10. Ricky Pierce – @ Sacramento Kings, December 5, 1989
Ricky Pierce could go off and score at any given second, and that was what made him so special as a player. Pierce was one of the greatest role players that the NBA has ever seen, and was very much a defining figure in terms of his role as a Sixth Man through the late 80s and early 90s.
Pierce shooting drove his game, but it was the fact that he could create for himself on top of being a great spot up shooter that made him so different. The Texan’s own brand of instant offense meant that there was always a chance he could step in and turn a game in Milwaukee’s favor.
Although they didn’t win the game, perhaps the best example of that was this Bucks road clash with the Sacramento Kings.
Pierce came in to play 36 minutes on the night, and exploded for a colossal 45 points in that time. Pierce made 17-26 from the field, 3-4 from behind the arc, and 8-9 from the free throw line, while also throwing in three rebounds, two assists and a steal for good measure.
On a night where outside of Alvin Robertson’s 20 points, Jay Humphries was the only other starter to reach double digits with 12 points, Pierce’s bench contribution allowed the Bucks to stay in the game. That wasn’t the only time where that could be said of him either.
Next: 9. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar