Milwaukee Bucks: 3 takeaways from 126-96 win over Chicago Bulls

Takeaway No. 1 – Second unit can provide a scoring punch

Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Milwaukee Bucks in scoring with 29 points, but behind him, it was an all-around effort in the scoring department.

Khris Middleton chipped in 14, while Donte DiVincenzo and Jrue Holiday scored a combined 22 points, but the second unit also made a substantial impact on the offensive end. Bryn Forbes, Bobby Portis, and Pat Connaughton scored a combined 49 points to lead the reserves, making their presence felt throughout the game.

Forbes finished as Milwaukee’s second-leading scoring of the night, having logged an impressive 18 points on 6-of-9 shooting from the field. One of the team’s new additions this offseason, Forbes struggled to find any rhythm to start the season, but he looked fantastic in the win over the Bulls as he went 4-of-6 from beyond the perimeter. That high-level 3-point shooting is why the team brought him in, and this recent showing certainly bodes well for his minutes in the rotation.

Another new signee, Portis, made his presence felt all night long as he finished with 13 points, 12 rebounds, and two blocks in 25 minutes played. The big man also contributed to Milwaukee’s 3-point onslaught after having gone 2-for-2 from deep on the night. Lastly, Connaughton also looked great off the bench, having finished with 11 points and a perfect 3-of-3 outing from downtown.

The Bucks spent a considerable amount of cash to remodel their bench this offseason with the proper pieces, and Friday’s performance from the second unit provided optimism in that regard.

The Bucks will have a couple of days off to rest up before hosting the Detroit Pistons Monday night at Fiserv Forum for a 7 o’clock tip-off.