Phoenix Suns' X-Factor: Jason Richardson's Impact on the Success of the Team

Most NBA fans know him simply as "J-Rich," but in reality, Jason Richardson's output over a period of 48 minutes often times has determined whether the Suns would be cashing in on a win or not.

In a way, J-Rich has been gold for the Suns when he scores over 20 points. However, things have been a bit more uncertain when he has failed to reach that mark.

In last season's NBA playoffs, Richardson's points per game average sat just under the 20-point plateau (19.8 ppg).

Richardson began the postseason with a bang after dropping a career playoff-high 42 points on the Portland Trailblazers in a Game 3 on the road (8-12 3pt). Richardson lead the Suns in scoring in their 4-2 series victory with 23.5 ppg. Not to mention he reeled in nearly 7 rebounds a game (6.8 rpg).

Richardson picked up right where he left off against Portland in the conference semifinals against the San Antonio Spurs. He again averaged nearly 20 ppg for the series (19.5 ppg). The Suns would make short work of the Spurs, sweeping them in less than a week's time.

It wasn't until the conference finals against the defending champion Los Angeles Lakers when J-Rich finally began to struggle. Richardson began the series very well, averaging 21 ppg in the series' first two games in LA (Lakers lead 2-0).

Though the Suns bench would be responsible for most of the damage done to the Lakers in Games 3 and 4, Richardson played well (19 points, 4-7 3pt in Game 3 win).

However, it was Richardson's not-so-rich play in the series' final two games that would ultimately seal the Suns fate. In two very close games, Richardson averaged only 12.5 ppg, going 3-12 from three-point range in that span.

This is not to say Jason Richardson should be blamed for the outcome of the Suns' seasons past and present—it is a team sport and five guys play at a time—this is simply to show what kind of impact one player can have on a game, series, and even season.

Richardson was a measuring stick all of last season (20 points in the box score usually meant the Suns won), and he is sure to be one again this season.

Often times when Richardson is engaged in the game and scoring points, he will contribute in other areas of the game: rebounding, defense, and hustle plays.

Truly, an X-factor.