Pat Connaughton shows he must be in playoff rotation as Bucks beat Heat
By Dalton Sell
After losing Game 1 against the Miami Heat, the Milwaukee Bucks needed to bounce back in a big way in Game 2, but they would have to do it shorthanded.
While there was some optimism he would play, Giannis Antetokounmpo was ruled out of Game 2 due to the back contusion he suffered in Game 1. The Bucks would also be without another major piece in Wesley Matthews, who has a calf strain. With those two out, other Bucks would have to step up, and while several did, Pat Connaughton was undoubtedly the standout.
Pat Connaughton shows he must be in playoff rotation as Bucks beat Heat
Pat Connaughton was the odd man out in Milwaukee’s Game 1 rotation, having not logged a single minute of action. It seemed like that ignited a fire in him once he found himself back in the rotation in Game 2, as the guard put together an incredible showing off of the bench.
After scoring just two points in the opening quarter, Connaughton helped fuel a big Bucks’ run as he put together an excellent second quarter. The two-guard scored 11 points on a perfect 4-of-4 shooting, including 3-of-3 from deep. His sole make from 2-point range came on a layup after he stole the ball from Miami, having been active on both ends; he also had a block in the quarter.
Connaughton chipped in nine more points in the second half to finish with 22 points on 8-of-12 shooting, including 6-of-10 from deep, four rebounds, three assists, and a blocked shot. This was exactly the type of performance the Bucks needed without two key cogs in Antetokounmpo and Matthews, and Connaughton delivered in Milwaukee’s 138-122 win.
It seems very safe to say that Connaughton proved he should be in Milwaukee’s playoff rotation moving forward despite his down year in the regular season. Over the previous two seasons, he was a playoff riser, having helped the Bucks mightily, especially during the title run. Due to his ability to knock down triples, play pestering defense, and haul in rebounds, Connaughton can be an impactful player when given the chance, as he showed in Game 2.
Next. 3 Bucks playing for their future in Milwaukee in the NBA Playoffs. dark
Stay tuned for a must-see Game 3 between the Bucks and Heat this Saturday.