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2017 NBA Playoffs: 10 Random 1st Round X-Factors We Weren’t Expecting

By Gerald Bourguet

April 18, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Utah Jazz forward Joe Johnson (6) moves the ball against Los Angeles Clippers center Marreese Speights (5) during the second half in game two of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
April 18, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Utah Jazz forward Joe Johnson (6) moves the ball against Los Angeles Clippers center Marreese Speights (5) during the second half in game two of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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2017 NBA Playoffs
Apr 24, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Jose Calderon (13) reacts after making a basket against the Washington Wizards in the second quarter in game four of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

10. Jose Calderon

Okay, so maybe it’s a bit generous to call Jose Calderon an X-factor in the Atlanta Hawks‘ first round series against the Wizards, especially compared to the other guys on this list who have been far more consistent.

But as a player who was claimed off waivers after being signed and released by the Warriors on the same day, Calderon deserves a nod here at No. 10. Even with only one “standout” playoff performance to his name, it was the most important game of the series thus far, helping Atlanta tie things up at 2-2 after it felt like we were heading toward a Wizards sweep.

In Game 4, Calderon absolutely torched Brandon Jennings and Washington’s bench. Well, as much as you can “torch” an opposing team with 10 points and five assists on 4-of-9 shooting.

Still, when Calderon checked into the game with 2:29 left in the first quarter, the Hawks trailed by nine. When he finally got a breather with 3:10 left in the second quarter, Atlanta led by six. Even with only eight points and five assists to his name in Game 1-3, Calderon’s out-of-nowhere Game 4 gem — including a +29 plus/minus — helped Atlanta make this a legitimate series.