Milwaukee Bucks: 3 takeaways from 132-94 win over Philadelphia 76ers

The Milwaukee Bucks get a massive lift from the second unit in win over 76ers

Milwaukee’s bench has flashed scoring potential at times throughout the season, but it has been rather inconsistent in the bigger picture. However, they were dominant in Saturday’s win by outscoring the 76ers’ second unit 76 to 58.

Bobby Portis followed up his outstanding performance on Tuesday with another solid effort by chipping in 17 points while also grabbing eight rebounds. Right behind him was Bryn Forbes, who made his presence felt by totaling 13 points on shooting 5-of-8 shooting, including 2-of-4 from long range. These two have been the biggest contributors off the Bucks’ bench this season, but they got some reinforcements this time around.

Although he only played during mop-up duty, rookie Jordan Nwora continued to flash his untapped potential by scoring 13 points on 4-for-6 shooting in just over eight and a half minutes. Nwora has had brief stints in the primary rotation for the Bucks throughout the season, and he continues to show the scoring and shooting prowess that he brings to the table. Fellow rookie Sam Merrill also made good in his limited action by knocking down all three of his shot attempts for eight points.

The last massive contributor for the Bucks was Pat Connaughton, who has been having a solid stretch of games following a shooting slump that plagued him in early April. Connaughton scored 11 points while also grabbing six rebounds off the bench.

Although they will not score 76 points per game, performances like these showcase that Milwaukee’s bench can make all the difference in top-heavy matchups. That importance is only amplified when select members of the starting lineup struggle to find a pulse offensively.