I'm picking Brewer. And to a lesser extent, Smith. I think Howard will do his job, especially defensively and on the glass. Ariza will continue his defense and offensively, him hitting a couple threes and getting easy baskets in the fast breaks every game, is extra and great. If Jones shows up and can play anymore than he did last playoffs then he would be doing his job. But Brewer is going to be the x-factor. He was the x-factor the last game we played against the Mavs. He is the only player, besides Harden, that can create easy baskets in the fast break. If he can put pressure on the weak Mavs defense every time down, then we got this series.
Dwight has always played big in the playoffs so I don't see that being an issue. I chose Smith but it's between him and Brewer. They will do what they need to do defensively, it's just a matter of one of them making big shots when Harden is out of the game.
I voted Ariza I expect Dwight and Harden to bring it but Ariza on both ends will have a meaningful impact Rocket River
Brewer's effectiveness is contingent on us forcing turnovers. Dwight is the anchor of our defense and sets the tone through imposing fear in players going through the paint making bad shots/blocks/bad passes causing turnovers that turn into Brewer's dunks and layups. The trust in Dwight's defensive presence in the paint allows our perimeter defenders to be more effecting in the passing lanes. Rox for Life!
I think of X-Factors as guys that aren't the stars. Ariza or Terry will determine how quickly they win this series. Need to hit the open threes because there will be a bunch of them.
