The NBA playoffs are heating up in the second round, and several USC Trojans alumni are making their presence felt on the biggest stage. From Evan Mobley's breakout performance to Jordan McLaughlin's championship aspirations, here's how the former college stars are faring.
Evan Mobley and the Cleveland Cavaliers found themselves in a tough spot, trailing 2-1 to the Detroit Pistons. The series had a feeling of inevitability, with the Pistons seemingly in control. But Game 4 changed everything. While Donovan Mitchell's 35-point outburst was crucial, it was Mobley who truly turned the tide. The USC product delivered a stat-stuffing masterpiece: 17 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, 5 blocks, and 3 steals. That's the kind of two-way dominance that makes Mobley a difference-maker. For the Cavaliers to advance—and potentially reach the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since the LeBron James era—they need this version of Mobley showing up every night.
Meanwhile, Jordan McLaughlin is enjoying a front-row seat to the most thrilling series of the postseason. The San Antonio Spurs and Minnesota Timberwolves are locked in a 2-2 dogfight, trading haymakers in a battle for Western Conference supremacy. While McLaughlin hasn't seen heavy minutes, his presence on a Spurs team with real championship pedigree gives him a legitimate shot at stepping onto the NBA Finals floor and earning a title ring. If San Antonio can escape this grudge match, they'll face the Oklahoma City Thunder—and McLaughlin could find himself playing a key role in the biggest games of his career.
On the other side of the bracket, the Los Angeles Lakers stumbled hard in the second round. Without Luka Dončić, the Lakers simply couldn't match the Oklahoma City Thunder, even with Jalen Williams sidelined. Bronny James saw only about two minutes of garbage time during the series' blowout losses—a tough environment for any developing young player, but especially for a rookie finding his footing. The Lakers' lack of depth was exposed, and their playoff run ended sooner than many expected.
As the playoffs continue, all eyes are on Mobley and McLaughlin. For USC fans, it's a reminder that the Trojan pipeline is alive and well in the NBA—and that the next generation of stars is just getting started.