The biggest playoff X-factor for each Milwaukee Bucks key reserve
By Dalton Sell
Jevon Carter’s bench scoring will be an X-factor for the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA Playoffs
Jevon Carter proved to be a pleasant surprise for the Bucks when they signed him off the buyout market, bringing aboard some defensive intensity and stellar shooting. However, since George Hill returned from injury, Carter’s minutes have regressed mightily to the point where he does not see the floor some nights. Playing him against the Bulls could make sense due to the handful of great scoring guards that Chicago has in tow, as Carter could be useful in defending them. If he does see time, the Bucks know he will bring great defense to the floor, but Carter’s offense could make him a significant difference-maker. Carter has put up the best numbers of his career on the offensive end since signing with the Bucks, having averaged 5.6 points on 50.6 percent shooting from the floor and 55.8 percent from three. If he can sustain this red-hot scoring and shooting, there will be no question that he should be the team’s permanent backup point guard.
Serge Ibaka’s 3-point shooting will be an X-factor for the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA Playoffs
With Brook Lopez back in the starting five and Bobby Portis reclaiming his spot in the second unit, Serge Ibaka has seen his role shrink for the Bucks lately. There are questions about whether or not he may get any burn in the postseason, and it could depend on the matchup. If the opposing team has a handful of quality bigs, Ibaka could see time due to his reputable defensive stature, but the center could also make a difference with his outside shooting. Ibaka has been a solid shooter since being traded to the Bucks as he has buried 35.1 percent of his triples, which helped him find his footing in Milwaukee. This shooting on top of his defense could make Ibaka a useful piece in the Bucks’ playoff rotation, particularly when he is paired alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo, as the two have proven to be a solid one-two punch in their minutes this season.
Next. 3 key matchups in Milwaukee Bucks’ first round series with Chicago Bulls. dark
These players could all be pivotal pieces for the Milwaukee Bucks in the 2022 NBA Playoffs.