he averaged 27.6 PPG on improved efficiency while leading Minnesota past Denver and reaching the Conference Finals, demonstrating clutch shot-making and increased defensive intensity that exceeded his regular-season production.
40	Anthony Davisplayer	78	Anthony Davis has consistently elevated his game in the playoffs, most notably in the 2020 championship run where he averaged 27.7 PPG on elite efficiency with dominant two-way play, and has repeatedly shown ability to raise his defensive intensity and shot-making in high-stakes moments despite some injury-shortened postseasons.
40	Ben Wallaceplayer	78	Ben Wallace elevated his already elite defensive impact in the playoffs, anchoring the 2004 Pistons' championship run with dominant paint protection and increased rebounding (13.4 RPG in playoffs vs 12.4 regular season during that title run), proving indispensable in high-stakes moments against prime Shaq and the Lakers.
40	Clyde Drexlerplayer	78	Drexler elevated his scoring and efficiency in multiple deep playoff runs, most notably raising his game from 21.5 PPG regular season to 24.4 PPG in the 1995 championship run with Houston, and consistently performed at a higher level in elimination games throughout his career including the 1990 and 1992 Finals appearances with Portland.
40	Oscar Robertsonplayer	78	Robertson elevated his scoring average from 25.7 PPG regular season to 26.4 PPG in playoffs while maintaining elite playmaking, including a legendary 1971 Finals run at age 32 where he averaged 23.7/6.7/8.9 to finally capture his championship, demonstrating consistent elevation in high-stakes moments throughout his career.
40	Bob Cousyplayer	78	Cousy elevated his playmaking and scoring in six championship runs, averaging 18.5 PPG in playoffs vs 18.4 regular season while raising his assists and delivering clutch performances in Finals games, most notably his 1957 Finals heroics and multiple Game 7 performances that cemented Boston's dynasty.
40	Reggie Millerplayer	78	Miller's career playoff scoring average (18.4 PPG) nearly matched his regular season (18.2 PPG) while his efficiency actually improved in the postseason (TS% 61.5% vs 61.4%), and he delivered iconic clutch performances including the 8 points in 9 seconds and multiple 25+ point games in elimination situations, consistently elevating in high-stakes moments despite never winning a championship.
40	Kevin Garnettplayer	78	Garnett elevated his intensity and defensive dominance in the playoffs, most notably during the 2008 championship run where he anchored a historically great playoff defense, though his offensive numbers remained similar to regular season rather than dramatically improving like the Legend tier.
40	Dave Cowensplayer	78	Cowens elevated his game in the playoffs with two Finals MVPs (1974, 1976), increased scoring and rebounding in postseason runs, and was the driving force behind Boston's championships despite playing through injuries and against elite competition.
40	Jo Jo Whiteplayer	78	Jo Jo White elevated his game significantly in the playoffs, winning Finals MVP in 1976 while averaging 21.5 PPG across his playoff career compared to 18.4 PPG regular season, and delivering clutch performances in multiple deep Celtics runs including the legendary triple-overtime Game 5 in 1976.
40	Donovan Mitchellplayer	78	Mitchell has consistently elevated his scoring in the playoffs, averaging 28.3 PPG across 57 career playoff games compared to 24.0 PPG regular season, with signature performances including a 57-point game in the 2020 bubble and multiple series where he carried undermanned Utah teams against higher-seeded opponents.
40	Earl Monroeplayer	78	Monroe elevated his game significantly in the playoffs, most notably in the 1973 championship run where he averaged 21.1 PPG in the Finals and was instrumental in the Knicks' title, consistently performing at or above his regular season level in high-stakes moments throughout his career.
40	Scottie Pippenplayer	78	Pippen consistently elevated his two-way impact in the playoffs, particularly during the Bulls' championship runs where his defensive versatility against elite wings and increased playmaking responsibility (averaging 6.2 APG in playoffs vs 5.2 in regular season during the dynasty years) made him indispensable in high-stakes moments, though he operated primarily as the second option behind Jordan.
40	Joe Dumarsplayer	78	Dumars elevated significantly in the playoffs, averaging 20.4 PPG in postseason versus 16.1 in regular season, with his two Finals MVP-caliber performances (1989 actual winner, 1990 strong case) and clutch shooting against elite competition demonstrating consistent rise when stakes increased.
40	Jason Kiddplayer	78	Kidd elevated his playmaking and defensive intensity in the playoffs, leading two different franchises to the Finals (2002 Nets, 2003 Nets, 2011 Mavs) with increased assist rates and clutch performances, most notably his veteran leadership and two-way impact in Dallas's 2011 championship run where he hit critical shots and defended elite guards despite being past his prime.
