Celtics, Warriors Carry Major X-Factor Heading Into NBA Finals

The Boston Celtics and Golden State Warriors are primed to have one of the best NBA Finals series in recent years because of how balanced both squads are.

With that in mind, the two franchises have that one massive game-changer that could tip the scales in their favor.

Golden State Warriors: Gary Payton II’s availability

Seeing young guard Gary Payton II go down with a left elbow fracture during the Warriors’ second-round matchup with the Memphis Grizzlies dealt a massive blow to their defensive schemes.

However, the son of the NBA Hall of Fame point guard could make his return during the Finals as was reported by Shams Charania of The Athletic.

“Warriors guard Gary Payton II, sources tell me, is on track to return in the NBA Finals… There is optimism that he will be back in the lineup as soon as Game 1,” Charania stated.

Having Payton back on the roster is going to do wonders for the Warriors’ defense as his ability to swipe away the ball, generate turnovers, and force opposing guards to struggle with their shots is going to play a major role in the Warriors’ championship hopes.

In his seven playoff games, Payton is averaging 0.9 steals and 0.7 blocks while also chipping in with 6.1 points on 72.7% field goal shooting in just under 16 minutes of action.

If he gets around the same number of minutes during the Finals, the Warriors are in a prime position to win their fourth NBA title in eight years.

Boston Celtics: Marcus Smart and Robert Williams III’s health

In the postseason of any professional sport, all teams are dealing with some sort of injury or soreness and none know it better than the Celtics who have seen NBA Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart and big man Robert Williams III play through injuries.

Smart had a right mid-foot sprain while Williams had soreness in his left knee, the same knee where he had torn his meniscus on March 28.

The pair combine to make the Celtics’ most vaunted defensive duo that they can field and proved to be their key to success against the top-seeded Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals.

Smart was mainly tasked with guarding Jimmy Butler while Williams had the unenviable assignment of defending against Bam Adebayo.

To head coach Ime Udoka’s credit, the game plan worked perfectly as they were able to call out switches and stifle the Heat’s offense in crunch time.

Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are obviously going to be the Celtics’ focal point on offense, but the success of the defense in holding the Warriors down is going to be on the shoulders of both Smart and Williams.

Game 1 of the 2022 NBA Finals is set to be played on Friday, June 2 with tip-off at 9:00 PM ET.