Milwaukee Bucks: 3 takeaways from 129-125 win over New Orleans Pelicans
Third takeaway from win over Pelicans — Bobby Portis turns in nice spot start for Milwaukee Bucks
With D.J. Augustin away from the team due to the birth of his daughter, Bobby Portis took in his second start for the Bucks this season.
Giving more size to the starting unit, Portis immediately set the tone for the Bucks’ offense by splashing one of his two triples and crashing the glass to tip home second chance points.
Portis’ scoring largely dried up from there, but he gave the Bucks a much-needed presence down low against the Pelicans’ active frontcourt and was key in slowing down Williamson over the second half. The former Razorback even had a strong pair of rejections when protecting the rim and did well to rotate over to help out when Pelicans drivers had a head of steam towards the basket.
All in all, Portis finished with 12 points on 5-of-9 shooting (2-for-4 from three), eight rebounds, two assists and was a +19 in nearly 31-and-a-half minutes.
Budenholzer’s decision to go with more size and heft by inserting Portis in the starting lineup certainly worked out in more ways than one in the Bucks’ win last night.
Next. 3 observations from second half of Bucks' schedule. dark
The Bucks will search for their fifth straight victory when they host the L.A. Clippers for a nationally televised affair on Sunday afternoon at Fiserv Forum.