The Brooklyn Nets cruised past the Boston Celtics in just five games in the first round of the NBA Playoffs. The Big 3 of Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden all thrived, with KD averaging 34.8 points per game so far.

While Irving and Durant are crucial to the Nets' success, they aren't the X-factor. It's Harden. The former Houston Rockets star has always been a versatile threat offensively, but he has become extremely selfless since joining Brooklyn.

Harden is averaging 27.8 points and 10.6 assists in the postseason, which is impressive in itself. KD is one of the best scorers the game has ever seen. Kyrie can score at will and cross up opponents like nobody's business. But Harden is the focal point because of his ability to initiate the Nets offense.

The Beard is an extremely gifted passer and has taken it upon himself to put playmaking above all else with this team. Sure, he can still step back and drain a deep three or find a lane to the hoop, but Harden flourishes as arguably the best facilitator in the NBA today.

He makes everyone around him better. Harden often draws in double-teams or operates in the pick and roll which then frees up teammates cutting to the rim or outside on the perimeter for an open look. To put it into perspective, the Nets went 29-7 with Harden on the floor this season. Without him? Just 19-17. Another crazy stat to keep in mind is that when KD and Irving are playing together sans the Beard, Brooklyn posted just a 16-11 record. Not nearly as dominant.

There were even times when Harden was carrying this ballclub on his own without the other two pieces of the Big 3. The supporting cast is by no means weak, but the Beard has elevated the play of guys like Joe Harris, Landry Shamet, and Jeff Green.

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In order to beat the mighty Bucks, James Harden must continue to play at a high level in every offensive aspect. If they are somehow able to limit his production from a playmaking standpoint, the Nets could be in trouble. But at this point, no one has shown the ability to do that.