Superstars are the ones who normally decide a playoff series, but what about the players on the team who can swing the momentum of the series based on their impact?
In the case of the playoffs, it's not just the impact they bring but how they match up against an opponent that alters, changes and counters their game plan across the course of a series.
Here's my take on one X-factor from each NBA team heading into the semi-finals who could prove to be the unsung heroes for their team to advance to the next round.
(1) Oklahoma City Thunder v (4) Los Angeles Lakers
Oklahoma City: Ajay Mitchell
2026 Playoff Stats- 15.0 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 3.8 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.0 BPG
Thunder's secret weapon off the bench is ready to explode in the starting lineup once again as Jalen Williams continues to recover from a left hamstring strain. The Lakers lack of defence in the backcourt will make it easy for Mitchell to take advantage of, with Marcus Smart most likely serving as the primary defender on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
However, Mitchell will need to increase his efficiency if he's back to playing 30 minutes a game after only shooting 36% from the field against Phoenix last round.
Los Angeles: Luke Kennard
2026 Playoff Stats- 12.5 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 3.0 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.2 BPG
The Lakers have a plethora of role players around Lebron James and Austin Reaves to step up in the series. Still, none will be more important than Luke Kennard, who needs to keep up what was only a couple of games of his prolific play in the first round during Luka Doncic's absence.
While Marcus Smart is a key defensive player, he will only slow down Gilgeous-Alexander and not stop him. Kennard must up his scoring and become the offensive threat the Lakers need him to be if they even want a chance to beat the number one seed in the West.