40	Allen Iversonplayer	78	Iverson elevated his scoring average from 26.7 PPG regular season to 29.7 PPG in playoffs across his career, carrying the 2001 76ers past prime Vince Carter and through the East Finals while delivering iconic performances including 48 points in Game 1 of the Finals against the dominant Lakers, though his efficiency dipped slightly under increased defensive attention.
59	Bill Sharmanplayer	72	Sharman maintained his elite shooting and scoring efficiency across four NBA championships with the Celtics, but played within a deep team system where his regular-season role and production translated consistently rather than elevating significantly in the postseason.
59	Wes Unseldplayer	72	Unseld maintained his elite rebounding and physical presence in the playoffs (13.9 RPG regular season vs 14.9 playoff career), anchored the Bullets' 1978 championship run with consistent two-way play, and delivered in the Finals (winning MVP), but his scoring remained limited and he didn't dramatically elevate beyond his regular-season identity as a facilitating big man.
59	Pau Gasolplayer	72	Gasol maintained his All-Star level production in the playoffs with strong efficiency and two-way impact, particularly during the Lakers' championship runs (2009, 2010), but didn't meaningfully elevate beyond his regular season performance the way true risers did.
59	Ray Allenplayer	72	Ray Allen maintained his elite three-point shooting and clutch shot-making in the playoffs (career 40.0% from three in postseason vs 40.0% regular season), delivering iconic moments like the 2013 Game 6 corner three, but his overall role and production remained consistent rather than elevated, as he was primarily a specialist rather than a player who expanded his game or shouldered greater responsibility in the postseason.
59	Jayson Tatumplayer	72	Tatum has maintained elite production in deep playoff runs including a Finals MVP-caliber 2024 performance, but his efficiency often dips slightly from regular season and he has had notable struggles in key moments (2022 Finals turnovers, inconsistent shooting stretches) that prevent him from clearly elevating above his regular-season baseline.
59	Paul Arizinplayer	72	Arizin maintained his elite scoring in limited playoff opportunities, averaging 24.2 PPG in playoffs versus 22.8 PPG regular season across two championship runs (1956, 1967), but lacked the extended deep playoff runs and signature elevation moments that define the Reliable Riser tier.
59	Bernard Kingplayer	72	Bernard King maintained his elite scoring in limited playoff opportunities, most notably averaging 42.6 PPG in the 1984 first round against Detroit, but lacked the deep postseason runs and sustained elevation across multiple series needed to demonstrate consistent rising given his teams' early exits.
59	Chet Walkerplayer	72	Chet Walker maintained his solid regular-season production across 98 playoff games with championship teams in Philadelphia and Chicago, averaging 19.3 PPG in playoffs versus 18.2 PPG regular season, but never elevated to become the primary option in crucial postseason moments despite being a reliable second or third scoring threat.
59	Patrick Ewingplayer	72	Ewing maintained his elite regular-season production in the playoffs with nearly identical scoring averages (21.0 PPG regular season vs 20.2 PPG playoffs) and led the Knicks to multiple deep runs, but never elevated to another level in Finals appearances and had several series where his efficiency dipped notably against elite competition.
59	Dave DeBusschereplayer	72	DeBusschere maintained his defensive intensity and rebounding in playoffs but his scoring efficiency remained similar to regular season across two championship runs with the Knicks, serving as a reliable but not elevated complementary star.
59	Hal Greerplayer	72	Greer maintained his elite scoring and consistency across 92 playoff games with the 76ers, including the 1967 championship run where he averaged 27.7 PPG in the Finals, but his playoff performance largely mirrored rather than exceeded his All-Star caliber regular season production.
59	Devin Bookerplayer	72	Booker has maintained his elite scoring efficiency in the playoffs (27.8 PPG career, including a 47-point Finals performance) but hasn't consistently elevated beyond his regular-season production across multiple deep runs, with his 2021 Finals showing strong but not transcendent compared to his peak regular-season form.
59	Kyle Lowryplayer	72	Lowry maintained his all-around impact in the playoffs throughout his career, with his 2019 championship run showing clutch performances and leadership, though his scoring efficiency typically dipped slightly while his playmaking and defense remained steady rather than elevating to a higher plane.
72	Kevin Durantplayer	70	Durant maintains elite efficiency and scoring in the playoffs (career 29.5 PPG on 54.4% TS in playoffs vs 27.3 PPG on 61.0% TS regular season), but his postseason performance largely mirrors his regular-season dominance rather than elevating meaningfully beyond it, with his best playoff runs coming alongside other superstars rather than solo carry jobs that rewrote his narrative.
