Milwaukee Bucks: Pat Connaughton has been extremely clutch this season

Although they have not played in many, the Milwaukee Bucks have unquestionably battled through their share of adversity in close games this season.

Defined as the final five minutes of a game within just five points, the Bucks are just 13-14 in clutch time scenarios this year, per NBA.com/stats. They have undoubtedly had a few unlucky moments just spin in favor of their opponents but have also had several questionable lapses in games they let slip away.

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A majority of the heavy lifting in the clutch has been from Milwaukee’s might trio of Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, and Jrue Holiday, but the team’s fourth most productive player might surprise fans.

Surprisingly, the one other player that has provided a consistent lifeline for the Bucks throughout their clutch performances this season has been Pat Connaughton, the team’s sixth man.

Connaughton has racked up 27 points in 60 clutch minutes this season. That is the fourth-most points on the team, trailing only Middleton (61), Antetokounmpo (55), and Holiday (44). Furthermore, he is scoring the ball highly efficiently by shooting 8-for-16 from the floor. Connaughton has been even better from behind the arc, where he has shot 7-for-12 throughout his 21 appearances thus far.

Connaughton’s clutch contributions were certainly felt in Milwaukee’s wire-to-wire 135-134 win over the Washington Wizards on May 5, where he played a key role down the stretch. The wing scored eight points in the final four minutes of that game, which included sinking a pair of triples back-to-back to help the Bucks escape with the victory.

Pat Connaughton is making good on his career year with the Milwaukee Bucks

In his third year with the Bucks, Connaughton has become a staple in the team’s rotation by averaging a career-high 23 minutes per game this season. In 64 appearances, he is averaging 6.9 points on .444/.381/.757 shooting splits, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game.

As evidenced by his extensive playing time this season, particularly in the clutch, the Connaughton has earned the trust of his teammates and coaches alike. When asked during his recent media availability about this more prominent role with the Bucks and increased minutes in pivotal moments this season, Connaughton explained his thought process. You can watch the full clip on the team’s YouTube Channel here:

"“I think it’s growth from a mental standpoint. Physically, everyone that’s here has the talent to make shots or drive or do whatever your strengths are, but mentally you’ve got to be able to stay locked in, and for me, my number one goal is to just win the game… The second goal is to play well, and playing well doesn’t mean scoring. Playing well means having an impact on the game in a positive way… Then it’s shoot good shots, and when you’re open, you’ve got to shoot it.”"

Connaughton has taken that third goal to an extreme as he continues enjoying the best shooting season of his career. That shooting has helped him carve out a sturdy role for himself with the team this year, and he continues to make his presence felt on the floor nightly, particularly in these clutch scenarios.

With the playoffs rapidly approaching, only time will tell if Connaughton can translate this same success over to crucial moments on the biggest stage.