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2023 NBA Playoffs: Highlighting the SEC’s best this year

ByNicholas Nathanson|
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 22: Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets dribbles against Dennis Schroder #17 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the third quarter in game four of the Western Conference Finals at Crypto.com Arena on May 22, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 22: Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets dribbles against Dennis Schroder #17 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the third quarter in game four of the Western Conference Finals at Crypto.com Arena on May 22, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

The 2023 NBA Playoffs has provided us with some spectacular play. Whether it be Nuggets guard Jamal Murray ability to close out games late in the 4th quarter or Heat’s Bam Adebayo dominating the glass and hitting shots from the mid-range, we’ve been treated to some great play from former SEC stars. Below, I will take you through the three best performers throughout the 2023 NBA Playoffs.

2023 NBA Playoffs: Highlighting the SEC’s three best players

1. PG, Jamal Murray, Kentucky, Denver Nuggets

The former All-SEC First Team player at Kentucky has been a highlight reel thus far in the NBA Playoffs.

After missing all of the 2021-2022 season due to injury, Murray has put aside all doubts and question to his abilities.

Throughout the playoffs he has averaged 27.7 PPG on close to a 50-40-90 split.

In fact, in the most recent round against the Lakers, Murray averaged 32.5 PPG on above 50-40-90.

He has been the top SEC player throughout the NBA Playoffs.

Of all players left this postseason, he is averaging the most points per game in the fourth quarter at 7.5 PPG, something that has been crucial to the Nuggets’ success.

2. SG, Devin Booker, Kentucky, Phoenix Suns

If Booker’s Suns had beaten the Nuggets in the NBA Playoffs, he would be first on the list.

The former SEC sixth man of the year was on an absolute tear in the NBA Playoffs.

After averaging 37.2 PPG in the first round, there was a point in the second round where Booker was on top of the world.

Down 2-0 to the Nuggets, he scored 83 points across games 3 and 4, shooting a scorching 34-43.

Yes, his team was eliminated.

However, averaging 33.7 PPG, on 50% from both three and the field is something to be celebrated.

Booker put the league on notice.

3. PG, De’Aaron Fox, Kentucky, Sacramento Kings

While the former All-SEC first team star’s NBA Playoff debut was short lived to just one round, he nonetheless deserves to be on this list.

Fox averaged 27.7 PPG and nearly willed his team to victory over the defending NBA champions, the Golden State Warriors, all while playing through injury.

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