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2017 NBA Playoff Roundup, Day 6: LeBron Making History, Moose Is On The Loose And R.I.P. Raptors

By Gerald Bourguet

Apr 20, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) dunks against the Indiana Pacers in game three of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Cleveland defeats Indiana 119-114. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 20, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) dunks against the Indiana Pacers in game three of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Cleveland defeats Indiana 119-114. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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2017 NBA Playoffs
Apr 20, 2017; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks center Greg Monroe (15) looks for a shot against Toronto Raptors forward Patrick Patterson (54) in the second quarter in game three of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /

Moose On The Loose

There’s not much to talk about for Game 3 between the Milwaukee Bucks and Toronto Raptors. The Bucks were up 50-19 at one point in the first half, held the Raptors to 46 points through three quarters and wound up waltzing their way to a 27-point win at home.

Instead, let’s give some long overdue love to Greg Monroe, who’s absolutely dominated Toronto so far in this series.

Monroe has been a revelation off the bench for Milwaukee all season, but now that people are paying attention to the Bucks, he’s finally getting the credit he deserves. Through the first three games of the series, Moose is averaging 16.0 points, 8.7 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game while shooting 54.6 percent from the field.

In only 23.6 minutes per game off the bench, Monroe has controlled the tempo to manage leads while Giannis Antetokounmpo sits, battled on the boards and made Jonas Valanciunas all but unplayable. His defense has improved, his effort is there on both ends and the Bucks are winning thanks to his contributions as an X-factor with the second unit.

Monroe’s transition to a bench role was seen as a demotion when it first happened. Now, he’s finished his season as a top Sixth Man of the Year candidate and is helping a surprising Milwaukee squad surge toward the second round. There’s a Moose on the loose with a bunch of young Bucks, and it’s a joy to watch.