Milwaukee Bucks: How 3 key role players have stepped up in NBA Finals

Bobby Portis has given the Milwaukee Bucks energy in the NBA Finals

No matter the situation, Bobby Portis has made it clear that he will be ready whenever he hears his number called off the bench.

The big man has seen his role increase and decrease all throughout these playoffs depending on the matchup afoot, and it was a case of the latter in the opening two matchups. Portis would spend most of his time spectating from the sidelines early on in Phenix after playing 14 minutes in Game 1 and a mere five minutes in Game 2. However, with the team desperately needing a boost after consecutive losses, he has reclaimed his minutes in the rotation in the previous three games.

Portis is known for his intense hustle and tenacious energetic presence in the second unit, which is enough to get an entire arena chanting his name from the moment he steps on the floor. He has struggled to score the basketball consistently throughout these three outings, but not everything about his game revolves around scoring.

For instance, Portis has been a massive factor on the glass offensively for Milwaukee by hauling in 10 rebounds, tied for second-most on the team alongside none other than Tucker. He has not been afraid to battle down low, and those boards have been crucial to help keep the Bucks alive in this series. The biggest example leading to the play below, which came in Saturday night’s Game 5 victory.

https://twitter.com/espn/status/1416578345110757380?s=20

Portis has rightfully been showered with praise for his efforts in this series and postseason as a whole because of his pure passion whenever he checks in. That energy and drive, along with his production, has been crucial in this series as the fan-favorite has been playing solid basketball on the biggest stage possible. That is what the big man stated he envisioned when he signed with the team last offseason, and that dream is becoming a reality as he continues giving the team quality playing time.