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

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

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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Apr 25, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets center Nene Hilario (42) smiles after making a basket agains the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first half in game five of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports /

8. Nene

Nene has enjoyed quite the resurgent season with the Houston Rockets at age 34, and his playoff series against OKC pretty much showed that. It also showed the disparity in talent James Harden has to work with on the offensive end compared to Russell Westbrook, but we’re not going to get into the MVP argument right now.

In any case, not many people were expecting the 15-year veteran to provide 13.6 points and 6.6 rebounds in 22 minutes per game during Houston’s five-game series…on a staggering 28-of-33 shooting (84.8 percent) from the floor.

Nene goes perfect 12-for-12 from the field to lead the @HoustonRockets with 28 points! #NBAPlayoffs #Rockets pic.twitter.com/8IuRVW7CtV
— NBA (@NBA) April 24, 2017

Playing behind Clint Capela, Nene’s experience shined through for the Rockets, who had to be loving his 28-point, 10-rebound, 12-of-12 performance in Game 4 on the road to capture a commanding 3-1 series lead.

Nene added 15 off the bench in Game 1 to get the series started off right and dropped another 14 in the Game 5 clincher. When Houston has needed a big game, Nene stepped up as one of the team’s most poised bench contributors. Not bad for a 34-year-old.