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

By Noah Torr | May 31, 2017

May 7, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Cleveland Cavaliers center Tristan Thompson (13) celebrates with Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) after the second round of game four of the 2017 NBA Playoffs against the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports /

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Dec 29, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Boston Celtics center Al Horford (42) and Cleveland Cavaliers center Tristan Thompson (13) go for a rebound during the second half at Quicken Loans Arena. The Cavs won 124-118. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Tristan Thompson

At 6-foot-9, Thompson is shorter than most centers, but that doesn’t mean he is at a disadvantage. He obviously has to compensate for his lack of height and he does so through his vertical; Thompson has a 35-inch vertical along with a 7-foot-1 wingspan. His rebounding and defense are crucial to Cleveland’s success and he is one player who can potentially punish the Warriors inside when they go to their Death Lineup.

During this year’s playoffs, when Thompson is on the court, the Cavaliers have a defensive rating of 98.9 which is terrifying. But, when Thompson is on the bench, the Cavs defensive rating skyrockets to 117.3. In addition to defense, Thompson gives the Cavaliers extra possessions on offense. When he’s on the court in the playoffs, the Cavs offensive rebounding percentage is 25.4 percent versus 16.3 percent when he’s off the court. Thompson is always in the paint bumping bodies with the best of them.

If the Warriors want success against Cleveland, they will have to keep Thompson off of the boards.

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