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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; Portland, OR, USA; Golden State Warriors center JaVale McGee (1) dunks the ball over Portland Trail Blazers forward Noah Vonleh (21) in the first half of game four of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports /

6. JaVale McGee

This shouldn’t come as a surprise, since JaVale McGee was actually pretty good all season for those who were watching Golden State Warriors games instead of Shaqtin’ A Fool montages. But even in a one-sided sweep where the Dubs didn’t need any X-factors to advance, McGee’s solid play stood out.

Like the regular season, when he put up 6.1 points, 3.2 rebounds and 0.9 blocks in 9.6 minutes per game, Golden State’s seven-footer was highly effective in limited minutes during the sweep.

In just 12.3 minutes per game, McGee put up 9.8 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.3 blocks against the Blazers, injecting instant energy on both ends of the floor with rim-rocking alley-oops and offensive rebounds on one end and chase-down blocks and hustle plays on the other.

After shooting an efficient 65.2 percent from the floor during the regular season, McGee went 18-for-23 (78.3 percent) in the Warriors’ first round series. He wasn’t really “needed,” but if he can produce at such a high level off the bench, the Dubs will likely cruise to the 2017 NBA title.