Gameplay X-Factor In Every West First Round Series

After a long regular season, the first round playoffs are around the corner. As the play-in tournament wraps up, teams are looking forward to their first series. Apart from the individual star matchups, each series features a clash between playstyles. We took a look at each Western Conference first round matchup and singled out one thing that will help to decide the series from a playstyle perspective. Of course, the stars will show out and propel their teams to wins, but here’s an in-depth look at the smaller things that could have a larger impact in each series.

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Kings/Pelicans: The Battle of the Bigs

Both in the 8th seed play-in game and in the first round series, the Kings and Pelicans will look to play through their bigs, whether it is Zion Williamson or Domantas Sabonis. The Thunder have shown a desire to play quickly, and they do so better than both the Kings and Pelicans when it comes to transition offense and defense. The playoffs are more of a halfcourt game, where frontcourt players wield more influence. While this is their normal offensive philosophy, it becomes paramount when facing the Thunder, whose only defensive weakness is the fact that Chet Holmgren is only 207 lbs. at 7 '1". He has struggled to handle physical frontcourt players all year, having been manhandled by both Anthony Davis and Joel Embiid in their matchups. If the 8 seed is going to have any hope of overcoming the young and energetic Thunder, it will have to start down low. 

Denver Nuggets vs. Los Angeles Lakers: Can You Foil The Joker’s Scheme?

This first round matchup calls back to last year’s Western Conference Finals, where the Nuggets moved on in the most competitive sweep of all time in a playoff series. One of the biggest keys to the Nuggets’ success was the fact that Nikola Jokić tore apart every single different defense that the Lakers tried to throw his way. The benefit of that? The Lakers have a long list of what doesn’t work, leading them to trot out new lineups and defensive schemes in this new clash. Look for the Lakers to trap Jokić on his post catches, with Anthony Davis and De’Angelo Russell dropping back into passing lanes to play in help. Many will applaud the Lakers for not “ducking smoke” by throwing the first play-in game, but they are going to have to put up or shut up against the defending champs. 

Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Phoenix Suns: Who Will Take Over the 4th?

Let’s get one thing straight; both of these teams are packed to the teeth with talent, especially at the top of their rosters. Both play differently, though, but have one key similarity; they have been exposed at the end of close games and tend to perform a little worse in the 4th quarter. The Suns, for example, have statistically been the worst team in the NBA in the final period, despite the fact that they have one of the best closers in NBA history in Kevin Durant. Most don’t expect for these trends to continue, but the first team to capture some late game magic is crucial and could decide a game or two in the series. Regardless, this series is a big statement opportunity for the Suns and Timberwolves, both of whom would consider the season a massive disappointment if they were sent home in the first round.

Los Angeles Clippers vs. Dallas Mavericks: Will History Repeat Itself?

NBA fans are beside themselves that they get to be treated to this matchup yet again, with great reason. Luka Dončić has dominated the Clippers in their previous meetings despite the fact that Los Angeles can throw up to five fully capable defenders at him at any time. How Ty Lue choses to attack the high-powered Mavericks offense might be the linchpin of the series, especially because this version of Dallas is more dangerous than any other because of the addition of Kyrie Irving to the mix. If the Clippers are going to come out on top in the series, it is going to be because they are able to keep up offensively, making the two or three key stops needed to eke out the four wins they need. Regardless of who comes out victorious, the winner of this series might pose the biggest threat to the Nuggets in their pursuit of back-to-back titles.