Milwaukee Bucks: 3 keys to victory when hosting OKC Thunder

Second key to victory when hosting the Thunder — Milwaukee Bucks need more production from their bench

The Bucks’ bench has been inconsistent as ever this season, and Sunday’s contest against the Thunder proved to be one of their many subpar outings.

Milwaukee’s bench scored just 29 points in the game, and the scoring was not diverse among those involved. Portis shouldered a majority of the load with 21 points, shooting 9-of-14 from the floor, including 2-of-3 from behind the arc. It was another great showing from the 26-year-old, but the rest of the reserves’ contributions were minimal.

Pat Connaughton chipped in seven points but was highly inefficient, shooting just 3-of-8 from the field, including 1-of-5 from long distance. D.J. Augustin continued his abysmal season with the Bucks by scoring just one point courtesy of the free-throw line, shooting 0-of-3 from the floor. He logged seven assists on the night to his credit, but the Bucks undoubtedly need him to step up in the scoring department. Lastly, swingman Torrey Craig finished scoreless on just one shot attempt.

With Bryn Forbes sliding into the starting lineup due to Jrue Holiday’s absence, Milwaukee’s bench has felt the loss of the sharpshooter being a part of the second unit. Still, these reserves must step up and contribute against the Thunder to give the Bucks a must-needed spark that they lacked in the first meeting.