Milwaukee Bucks: Reserves flash their scoring potential in Sunday’s win

The Milwaukee Bucks spent a considerable amount this offseason to retool their bench with pieces to better complement the lineup.

In fact, their remodeling is still ongoing following their recent midseason additions of veterans Jeff Teague and P.J. Tucker. The team has committed to improving their second unit by any means, and they continue bringing in players that fit the bill for Milwaukee’s needs and make that unit more formidable.

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However, despite the handful of household names in the mix, the production from Milwaukee’s reserves this season has been inconsistent from game to game. Tallying just 34.2 points per game, the 23rd least in the association, the Bucks could use the extra boost most nights.

The bench mob seemingly understood this as they kicked off Milwaukee’s three-game road swing in their 124-87 win over the Orlando Magic.

Desperately needing to get back into the win column, getting a win was made challenging without Giannis Antetokounmpo in the lineup, who missed his fifth consecutive game as he continues dealing with knee soreness. That meant more of the workload would fall elsewhere, and it was a night that Milwaukee’s second unit picked up the slack with an impressive 62 points.

The Milwaukee Bucks’ bench stepped up considerably in their win over the Magic

After starting in his last three appearances, typical sixth man Bobby Portis paved the way in his return to the bench by chipping in 16 points and 10 rebounds. It was the big man’s fourth consecutive double-double, and he continues to provide an essential spark for the Bucks in whatever role necessary.

Meanwhile, Bryn Forbes and Sam Merrill each provided some perimeter shooting off the bench, combining to go 4-for-8 from deep with 21 points. The floor spacing provided between these two has been dynamic this season, and performances last night show that they are always prepared to let it fly.

Along with Merrill, another rookie second round pick that clocked in another nice outing was Jordan Nwora. Fans have been demanding that the 22-year-old getting more meaningful minutes in the rotation with his minutes typically scarce this season, aside from the closing minutes of games that had already been decided. The recent wave of injuries to the roster has given him the opportunity to hear his name called, and he has mostly made good with the opportunities presented.

In last night’s contest, Nwora finished with 11 points on 5-of-12 shooting, including just 1-of-5 from behind the arc. While it was certainly not his most efficient outing offensively, it was still a great sign to see the rookie get some burn, nevertheless. He continues flashing remarkable potential with his scoring and shooting in proper minutes, and his confidence will continue to bloom.

In what is starting to become the new normal, Thanasis Antetokounmpo also had himself an impactful night off the bench too. In 20 minutes of action, Antetokounmpo finished with seven points, five rebounds, an assist, and two blocks. The forward has received the most prominent opportunity of his NBA career this season, and he continues taking advantage of the opportunity.

While 62-point outings from the reserves will not be consistent, it does show the scoring that this unit is capable of producing. The Bucks have a collection of talented offensive minds on the bench from top to bottom, and that depth will be a welcoming boost as the season unwinds.