Lots of bloggers, internet dwebs, and various other people who never played sports love picking their ‘X factors’ in games, series, and even entire seasons. So–this is probably a good time for me to pick my X factor in the Thunder-Spurs series.
My X Factor is easy. Tony Parker. How he goes is how I ultimately feel this series will tilt. Tony Parker in his prime was as good as it gets at the point guard position. This is not that Tony Parker with those legs, but this version of Tony Parker doesn’t have to be as good because there’s so much quality depth on this roster. Maybe kind of like Peyton Manning with this year’s Bronchos. Can Parker just be good enough?
Tony Parker doesn’t have to be the Tony Parker who in 2007 won the NBA Finals MVP as the Spurs swept LeBron’s Cavs in four games. He just has to be solid and can’t allow Russell Westbrook to take over the series.
Tony Parker, my series X Factor, either way it goes.