Teams that go deep in the playoffs always have one X-factor role player that steps up and plays on that level. If that player doesn't step up, the team doesn't make it over the hump. When we did it in 08, we had key minutes, stops, and buckets from Poesy. BBD has provided some key playoff minutes, as did TA. In all three cases, it raised their next contract price (or, in BBD's case, he hopes so).
Could Jeff Green be the X-factor for this C's playoff run? I don't think anyone doubts that possibility, but this series should be the one in which he shines. That is, if he shines at all.
But I think he is the key to the Knicks series.
Carmelo and Pierce will battle to a draw, as will Amare and KG. The Knicks will play fast and loose, which lets the ball move and other guys shine. Ray's production will be matched by the Knicks shooters as well. It will come down to the bench guys outplaying their bench guys and leting our starting 4 breathe.