NBA Playoffs: 6 X-Factors that could shift a series

NBA Boston Celtics Gordon Hayward (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
NBA Boston Celtics Gordon Hayward (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
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NBA Oklahoma City Thunder Jerami Grant #9 (Photo by J Pat Carter/Getty Images)

Jerami Grant, Oklahoma City Thunder

The Oklahoma City Thunder‘s identity since losing Kevin Durant has been Westbrook and Defense. Even in Paul George‘s best career season, the team is horrible at making 3’s. Jerami Grant, like Terrence Ferguson, is a phenomenal athlete who has locked down top wings.

Just like Ferguson he has also often gone hot or cold from three. The Thunder are at their best when getting turnovers or stops and running in transition, so it’s important for them to get stops.

Steven Adams always seems to be banged up, and can often struggle to contain quick guards, which is basically Portland’s de facto offense.

Grant’s ability to protect the rim as a small ball five, and survive guarding Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum on switches will be a microcosm of the Thunder’s defense in this pivotal series–for both franchises.