Luka Doncic among 12 biggest difference-makers in conference finals

The Wolves’ Anthony Edwards says he looks forward to guarding the Mavs’ Kyrie Irving in the Western Conference Finals.

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We examined five of the stars emerging from the first round of the playoffs.

But with the conference finals fast approaching, let’s delve deeper to explore some potential difference-makers we’ll see in these upcoming series.

It’s impossible to dismiss the significance of star power with so many big names set to step onto one of the game’s grandest stages. But as we’ve witnessed many times before, the supporting casts can sometimes make all the difference.

Here’s a look at 12 likely impact players, grouped by stars and X-factors, heading into the Eastern and Western Conference Finals (listed alphabetically by last name):

Stars

Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics

Playoff stats: 23.1 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 2.5 apg

Brown has been the most efficient of Boston’s stars this postseason and will likely hunt matchups against former teammate Aaron Nesmith. Defensively, expect the Celtics to send Brown at Tyrese Haliburton some to switch up looks.

Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks

Playoff stats: 27.3 ppg, 9.7 rpg, 9.1 apg

Doncic finished the conference semifinals with a better field goal percentage on contested shots (43.6%) than open looks (42.9%). That might be a positive sign, as he’ll have plenty of hands in his face against Minnesota’s stingy defense.

Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves

Playoff stats: 28.9 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 5.9 apg

Edwards already announced he’d guard Kyrie Irving in the conference finals, which is a difficult assignment. Despite a rough night shooting in Game 7 of the semis, Edwards displayed the poise and playmaking he’ll need against Dallas.

Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana Pacers

Playoff stats: 18.8 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 8.1 apg

It’s up to Haliburton to push the pace and not allow Boston to set its defense in the halfcourt. Take away his SoFi In-Season Tournament showing, and he’s shot 34.2% from the field in three other games against the Celtics. So, playmaking is key.

Kyrie Irving, Dallas Mavericks

Playoff stats: 21.1. ppg, 4.0 rpg, 5.4 apg

It’s been a while since we’ve seen a big statistical night for Irving. But he’s been a calming influence in chaotic situations, essentially serving as Dallas’ glue. Don’t sleep on Irving’s efforts on the defensive end. He’ll fare well against Mike Conley.

Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics

Playoff stats: 24.3 ppg, 10.4 rpg, 5.8 apg

Tatum has improved as a playmaker, but look for the 26-year-old to be in attack mode as he works to get downhill against Indiana’s wings and its center, Myles Turner. Boston can always go to spread pick-and-roll if the drives aren’t working.

X-factors

Derrick Jones Jr., Dallas Mavericks

Playoff stats: 10.8 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 1.1 apg

Jones postseason career highs in scoring in three consecutive games to close the semifinals. But his most important job in this series is to defend the explosive Edwards. Jones’ length and athleticism give him a fighting chance.

Jaden McDaniels, Minnesota Timberwolves

Playoff stats: 12.4 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 1.2 apg

McDaniels is expected to guard Doncic, who averaged 36.5 points on 50.9% shooting in two regular-season matchups when the 23-year-old took that defensive assignment. The Mavericks guard inflicted much of the damage on McDaniels in the post.

Pascal Siakam, Indiana Pacers

Playoff stats: 21.1 ppg, 7.5 rpg, 3.5 apg

Indiana needs Siakam’s championship experience and defensive prowess against one of Boston’s star wings, with teammate Nesmith likely taking the other. Tatum and Brown combined for 55 points in Siakam’s only game against Boston this season.

Myles Turner, Indiana Pacers

Playoff stats: 17.5 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 2.3 apg

Turner should expect plenty of action on drives from Brown and Tatum, so he can’t afford to get into foul trouble. On offense, (if Kristaps Porzingis isn’t available) Turner has a real opportunity to shine against Boston’s reserve bigs.

P.J. Washington, Dallas Mavericks

Playoff stats: 14.3 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 1.5 apg

The unsung hero of the semifinals, Washington shot a team-best 49.9% on 3-pointers while averaging 17.7 ppg in that series. Defending Karl-Anthony Towns will be Washington’s top priority in this series. His length and physicality will help.

Derrick White, Boston Celtics

Playoff stats: 18.2 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 3.8 apg

White will get the first crack at the Haliburton one-on-one matchup, and he’s got an opportunity to wreak havoc on Indiana’s entire offense if he locks down the point guard. Haliburton shot 5-for-16 the last time these guards met.

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Michael C. Wright is a senior writer for NBA.com. You can e-mail him here, find his archive here and follow him on X.

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