73	Shai Gilgeous-Alexanderplayer	68	Gilgeous-Alexander has maintained his elite regular-season scoring efficiency in limited playoff experience (2022: 24.5 PPG on 47/35/91, 2024: 26.8 PPG on 45/33/88), showing consistency rather than elevation, with no signature series-defining performances or deep runs to demonstrate postseason ascension.
73	Chris Paulplayer	68	Chris Paul maintained elite playmaking and leadership in playoffs with strong series performances (2021 Finals run, multiple deep runs), but his efficiency often dipped in critical elimination games and he never elevated to a higher gear like true playoff risers, with notable struggles in closeout situations throughout his career.
73	Spencer Haywoodplayer	68	Haywood maintained solid production in limited playoff opportunities, averaging 19.3 PPG and 9.7 RPG across 74 playoff games with consistent efficiency, but lacked the signature postseason elevation or deep runs that would demonstrate rising to higher stakes.
73	Shawn Kempplayer	68	Kemp maintained his explosive athleticism and production in the playoffs (career 15.0 PPG regular season vs 14.9 PPG playoffs), including strong performances in the 1996 Finals run, but never elevated to a truly dominant postseason force who took over series or significantly raised his efficiency when stakes were highest.
73	Robert Parishplayer	68	Parish maintained his steady, efficient production across 184 playoff games with minimal variance from regular season averages (14.5 PPG regular season vs 15.3 PPG playoffs), serving as a reliable third option on championship teams but never elevating to carry playoff series or dramatically raising his game when stakes increased.
73	Wilt Chamberlainplayer	68	Wilt maintained elite production in playoffs with strong Finals performances (1967, 1972), but his efficiency often dipped, scoring averages dropped significantly from regular season, and he faced persistent criticism for not elevating in crucial moments despite two championships.
73	Chris Boshplayer	68	Bosh maintained his regular-season efficiency and role in the playoffs, particularly during Miami's championship runs where he averaged similar numbers (18.0 PPG, 7.3 RPG in 2012-13 playoffs vs 16.6 PPG, 6.8 RPG regular season), but didn't consistently elevate as the primary option in crucial moments, serving more as a reliable third star rather than a postseason riser.
73	Dikembe Mutomboplayer	68	Mutombo maintained his elite defensive presence and rebounding in the playoffs throughout his career, including memorable runs with Denver (1994 upset), Atlanta, and Philadelphia (2001 Finals), but his offensive limitations became more pronounced against elite playoff defenses and he never elevated beyond his regular-season defensive specialist role.
73	Amar'e Stoudemireplayer	68	Stoudemire maintained his explosive scoring and efficiency in most playoff runs (particularly 2005, 2010) but didn't consistently elevate beyond his regular-season production, and his best postseason moments came in supporting roles rather than as the clear alpha carrying teams deep.
73	Charles Barkleyplayer	68	Barkley maintained his elite regular-season production in the playoffs with nearly identical efficiency (career 58.7% TS regular season vs 57.6% playoffs), led the Suns to the 1993 Finals with strong performances, but never elevated to a higher gear in elimination games or Finals moments the way true playoff risers did.
73	Ja Morantplayer	68	Morant has maintained his explosive scoring and playmaking in limited playoff experience (2021-22 postseasons), averaging similar numbers to regular season with memorable performances against Minnesota and Golden State, but hasn't yet demonstrated the consistent elevation or deep playoff runs that define higher tiers.
73	Alonzo Mourningplayer	68	Mourning maintained his defensive intensity and rebounding in the playoffs but his scoring efficiency declined slightly (career 20.2 PPG regular season vs 19.2 PPG playoffs on lower shooting percentages), and while he had strong moments including the 2006 championship run as a role player, he never elevated his game to carry teams deeper than expected as the primary star.
73	Sidney Moncriefplayer	68	Moncrief maintained his elite two-way production in the playoffs with similar efficiency to his regular season (21.0 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 3.6 APG in playoffs vs 20.9/5.8/3.6 regular season), but lacked signature deep runs or legacy-defining playoff moments due to playing on Bucks teams that consistently fell short in the Eastern Conference despite his consistent individual performance.
73	Elvin Hayesplayer	68	Hayes maintained his elite rebounding and scoring in the playoffs (21.0 PPG, 12.4 RPG career postseason vs 21.0 PPG, 12.5 RPG regular season) and was the leading scorer on the 1978 championship Bullets, but didn't demonstrably elevate beyond his regular-season production in the highest-stakes moments.
