NBA Playoffs 2012: Postseason X-Factors Who Must Deliver

The 2012 NBA playoffs have been filled with heartbreak, surprise and upsets as the NBA continues to wrap up the first-round action.

Despite Dwight Howard's absence due to back surgery and Derrick Rose being limited to just one game because of a torn ACL, we've witnessed a ton of competitive athletes leaving it all out on the floor thus far.

It's times like these when players need to elevate their games and reach new heights for their respective teams to enjoy the utmost success.

With the Dallas Mavericks being swept out of the postseason, we're guaranteed to have a new champion in the league this time around. That means a new opportunity for fresh faces to make an impression and emerge in front of a national audience.

If their teams are going to make a deep postseason push, these guys are going to need to play above and beyond expectations.

Oklahoma City Thunder: James Harden, G/F

If it isn't obvious by now, it certainly should be—Harden is one phenomenal player who is critical for Oklahoma City's future.

A much better facilitator than he gets credit for, Harden has shown an inclination to capably control the offense and doesn't need to look for his own offense to be an impact player.

Los Angeles Lakers: Ramon Sessions, PG

Sessions was lauded upon his arrival in Los Angeles, but he's still adjusting in the Lakers' backcourt and is looking to find his rhythm.

Although he has scored in double-digits in each of his first four career playoff games, Sessions is going to need to do more in the way of finding his teammates to be the most effective player he can be.

Philadelphia 76ers: Evan Turner, G/F

There was a ton of scrutiny surrounding Turner before the playoffs began, but we're all singing a pretty different tune right now.

Although he's still shooting a putrid percentage from the floor, Turner's ability to set his teammates up in the offense has allowed Jrue Holiday to play off the ball with positive results.

Boston Celtics: Avery Bradley, SG

Bradley's on-ball defense has been a revelation for Boston, and his insertion into the starting lineup has done great things for the Celtics' season.

He's dealing with a bum shoulder, and his health is going to be a major factor with Ray Allen's ankle uncertain to hold up for the duration of the playoffs.

Miami Heat: Mike Miller, G/F

Miller has the ability to be really effective for Miami, and the fact that he has been able to stay healthy has been a huge help for the Heat thus far.

For his team to remain on track and live up to lofty expectations, Miller really needs to do more than score just a handful of points.

Indiana Pacers: Paul George, G/F

George has a unique combination of size and skill at the shooting guard position, but he's struggling to produce like he did earlier in the season.

He has scored fewer than 10 points in two of four postseason games to date, and it's going to take a more assertive George if the Pacers are really going to surprise the world and advance beyond the second round.