3 takeaways from Milwaukee Bucks’ win superb over Los Angeles Lakers

The Milwaukee Bucks’ bench once again struggled, highlighting the need for reinforcements before the trade deadline

Milwaukee’s starters scored 115 of the team’s 131 points against Los Angeles, meaning it was yet another subpar scoring night from the bench. Indeed, the reserves chipped in just 16 points for the game, with Pat Connaughton and Donte DiVincenzo adding eight points apiece, while Greg Monore and Wesley Matthews, the only two reserves to see significant time, each went scoreless. Bench production has been a huge issue for the Bucks all year, and although it did not prevent them from winning last night, the issue was on display.

The Bucks are missing a key reserve in George Hill due to neck soreness, but even he struggles to produce consistently when he is out on the floor. Aside from Connaughton, Milwaukee’s bench is known for its ups and downs, primarily DiVincenzo. He has had a difficult time getting back up to speed following his season-ending ankle injury from last season, and those struggles were shown last night as, although he added eight points, he shot just 3-of-7 from the field and 1-of-4 from behind the arc. DiVincenzo also tallied three turnovers as the Bucks tried to give him some more responsibility handling the ball. Fans will never expect too much scoring from Monroe, a 10-day signing, or Matthews, who was sitting at home before the Bucks brought him in, but it would undoubtedly help if they added a few here and there.

The front office clearly understands this need to fortify their bench, as they have been linked to a handful of interesting pieces before tomorrow’s trade deadline. Dennis Schröder has been among the most frequently mentioned targets, with the Bucks reportedly making a run at the veteran in an attempt to bolster their bench. Given that he is a former Sixth Man of the Year runner-up, that is an interesting idea, but according to The Athletic’s Jared Weiss (subscription required), the Bucks are also looking to add Grant Williams from the Boston Celtics in any deal, and both would help.

Only time will tell what the Milwaukee Bucks have in store over the next day or so, but they would be wise to add a strong bench contributor ahead of the postseason.