73	Trae Youngplayer	68	Trae Young's 2021 playoff run to the Eastern Conference Finals showed elevated playmaking (10.9 APG vs 9.4 regular season) and clutch shot-making including the game-winner against Milwaukee, but his efficiency dipped notably (25.0 PER playoffs vs 23.3 regular season with higher turnovers) and subsequent playoff appearances have been brief without demonstrating consistent elevation beyond his regular-season production.
73	Dolph Schayesplayer	68	Schayes maintained his all-around production in the playoffs throughout his career, leading Syracuse to the 1955 championship while averaging similar numbers to his regular season stats, but didn't demonstrate the clear elevation in performance that defined the Reliable Riser tier.
73	Damian Lillardplayer	68	Lillard has delivered memorable playoff moments (series-winners against Houston 2014, OKC 2019) and maintained solid efficiency, but his overall playoff numbers show slight decline from regular season averages and his teams consistently underperformed expectations, never reaching the Finals despite his individual efforts.
73	Jack Sikmaplayer	68	Sikma maintained his regular season production in the playoffs with nearly identical scoring and rebounding averages across his career postseason appearances, including solid contributions during Seattle's 1979 championship run, but did not demonstrably elevate his game in higher-stakes moments.
73	John Stocktonplayer	68	Stockton maintained his elite playmaking and efficiency in the playoffs (13.4 PPG, 10.1 APG career postseason vs 13.1 PPG, 10.5 APG regular season) but didn't elevate his scoring or take over games in crucial moments the way top-tier playoff risers did, remaining a facilitator rather than becoming a primary offensive weapon when stakes were highest.
92	Stephen Curryplayer	65	Curry maintained elite regular-season production in playoffs with similar efficiency (24.8 PPG, 58.5 TS% playoffs vs 24.8 PPG, 62.4 TS% regular season career), delivering multiple championships but without the statistical elevation or consistent late-game takeover moments that define the Reliable Riser tier.
93	Jerry Lucasplayer	62	Lucas maintained solid production in the playoffs with career averages of 17.0 PPG and 15.8 RPG in postseason compared to 17.0 PPG and 15.6 RPG in regular season, but never elevated his game to carry teams deep as the primary option, serving as a complementary piece on the 1973 Knicks championship run rather than a playoff riser.
93	Nate Thurmondplayer	62	Thurmond maintained his defensive dominance and rebounding in playoff appearances but never had the signature postseason run or clutch moments to elevate his legacy, with his teams reaching the Finals only once (1967) where he averaged solid but not transcendent numbers (16.3 PPG, 18.5 RPG) in a losing effort.
93	Artis Gilmoreplayer	62	Gilmore maintained his dominant regular-season efficiency in ABA playoffs (22.3 PPG, 17.1 RPG in playoffs vs 22.3 PPG, 17.8 RPG regular season) and remained productive in limited NBA playoff appearances, but never elevated to another level in the postseason or had signature playoff moments that enhanced his legacy.
93	Dwight Howardplayer	62	Howard maintained his defensive dominance and rebounding in the playoffs (2009 Finals run averaging 20.3 PPG/15.3 RPG), but his offensive limitations became more exploitable through intentional fouling and his inability to create his own shot against elite defenses prevented meaningful elevation.
93	Yao Mingplayer	62	Yao Ming maintained his regular season production in the playoffs with nearly identical scoring (19.0 PPG regular season vs 19.7 PPG playoffs) and efficiency, though his limited playoff sample size (28 games across 5 seasons) and injury-shortened career prevented him from demonstrating sustained elevation in high-stakes moments.
93	Connie Hawkinsplayer	62	Hawkins maintained his elite production in limited ABA playoff opportunities (1968 playoffs: 29.4 PPG, 12.0 RPG) and showed up in NBA playoffs with Phoenix, but lacked the deep postseason runs and signature elimination-game performances that define risers, largely due to team context and shortened prime.
93	Joe Johnsonplayer	62	Joe Johnson maintained his scoring efficiency and clutch reputation in the playoffs with multiple game-winners, but his overall production (19.4 PPG playoffs vs 20.0 PPG regular season) and impact remained largely consistent rather than elevated, never carrying a team deep as the clear alpha.
100	Blake Griffinplayer	52	Blake Griffin's playoff efficiency consistently declined from his regular season numbers, with his PER dropping from 23.6 in regular seasons to 20.4 in playoffs across his prime years, and he notably struggled in elimination games with the Clippers, never advancing past the second round despite multiple opportunities with talented rosters.