Who are the biggest X-factors ahead of the 2023 Suns-Clippers series?
A lot of different people have different definitions of what exactly an X-factor is. In my opinion, an X-factor is an under-the-radar player who plays important minutes and will have more of an impact on the series than some may think.
For the Phoenix Suns and the Los Angeles Clippers’ first-round matchup, there are a few X-factors that immediately stick out to me. Let’s get into it!
Los Angeles Clippers: Russell Westbrook
Who would have guessed that the Clippers’ biggest X-factor in a playoff series would be … Russell Westbrook? It was certainly an odd path to get here, but here we are. Westbrook is going to be key to Los Angeles’ success in life without Paul George.
Westbrook’s play has obviously declined since his MVP season in 2016-17. Although he has struggled at times, but he’s playing much better basketball than he had been playing with the Lakers. Since he came over to the other side of LA, his turnover rate is down. Through 21 games, Westbrook is shooting at a 48.9% clip and making 35.6% of his threes, a much better clip than he ever had as a Laker.
At this stage of his career, Westbrook has taken on the role of a point guard more than a scorer. That’s important for the Clippers, given their scoring talent. He’s seen an uptick in his assists as well. Westbrook can still get downhill and drive to the bucket with the best of them in this league. Who knows, maybe Westbrook could even get into former teammate Kevin Durant‘s head and be a pest to him mentally.
Westbrook needs to find a balance between shooting the basketball and passing. The Suns want him to shoot. He can’t give in and take stupid shots just because he’s open. As much as the physical battle is important, Westbrook needs to lead the Clippers mentally as an X-factor aside from Kawhi Leonard. That comes with decision making, limiting turnovers and good shot selection.
Phoenix Suns: Josh Okogie
It turns out that Kevin Durant isn’t exactly the cheapest option to trade for in the world. By acquiring Durant, the Suns made a lethal starting five, a quintet that is unrivaled in the entire league. What they gained in superstar power, they lost in depth (and picks) when they traded Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson, Jae Crowder, and four unprotected first-round picks to Brooklyn.
Here’s where Josh Okogie comes in. When Durant was out for a good chunk of the season down the stretch, it was Okogie who really emerged as the guy to fill a role. He beat out other guys like Torrey Craig when he showed his value in roles other than just offensively. Okogie fought his way into the rotation and showed his value. He filled the defensive role of Bridges, often getting the team’s number one scorer and doing well against them.
Okogie doesn’t provide you with a ton of offensive firepower, but Phoenix already has that elsewhere. They don’t need it from Okogie. What he loses in lack of offense, he makes up for on the offensive boards. According to Arizona Sports, Okogie’s 8.8 offensive rebound percentage was the highest amongst all guards by a long shot in 2023.
Phoenix is not looking for Okogie to score. They’re looking for what they got out of him all season long: strong play on the offensive glass and strong defense. That’s what he’s been doing all season.
These two players are not stars, but each could be very impactful outside of the bright lights. Westbrook and Okogie have a chance to be X-factors for each squad here in this series.
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