2017 NBA Finals: Potential x-factors for the Cavs and Warriors

Jun 19, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) shoots the the game winning shot during the fourth quarter against Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) in game seven of the NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

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Apr 19, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Patrick McCaw (0) drives in against Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) during the first quarter in game two of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

Unsung Hero?

For the Warriors, the most underrated thing about their season has been the ability to seamlessly integrate so many new pieces not named Kevin Durant. Golden State’s entire big man rotation of Zaza Pachulia, David West, and JaVale McGee are all new to the team this year. However, during the NBA Finals’ biggest moments, it’s likely that none of them will be on the floor.

The Warriors have played about 10 minutes per game without a traditional center throughout the playoffs thus far, and that number should increase in the Finals. Just like the Cavs, the Warriors guards and wings will have to take on an even bigger role. Perhaps no one is more prepared than Patrick McCaw.

When Durant went down this season with an injury, it was McCaw who started the 20 games he missed. Golden State went only 14-6 in those contests, but McCaw seemed to gain the trust of the coaching staff late in the year, as he started 10 of the 14 games during the team’s March/April winning streak.

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