Milwaukee Bucks: 3 keys to victory when visiting Denver Nuggets
By Dalton Sell
Second key to victory when visiting Denver Nuggets – Milwaukee Bucks need to have the better bench
Both the Bucks and the Nuggets have solid second units, and they will each play a big role in this game.
Denver’s bench ranks 10th in scoring this season by putting up 37.8 points per game. Third-year swingman Michael Porter Jr. has served as the sparkplug off of the Nuggets’ bench as he’s scoring 15.2 points a night. JaMychal Green and Monte Morris are the other two reserves averaging double-digit scoring on a nightly basis, helping fill out this skilled second unit.
On the other hand, Milwaukee’s bench can also make a sizeable impact as they rank two spots behind Denver in scoring at 37.1 points per game, the 12th-highest mark.
Bobby Portis has been the driving force as the team’s sixth man by contributing 11.2 points and 7.5 rebounds per game. No other reserve is averaging double figures, but with contributions from Bryn Forbes, Pat Connaughton, and occasionally D.J. Augustin, the Bucks have a well-rounded bench unit.
However, despite the talent they have, Milwaukee’s bench has showcased their share of inconsistencies, particularly in the top-heavy matchups this season. Set to square off against the Nuggets that stands as a premier Western Conference contender, this game certainly fits the bill of games that the Bucks reserves would struggle.
If the Bucks come out on top in this game, it will likely take a strong effort from their bench. They have been great as of late by scoring an average of 51.7 points per contest throughout the team’s ongoing four-game win streak. Keeping that momentum rolling will be critical in this measuring stick game.