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 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 /

5. Greg Monroe

The Milwaukee Bucks are on the brink of elimination down 3-2, but Greg Monroe has been a rock off the bench for this young playoff squad.

After spending his 2016-17 campaign on the fringe of the Sixth Man of the Year conversation, Moose upped his numbers from 11.7 points and 6.6 rebounds per game to 14.6 points and 7.4 rebounds per game in the playoffs. This shouldn’t come as a shock to those who watched the Bucks this year, but his path to redemption is clearly peaking this postseason.

Has any player turned his rep around this season/playoffs more than Greg Monroe?
— I Always Keep A Can Of Tuna On Me (@SnottieDrippen) April 21, 2017

His playmaking from the elbows has helped Milwaukee slow the game down whenever Giannis Antetokounmpo takes a breather, his scoring around the basket made Jonas Valanciunas look unplayable at times and his veteran poise has set an example for his younger teammates.

Moving Norman Powell into the starting lineup was a game-changer for the Raptors, but in every game of the series thus far, Monroe has brought efficient scoring and drastically improved defense to the Bucks’ second unit.