Milwaukee Bucks Game Preview: January 29 vs Philadelphia 76ers
By Adam McGee
Major key for Milwaukee – Keep the bench firing
The Bucks rank dead last in the NBA in terms of bench points at 23.8 per game, yet there are signs to suggest that may be about to change for the better in the early stages of Joe Prunty’s tenure.
In spite of not having Giannis Antetokounmpo healthy for his first game and having to move second unit players accordingly, and then being without Malcolm Brogdon in the two games since, Prunty’s second unit is taking on a well-defined shape that provides his players with a better chance at finding their rhythm.
While Jason Kidd would often go deep into his bench but only give those second unit players their opportunities in short, sharp bursts, Prunty runs with a tighter bench who are afforded a much longer leash.
The positive effect of that difference was best illustrated on Sunday afternoon when Milwaukee’s bench contributed 37 points, helped in large part by 12 point outbursts by both Jason Terry and Sterling Brown.
With the return of Brogdon and Jabari Parker soon after, Milwaukee will have greater depth to further fuel bench play in the near future, but if the Bucks can continue to build an approach that allows the bench to chip in, it could drastically alter the threat they pose as a team.