NBA Playoffs: Six X-factors for the Houston Rockets and OKC Thunder

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 04: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets reacts to a call during the second half against the Portland Trail Blazers at The Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 04, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

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NBA playoffs, Houston Rockets, OKC Thunder (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

Darius Bazley

Darius Bazley is having a breakout of sorts in Orlando. Getting 10 more minutes per game will do that but it is more than that for the young combo forward. He is averaging 5.6 points, 4.0 rebounds, 0.7 assists and 0.7 blocks for the season overall.

When it comes to the restart he is averaging 13.0 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 0.8 blocks. He is shooting a blistering 46.3 percent on 3-point shots in the bubble at 5.1 attempts per game. He has more than double his attempts and continues to up his efficiency.

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Obviously this is the smallest of sample sizes, much of it coming in garbage time in games with very little stakes. The important part is he is starting to build confidence and trust with his teammates. If he can continue to produce in something like this role he will continue to vault even higher up the depth chart for this team.

The Thunder need all the shooting help they can get. They rank 17th in 3-point percentage, 27th in attempts and 27th in makes. Imagining a team competing with this Rockets team will take a herculean effort if they are not able to at least sprinkle in some threes. Anything Bazley can give in that regard makes this series that much closer.