One of the biggest subplots early in the Milwaukee-Boston first round matchup centered on Jabari Parker's lack of production, coupled with his lack of playing time, coupled with his frustration of both.
He's soon turned it around, earning an uptick in minutes from head coach Joe Prunty and showing everyone the talent he still possess even after two major ACL surgeries.
But right around that same time, sparked by a Area21 promotional video by Kevin Garnett, 2nd year big-man Thon Maker took off himself.
"He posted it on his Instagram and somebody showed it to me," Maker said, via ESPN's Nick Friedell. "And then I watched it and I sent it back to him and told him how motivational it was and said I liked it. So then we started talking."
It's down wonders not only for Maker, but the impact he's making on his team as well. Watching Maker block 10 shots in 2 games (11 total in this series), making all the necessary hustle plays, hyping up the crowd, running the floor like a gazelle...it's fantastic to see.
His emotional impact has spilled over to the intensity of his teammates and it can't help but remind you of the defensive anchor traits Kevin Garnett possessed on during his Minnesota and Boston stints.
His best game of the series was Game 3, where he notched 14 points, 5 rebounds, 5 blocks, a steal, and knocked down three 3-pointers, effectively stretching the floor for Giannis and his other teammates.
Milwaukee will need his full energy on display in an uber-important game 7 on Saturday.
"We got one more to play for," says Maker. " "You know this team has fight--the whole city has fight in them so that's great."
Although the Milwaukee crowd won't be there in person to cheer the Bucks on at the TD Garden, make no doubt that Maker will absorb the energy and passion of the city and put it on his back.
If this is the beginning of Maker cashing in on the talent scouts saw in him two years ago, he's picked the most opportune time.