Golden State Warriors: 5 X-Factors In The 2015 NBA Finals

4. The Unexpected Role Players

Speaking of unexpected role players, we should take a look at the most likely candidates to have a breakout game or two and swing the series. Fortunately for the Dubs, they have an abundance of reserves who fit that description.

In Game 2 of the first round, Leandro Barbosa came to life with 12 points in 15 minutes. Andre Iguodala had a 16-point, 7-for-10 shooting night in a crucial Game 5 win over the Memphis Grizzlies, but even when he doesn’t light up the stat sheet, his excellent defense and the intangibles he brings to the floor have been a major stabilizer for the Warriors.

The same can be said for Shaun Livingston, though his 18-point, seven-rebound outburst against the Houston Rockets in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals helped the Dubs escape with a win. David Lee and Marreese Speights won’t get a ton of minutes, but they’re also capable of at least one solid, out-of-nowhere performance.

The most likely breakout candidate, however? Harrison Barnes, who has been underrated all season long. In Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals he finally got some recognition, and he’ll now have an opportunity to do some serious damage as the Cavaliers focus on stopping Curry and Thompson. More importantly, his D on LeBron in spots will be crucial.

The Cavs have some breakout candidates as well, however, especially since this team has found its groove over the last few weeks. It starts with Tristan Thompson, who has been a beast on the offensive boards and is playing so well he’s had many questioning Kevin Love‘s value. That’s taking it a step too far though, especially since Draymond Green will be making it his life mission to keep Thompson off the glass.

Guys like Mike Miller, Shawn Marion and James Jones have all proven they’re capable of stepping up in the spotlight, but it’s unknown how much they’ll actually play in this series given how washed up they are.

J.R. Smith has been excellent since joining the Cavs, but will he enter that unstoppable heat check zone where every look he gets suddenly feels like a good one? Will Iman Shumpert be able to help stop the Splash Brothers AND knock down open perimeter looks for a seven-game series? These are possibilities, but not likely, especially compared to the production of guys like Green or Barnes.

Finally, we have Matthew Dellavedova. While having a few nice games against the imploding Atlanta Hawks and worn out Chicago Bulls is one thing, it’s something entirely different to face a 67-win juggernaut. Unless Delly can agitate the best point guard in the league in a way no one has all season, the Warriors have an distinct advantage here.

Next: No. 3