Bobby Portis has heard the whispers from Milwaukee Bucks fans.
Once a Milwaukee fan favorite for his high-energy play and infectious passion, he’s spent much of this season mired in inconsistency, sparking conversations about whether his best days in a Bucks uniform were behind him. But over the past two games, Portis has silenced those critics emphatically, reminding everyone why he’s a former Sixth Man of the Year finalist—and why he can still be a critical piece of Milwaukee’s title hopes.
In Sunday’s 118-113 win over the Brooklyn Nets, Portis was practically flawless. He erupted for 23 points on an efficient 9-of-10 shooting, showcasing his scoring versatility by dominating in the post and stepping out to knock down midrange jumpers. Deadlocked in a close dogfight against an ostensibly lesser team, his energy was palpable, especially in key moments when the Bucks needed a spark to maintain their lead.
Portis followed that up with a monstrous double-double in the NBA Cup quarterfinals against the Orlando Magic, finishing with 22 points on 9-of-11 shooting (2-of-3 from beyond the arc), 10 rebounds and four assists. He looked every bit the two-way contributor Milwaukee has desperately needed off the bench, competing defensively and making his presence felt on the boards.
"As a team player, sometimes you have to play a role, right? You have to do what the team needs from you on a nightly basis to be the best version of yourself for the team. I think over the course of my career here, I've tried to be the best Bobby Portis I can be on a nightly basis whether the ball's going in our not, I'm still out there competing and trying," Portis said in his post-game press conference.
Portis has looked like a Sixth Man of the Year candidate all over again
Once upon a time, Portis was a virtually unplayable piece who gave up points as easily as he (inefficiently) scored them. Ball movement died with him, and he insisted on taking his attempts out of post-isolations often. Against the Magic, he was a net +20.1. His shots were also within the flow of the offense, and they went in with regularity. In short, he was the Bobby Portis fans had grown used to seeing on the court.
What’s most notable about Portis’ resurgence is how well-rounded his game has been during this stretch. Early in the season, he struggled to find his defensive footing, often appearing a step slow and mismatched against quicker, more athletic players. But in these last two outings, Portis has looked locked in on defense, providing crucial stops and holding his own. He wasn't a lockdown defender by any means, but he slid his feet well and used his size to deter shots at the rim (Cole Anthony, in particular, went 0-of-5 when defended by Portis).
On offense, he’s rediscovered the rhythm that made him a fan favorite in the first place. His shot selection has been more disciplined, his 3-point stroke reliable, and his ability to facilitate from the post has added a layer of unpredictability to the Milwaukee Bucks’ second unit.
"Obviously, the ball didn't go in as much as I wanted it to at the start of the season, but just getting in the gym and getting extra reps up always helps, holding your follow through, sticking your landing, all the little things that's necessary to make shots. I try to emphasize that a lot over the last month or so, especially with how I didn't start the season how I wanted to," Portis also said after that game.
"Like I said, it's a long year. It's an 82-game season. Sometimes in our league it's week-to-week, man, you know, sometimes you might start the season slow then you look up this week. You can't miss it - you just never know how it ends up, but the constant thing is the grind and the work whether you're making shots or not. The work has to be put in."
It's obviously just a two-game sample size right now, but Portis' improvement should bring a sigh of relief for many fans. Milwaukee’s bench has struggled for consistency all season, but Portis stepping up in this way could be the turning point the Bucks need. With Khris Middleton still easing his way back into form and Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo logging heavy minutes, a productive Bobby Portis can be a game-changer.
The narrative around Portis might still linger for some, but performances like these show he’s more than capable of flipping the script. Milwaukee fans have plenty of reasons to be thrilled—not just because Portis is playing well again, but because he’s doing so when the Bucks need him most. If this trend continues, it won’t just be a boost for Milwaukee’s depth—it could be a critical factor in their pursuit of another championship.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis going forward.