Milwaukee Bucks: How Bobby Portis is showing he belongs in the rotation

Bobby Portis developed into a fan favorite for the Milwaukee Bucks almost instantly due to his tenacious effort and intense presence whenever he stepped onto the floor.

When Portis sat for the final three matchups of Milwaukee’s second round series against the Brooklyn Nets, it was clear that they could have used his spark at times. Yet, they managed to win the matchup in seven games, and while Portis might not have played a defining role for those final three games, Giannis Antetokounmpo made sure to find him after Game 7 and assure the big man, “We’re going to need you. Stay ready.”

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Antetokounmpo’s assumption quickly proved true as Portis has not only reclaimed his spot in the rotation throughout the first two games against the Atlanta Hawks, but he has thrived thus far in his first-ever trip to the Eastern Conference Finals.

The Bucks will continue to rely on Portis as their go-to player in the second unit, and let us look at how he has impacted things in his first two games back in the rotation.

Bobby Portis has brought an edge off the bench for the Milwaukee Bucks in Games 1 and 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals

Despite missing the team’s previous three games, Portis showed minimal signs of rust when he checked into Game 1 for the Bucks. The big man’s energy was through the roof, and he made the most of his 14 minutes of playing time by scoring 11 points and hauling in eight rebounds. However, despite how well he played, his minutes were cut short as the Bucks were tasked defensively trying to slow down Trae Young’s scoring barrage.

The following day, Portis spoke to the media about what it meant to get back out on the floor and how he tried to impact the game in the loss. Via the Milwaukee Bucks official YouTube:

"“That’s part of my job, going out there and playing with energy and effort. I’ve said that in every interview that I do and it’s the truth. I just go out there and try to get all the loose balls, the offensive rebounds, that’s how I try to get a few extra points out there, be the garbage man out on the floor. Just try to get as many as I can and just go out there and just play hard.”"

In Game 2, he lived up to that promise and delivered a classic Portis game. He might not have matched his statistical production from the previous outing, but his impact was written all over the game. The highlight of the night from Portis was a steal on an inbound pass that led to a tough finish from the big man underneath to get the Fiserv Forum crowd on their feet and cheering.

Chants of “Bobby! Bobby! Bobby!” filled the arena throughout the remainder of the contest that made it seem like Portis had scored more than eight points and three rebounds. While he did not stuff the stat sheet, it was his nonstop hustle and persistence to constantly make the right plays and leave it all on the floor that has made the big man a household name for this franchise.

Although he is not putting up the flashiest numbers throughout these first two games, there is no questioning that Portis is making his presence felt on both ends. Hopefully he can sustain these resilient efforts moving forward as he and the Bucks continue this playoff run.