Milwaukee Bucks: Pat Connaughton has stepped up for injury struck Bucks

Throughout their first three games of the 2021-22 NBA season, the Milwaukee Bucks have been forced to navigate through a bombardment of injuries.

Bobby Portis, Donte DiVincenzo, Semi Ojeleye, Rodney Hood, Jrue Holiday, and Brook Lopez have all missed time early on due to various injuries. For the moment, fans can merely fantasize about how a healthy rotation might shake out. Despite missing such a key group of pieces in their typical rotation, the Bucks have managed to go 2-1 to start the season with wins over the Brooklyn Nets and San Antonio Spurs. A massive reason behind this success has been the stellar contributions from Pat Connaughton and his willingness to step up with the team drastically shorthanded.

Pat Connaughton has served as a reliable lifeline for the Milwaukee Bucks as they battle through injury woes

During the first three games of the 2021-22 NBA season, Connaughton has seen his workload increase drastically. Injuries have forced Milwaukee’s usual sixth man into the starting five in two of the three contests, and he has averaged 31.3 minutes in that timeframe. For reference, he had played 22.8 minutes per game last season, which was a new career-high. The Bucks have been far more reliant on Connaughton early on due to the injury-riddled roster, and he has answered their call with high-end play on both sides of the ball.

Connaughton has been fantastic offensively by tallying 14 points per game. Without scorers such as Portis and Lopez in the mix, the guard has helped fill the void in that regard. He has done it with incredible efficiency as well, shooting a scorching 60.7 percent from the floor and 41.2 percent on 3-pointers. The outside shooting has been Connaughton’s greatest contribution, as he has picked up right where he left off in Milwaukee’s title run as he continues letting it fly with confidence. In addition to his outside shot, Connaughton has been great finishing at the basket as he has shot an eye-catching 8-of-9 in the restricted area, according to NBA.com/stats. While the shooting will always be the most important aspect of his game, his ability to switch it up and take it inside will keep defenses guessing.

Coach Budenholzer already confirmed that Lopez would miss Milwaukee’s next game against the Indiana Pacers, and there is no timetable for his return as he deals with back soreness. That uncertainty means that Connaughton will continue playing a much heftier role in the starting five, and he must keep his foot on the gas. The Bucks have been more dependent on him early on than they have ever been before, and so far, he is proving that to be a great decision. Given his role and how important Connaughton has become for this franchise, that once-condemned contract of his is starting to look like a steal more and more with each passing day.

Connaughton and the Bucks will look to keep the ball rolling as they take on the Indiana Pacers on the road tonight. It will be a tough task against a Central Division foe, and you can catch the game at 6:00 p.m. CST on Bally Sports Wisconsin, for those viewing locally.