NBA Finals 2017: 5 potential x-factors who could swing the series

The NBA Finals are so close, and yet so far away. To ease your pain, we compiled a list of potential x-factors who could swing the series.

As you know very well by now, the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Golden State Warriors will be facing off for the third time in the NBA Finals. These powerhouse teams were selected by a majority of NBA fans and analysts alike to represent their respective conferences in the Finals before the season started, and here we are.

This year’s playoffs have been fantastic to watch, despite the complaints by many fans. The postgame podium segments are legendary and the on-court performances have been spectacular, especially for LeBron James who now owns the title for most points in playoff history.

After a wild and crazy journey, we find ourselves at this point. The last hurrah, the final countdown, the end of the road. At the end, one of these team will have to hit the road, Jack. But, neither of these teams can claim their victory without specific players who are vital to their rosters.

Here are five x-factors who can alter the NBA Finals.

5. Draymond Green

Hold on, hold on. Before you blow your top, let me explain something.

Draymond Green is oh so important to the Warriors. You can even make an argument that he is the most important Warrior on the roster. He has everything you desire in a modern NBA point forward. And he is indeed an x-factor, but he is not the most important X-factor due to the current circumstances of each team.

Like LeBron James, Draymond has the power to alter a series. We all observed this phenomenon last year in the 2016 Finals when Draymond was suspended because of his fourth flagrant foul that occurred after an altercation with LeBron.

In conjunction with a few other variables, Green’s suspension was the turning point in the series. In Game 7 last year, Draymond was vital to the Warriors *almost* success. He had 32 points, 15 rebounds, and nine assists. He carried the lifeless Warriors and they were so close to winning.

Draymond is an x-factor because of what he brings to the Warriors. They flow much better when he is on the floor. The tandem of a Draymond and Kevin Durant frontcourt is stellar because of their offensive and defensive ability. Green has also proven he doesn’t have to score to contribute. Earlier in the season, on Feb. 10, he recorded the first triple-double in NBA history without scoring double-digit points. Draymond had 12 rebounds, 10 assists, 10 steals, five blocks, and four points. He does it all for the Warriors.

Green is also an x-factor because of his potential for losing his self-control and pushing himself off the court. The Warriors need him, so let’s hope Green stays out of trouble.