By DavidKaye
In my opinion, there are four x factors in this series. Derek Fisher and Mehmet Okur of the Jazz, and Manu Ginobili and Michael Finley of the Spurs.
Fisher is one of the few veterans on Utah's roster that has extensive playoff experience. He provides leadership and a confidence boost to his teammates and most importantly starting point guard Deron Williams. Fisher also has the ability to sink shots in clutch situations and he could be called upon by head coach Jerry Sloan later in the series.
Okur might be the biggest x factor of all in what will be a competitive and grueling series. He's tall enough to be a major presence in the paint, but also has the range to step back and drill three-pointers on a consistent basis. The effectiveness of his shot will be a major determinant towards his teams success.
For San Antonio, Manu Ginobili will key integral to their success. The 29-year old Argentinian has struggled so far in the playoffs, shooting a dismal 38% from the field and averaging 15.8 points per game. If he can duplicate the success he enjoyed during game six where the Spurs eliminated the Suns, then his team will be in good shape.
He went off for thirty-three points, eleven rebounds, six assists and four steals in game six, while shooting 11-17 from the field.
Twelve-year veteran Michael Finley is in his second season with the Spurs and would love to reach his first ever NBA finals. I consider him an x factor due to his propensity for knocking down big time shots from behind the ark.
So far in this year's playoffs he's averaging 14.5 points per game on 44.1% shooting from the field and 45.9% from three-point land. He is also shooting 88% from the charity stripe during the first two rounds of the postseason.
