(Photo : Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)) MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – APRIL 14: Naz Reid #11 of the Minnesota Timberwolves drives to the basket towards Bradley Beal #3 of the Phoenix Suns within the fourth quarter at Target Center on April 14, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Suns defeated the Timberwolves 125-106. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or utilizing this {photograph}, User is consenting to the phrases and situations of the Getty Images License Agreement.
With the NBA Playoffs tipping off on Saturday, many groups all through the league will compete for an opportunity to win an NBA Championship.
Each of the seeded groups do maintain a participant who might help flip any collection of their favor.
Here are some X-Factors for every Western Conference workforce within the NBA Playoffs from the primary to the seventh seed.
NBA Playoffs X-Factor: Oklahoma City Thunder Jalen Williams | Power Forward
The Oklahoma City Thunder clinched the No.1 seed out West behind an MVP-caliber season behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Rookie of the Year worthy season from Chet Holmgren.
However, Jalen Williams has been one of many many surprises for the Oklahoma City workforce, who gained 57 video games this season.
The dynamic ahead has been huge in scoring the basketball, averaging 19.1 factors per sport. Williams took a number of the offensive load off of Gilgeous-Alexander and stepped up as a strong third possibility for the younger Thunder.
If Jalen Williams manages to maintain it going within the postseason, then there are causes to imagine that the Oklahoma City Thunder may go all the best way.
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NBA Playoffs X-Factor: Denver Nuggets Jamal Murray | Guard
The Denver Nuggets will look to defend their NBA title this yr, getting into the postseason as the chances on favourite to win all of it once more.
A giant purpose for the Nuggets being favorites is due to the play from Jamal Murray.
The 2023 NBA Playoffs served as a reminder of what Jamal Murray is and the way good he’s, as he torched the Timberwolves, Suns, and Lakers on the best way to the NBA Finals final yr.
Murray has been a robust supply of offense for the Nuggets that has stored them formidable this season together with Nikola Jokic, who’s main the pack within the NBA MVP race.
If Jamal Murray may repeat what he did final season, then it’s secure to imagine the Denver Nuggets may go back-to-back.
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NBA Playoffs X-Factor: Minnesota Timberwolves Naz Reid | Forward
In a season stuffed with surprises, one in all them being the Minnesota Timberwolves and one other one being Naz Reid.
The Timberwolves completed the yr sturdy, profitable a complete of 55 video games this season. They spent the yr hanging across the prime of the Western Conference and Naz Reid has been a part of the rationale.
Reid turned a breakout star the Timberwolves wanted, rising as a candidate to win the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award.
He helped the workforce keep a pressure on protection within the entrance courtroom, stepping up in video games the place Karl Anthony-Towns was out.
Naz Reid may doubtlessly swing a collection for the T-Wolves with the correct amount of minutes and relying on their matchup.
NBA Playoffs X-Factor: Los Angeles Clippers Russell Westbrook | Point Guard
The Los Angeles Clippers curler coaster of a season may presumably finish with the franchise profitable their very first NBA Championship.
They survived a mid-season droop after buying and selling for James Harden, now completed prime 4 within the West.
Going into the NBA Playoffs, one participant who may make a giant distinction for them is Russell Westbrook.
Westbrook has proven that he nonetheless has so much left within the tank and is without doubt one of the higher bench gamers within the league. Russell Westbrook might be good for one or two huge video games within the postseason.
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NBA Playoffs X-Factor: Dallas Mavericks Daniel Gafford | Center
The Dallas Mavericks’ dynamic backcourt of Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic will look to steer the Mavs to their first championship for the reason that 2011 season, the place Dirk Nowitzki carried them to the promised land.
The Mavericks managed to climb out of the NBA Play-In with a robust month of April. The Daniel Gafford acquisition was a purpose for his or her second half season growth.
Since being traded from the Wizards to the Mavs, Gafford has immediately given Dallas the increase on protection that they wanted.
If Daniel Gafford’s infectious affect can carry over into the postseason, then it is simple to think about a world the place the Mavericks are champions but once more.
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NBA Playoffs X-Factor: Phoenix Suns Grayson Allen | Small Forward
In a Western Conference that’s extra guard-oriented than ever, Grayson Allen might be the important thing to the Phoenix Suns’ success within the NBA Playoffs.
Allen, who not too long ago re-signed a four-year take care of the Suns, has grown a popularity across the league as one of many higher defensive hustle gamers who may additionally knock down a shot, spacing the ground.
Grayson Allen performs effectively off the Suns three headed monster in Booker-Beal-Durant, being one other taking pictures possibility. He may additionally assist take some defensive load off the three in any collection.
Allen’s protection alone may assist the Suns swing a collection towards guard-heavy groups just like the Thunder and Mavericks.
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NBA Playoffs X-Factor: Los Angeles Lakers D’Angelo Russell | Point Guard
The Los Angeles Lakers common season was stuffed with ups and downs, twists and turns, and the drama of the NBA Play-In Tournament.
The Lakers managed to show issues round, ending 46-36 behind one other banner yr from Anthony Davis and LeBron James.
One participant who managed to carve out a giant function and be a pivotal half of their second-half of the season success was D’Angelo Russell.
Russell elevated his scoring numbers progressively and have become a 3rd possibility behind James and Davis, whereas additionally bettering his protection.
If D’Angelo Russell continues his high-end play, the Los Angeles Lakers may doubtless make one other deep postseason run.
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