Milwaukee Bucks: Pat Connaughton continues to impress in NBA Finals

The Milwaukee Bucks have brought themselves within one win of an NBA championship after securing a commanding 3-2 lead following their 123-119 victory in Game 5 Saturday night.

Jrue Holiday, Khris Middleton, and Giannis Antetokounmpo had a productive night from the field as each player notched 20-plus points. Although Milwaukee’s stars had a great night and certainly deserve the spotlight, Pat Connaughton had himself yet another great game off the bench. Connaughton has been one of the best players in Milwaukee’s supporting cast throughout the NBA Finals, and he deserves some credit for keeping the Bucks in lockstep with the Phoenix Suns.

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After Connaughton was signed to a three-year deal in the offseason, some Bucks fans were skeptical. However, Connaughton has brought out some of his best performances on the biggest stage.

Throughout these NBA Finals, Connaughton has brought efficiency and value off the bench. Despite dropping the first two games of the series, Connaughton was the bright spot for Milwaukee in those games.

In the first two matchups, Connaughton notched a stat line of 11 points and 5 rebounds shooting 50 percent from the floor and a combined 47 percent from beyond the arc. Certainly, Connaughton’s numbers from beyond the arc have been remarkable. In fact, he is the leader in three-point percentage in the NBA Finals shooting an astonishing 62% from three-point range.

With Connaughton performing at a high level on the offensive end and securing rebounds, the series shifted back to Milwaukee where the Bucks have played so well throughout the postseason.

Pat Connaughton has stepped up for the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA Finals

In Games 3 and 4 in Milwaukee, Connaughton continued to bring valuable performances off the bench. Pat brought timely baskets and hustle as he secured 12 total rebounds throughout the Bucks’ home games so far, bringing his series total to 21 boards.

Once again, Pat continued to rain down threes as he never dipped below 40 percent in both games. Connaughton was largely responsible for kickstarting the Bucks to go on a run. His 3-point makes continued to give the Bucks separation to put the game away in Game 3 while his rebounding and hustle gave the Bucks an opportunity to charge back late in Game 4. With Connaughton’s help off the bench, Milwaukee won both games at their home confines in order to tie the series up.

Game 5 brought one of Connaughton’s best performances in a game where Milwaukee needed it.

Connaughton scored 14 points with all of his attempts being 3-pointers. He cashed in on four of those attempts, finishing with 67 percent shooting from the field. Furthermore, Connaughton added in six rebounds and a plus-minus of +10, the second-highest on the team.

While Connaughton’s performance will certainly be overshadowed by Jrue Holiday’s miraculous steal and alley-oop, Pat deserves credit for a crucial Game 5 performance. In fact, Connaughton was one of the main contributors to Milwaukee’s success in coming back from a 16-point hole following the first quarter of Game 5.

Although the Bucks have had struggles from their supporting cast early in the series, Connaughton never folded on the biggest stage. With Connaughton’s help, the Bucks have brought themselves within one game of a championship. As the Bucks head back to Milwaukee for Game 6, they will need Connaughton’s help off the bench once again.

If Connaughton is able to keep up his current play, the Bucks should be in a good spot as they look to end their championship drought.