3 takeaways from Milwaukee Bucks’ resilient win over Indiana Pacers

Jordan Nwora and Pat Connaughton played fantastic for the Milwaukee Bucks after being promoted into the starting five

With so many players sidelined, head coach Mike Budenholzer had to conjure a new starting five to throw at the Pacers. Ultimately, two typical bench pieces that were catapulted into the lineup were Pat Connaughton and Jordan Nwora, who clocked in fantastic performances for the Bucks.

In what has become the new normal this year, Connaughton logged another double-digit scoring game for the Bucks. He tallied 20 points on a highly-efficient 7-of-9 field goal shooting, including 4-of-5 from behind the arc. The guard was automatic offensively, particularly in the fourth quarter onslaught from the Bucks, where he scored 10 of his 20 points to help Milwaukee seal the deal. It is beyond welcoming to know that the Bucks have a player like Connaughton that can jump into a starting role and produce with so many typical players not available.

While Connaughton has played a pivotal role for the Bucks this season, Nwora has struggled to get consistent time in the lineup. The sophomore has been in the doghouse lately, hardly getting any minutes off the bench. Yet, he got a last-minute start against the Pacers, and he took advantage. Nwora made the most of his 27 minutes by tallying 15 points, providing a significant boost on the offensive end for Milwaukee, particularly in the fourth, where he scored eight points. In addition to his scoring, Nwora stuffed the stat sheet with six rebounds, three steals, along with an assist and a block. He finished with a team-high +21 on the night, and his performance should turn heads.

Time will tell if this solid game from Nwora has raised his stock enough to help him earn a role for himself in the rotation once again. If the team remains banged up, he will continue to see time.