2016 NBA Finals: 5 Things To Know Heading Into Game 7
5. Prepare For Random Game 7 X-Factors
It hasn’t really been the case in this series, but normally, playoff series feature each team’s brightest stars shining when the lights are at their highest intensity. This formula always leaves room for delightful X-factors that pop up out of nowhere and play an unexpected role in making NBA history.
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In a series where role players like Shaun Livingston (Game 1), Tristan Thompson (multiple games), Leandro Barbosa (Games 1 and 2) and yes, even Dahntay Jones (Game 6) have had significant impacts, one of the great treats heading into a decisive Game 7 will be watching these role players try to leave their imprint on the Finals.
Will Anderson Varejao record another couple of clutch offensive rebounds and flop his way to eternal glory? Will Harrison Barnes emerge from his 2-for-22 shooting skid over the last two games in the return of “Playoff Harry B”? Will Richard Jefferson pull a 2012 Mike Miller and start draining threes in his turn-back-the-clock moment?
There’s no way of knowing, but watching Marreese Speights try to shoot his way to a Larry O’Brien trophy or J.R. Smith straddle the line between blatant incompetence and heat check Pipe mode is the reason the expression “enjoy the little things” even exists.
Game 7 could very well just come down to LeBron James and Kyrie Irving vs. the Splash Brothers. But in a do-or-die contest that will decide the 2016 NBA champion, you can be guaranteed someone’s unexpected contributions will be remembered forever.
Next: No. 4