2022 NBA Finals Major X-Factors
With Boston Celtics defeating the Miami Heat and Golden State Warriors plowing through the Dallas Mavericks, both have moved on to the 2022 NBA Finals. The Dubs impressed everyone with relentless offense and gritty defense. They played 16 games to get to the final stage of the postseason and had plenty of rest in between. Meanwhile, the Celtics played 18 games and were forced to a game seven in the Eastern Conference finals.
While much of the attention will direct to superstars such as Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and others, there’s an abundance of X-factors who can keep the series more interesting than it already is.
Nitrobetting keeps track of the top X-factors for the Celtics vs. Warriors series.
Top Four X-Factors For Celtics vs. Warriors in 2022 NBA Finals
? The 2022 #NBAFinals presented by @YouTubeTV begin Thursday, June 2nd at 9pm/et.#BleedGreen #DubNation
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READ MORE: 2022 NBA Finals Best Storylines
Grant Williams for the Boston Celtics
The 23-year-old forward filled in for the injured Robert Williams III on several occasions in the playoffs. He did well in the conference semifinals, even exploding for a game-high 27 points in the last game of the series. It was a career-high, both regular and postseason for Williams. Although it will take a while before he pulls off another performance like that, that doesn’t mean he can’t help swing another game in their favor. His presence as an outside shooter yields positive results for Boston’s offense.
Playing Williams alongside Al Horford threatens the Warriors’ small-ball strategy. They help draw players from the paint and open up driving lanes for Tatum, Brown, and the Celtics’ attackers. Having an option like Williams when the shooters have an off night gives more headroom, too.
The Celtics’ fitness level
The series between the Heat and the Celtics was more about durability. Boston physically outlasted Miami and kept their core team intact, but the Celtics hardly made it through unscathed. Health is a major X-factor that determines their capacity to keep up with the Warriors.
Two key defensive players, Marcus Smart and Robert Williams III cause concern for head coach Ime Udoka. Marcus needed to take time off in the playoffs, missing a game against the Bucks and a pair of games against Miami due to a foot injury. Although the lineup was deep enough to cover for his absence, the Celtics need more confident players to take on the likes of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Jordan Poole, and Andrew Wiggins. Meanwhile, Williams’ defensive occupancy is a must for the Celts. He kept Boston competitive and is a vital piece in the NBA Finals.
Kevon Looney provides the Warriors a big man presence
Steve Kerr fills in his starting five with Curry, Thompson, Wiggins, and Green. However, the fifth guy switches between Looney and pool, depending on the situation. On nights where he picks Looney, the starters benefit from his size that goes with rebounding and defensive prowess. Rookie Jonathan Kuminga also impressed everyone with his postseason starts, but Looney has been more consistent in the Conference Finals. Ultimately, Kevon Looney makes the Warriors a better team when he’s on the floor, and we expect him to step up and record significant numbers with plenty of NBA Finals experience under his belt.
More health issues in question for Golden State
The Warriors are not the only side here that has health concerns. Although it was announced that Andre Iguodala, Gary Payton II, and Otto Porter Jr. will return in time for the Finals, no one is sure if they can bring 100% on the floor. All three players can play a critical role in the Warriors’ title campaign, especially Payton.
Payton showcased his lockdown defending talent in the playoffs. He found significant minutes defending the wing and even big men like Nikola Jokic in the regular season and their recent series with the Nuggets. The way Payton stepped up his offense also earned him more minutes in his first year with the Warriors. However, Payton picked up an elbow fracture on a controversial play with the Grizzlies’ Dillon Brooks. No one knows if he can deliver the same level of defense come the Finals, but Payton’s presence on the defensive end, attacking the paint, and his movement off the ball is expected to give the Warriors more options when playing the small ball.
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