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#3 James Harden
The Brooklyn Nets will argue that it was James Harden’s absence through the first few matches that ended up opening up the series for the Bucks to make a comeback. Harden had to be withdrawn within a minute of game 3, as the Brooklyn Nets went on to lose the next two matches.
The Brooklyn Nets have the best offense in the NBA and are the majority’s favorite for the championship this season. However, Harden’s injury in particular has already had a big impact on the series, although his return has happened at exactly the right time.
#2 Mike Conley
Another team that saw a huge impact on their overall title ambitions due to an injury is the Utah Jazz. Mike Conley has not played a part in the Western Conference semifinals so far. The combination of Paul George and Kawhi Leonard is intent on exploiting the situation.
The Jazz won the first two matches riding on Jordan Clarkson and Donovan Mitchell’s scoring. However, the LA Clippers have had to fight back for a second time for a 0-2 position. The Jazz have struggled in the absence of their second-most prolific player this season. Conley has been ruled out for game 5 as well, and the LA Clippers will be looking to exploit his absence by gaining the lead.
#1 Jaylen Brown
With the rest of the players on this list still very much in contention to make it to the conference semifinals, it was Jaylen Brown and the Boston Celtics who saw the biggest impact to their campaign due to an injury.
The Boston Celtics had an underwhelming campaign, with their two All-Stars, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, both missing games through the regular season along with the injury-prone Marcus Smart. Brown had an incredibly successful regular season and was a major reason behind the Celtics making it to the playoffs despite finishing the season with a 2-7 record. The Boston Celtics would have had a better chance against the top-heavy Brooklyn Nets had it not been for Jaylen Brown’s season ending injury.
