somerso In the NBA, there are stars and then there are X-factor players. There are stars like Jayson Tatum, Nikola Jokic, and Lebron James, but everyone knows games can’t be won without the X-factor players. An X-factor player is an underrated talent who steps up in the big moments. With tensions rising in the playoffs, we will take a look at the top NBA playoffs X-Factor Players.
- Payton Pritchard– Boston Celtics
Emerging as the 6th man of the year, it is only right to put him at number 1 on this list. Pritchard has embraced his role off the bench and has looked good doing so. Putting up 14 PPG, 4 APG, and 3.5 RPG, he is a massive piece to Boston’s back-to-back championship run. If the Celtics want to crown themselves champions, Pritchard will have to play great. In game 1 against Orlando, Pritchard put up 19 points in 25 minutes, showing his spark plug ability.
2. Brandin Podziemski– Golden State Warriors
Podziemski has played a pivotal role this season with the up-and-down Warriors. With Jimmy Butler joining the squad, it opens up room for Podziemski’s amazing shooting ability while seeing fairly limited action. He has averaged nearly 12, 5, and 3 on 44/37/75 splits this season. If the 7 seeded Warriors want to make a run this season, they are going to have to see some high-volume shooting games from Podziemski.
3. Mikal Bridges– New York Knicks
Although Bridges is known for his spectacular defense, if the Knicks want to make a run, Bridges is going to need to step up. Having a down year shooting-wise, Bridges still managed to put up 17 PPG. In his last playoff stint with the Suns, Bridges shot at a 40% clip from 3-point range. The Knicks will be in good shape if Bridges can be a productive player this playoffs.
A wrap for the NBA playoffs X-Factor Players
The NBA playoffs require the big stars, but sometimes the X-Factor players make the playoffs so exciting every year. All 3 of these players have special things to their game that are pivitol to the success of each of their teams. Don’t be suprised if you see one of these guys end up on a headline for their sparkplug performance.
