The Milwaukee Bucks received plenty of criticism for their signing of Gary Harris this past summer, but the guard just vindicated the franchise in the best way. With Milwaukee needing a spark after a recent string of sluggish performances, Doc Rivers turned to Harris, who had logged 22 minutes in total this season prior to Friday's game against Charlotte. Harris delivered, to say the least.
Gary Harris gives Bucks exactly what they need in latest win
In one game alone, Harris surpassed his minute total this season with 23 of them against the Hornets. The veteran guard made the most of every second, delivering a boost off the bench in every facet of the game, finishing with 10 big points, two steals, a blocked shot, and a rebound. Harris's ability to be a Swiss Army knife was on display from start to finish.
What stood out the most was Harris's confidence. Despite logging minimal minutes and attempting just four shots in total this season prior to the Charlotte game, the guard wasn't shy. He had five shot attempts in this one and made good on four of them, including two 3-pointers. A good chunk of that damage came in the second quarter, where Harris helped keep the Bucks in the game.
Perhaps Harris's biggest shot of the night was a miraculous one. With the shot clock winding down in the final seconds of the third quarter, Harris fired a corner triple over LaMelo Ball and banked it in off the glass to put the Milwaukee Bucks up five. Whether he called it or not, it was a huge shot.
Then there was the defense. Harris read that a pass was coming to Kon Knueppel and jumped right into his path to force a turnover. In the closing seconds of overtime, he stole it from Knueppel once again to put the finishing touches on this one. As for the block, he stripped LaMelo Ball as the guard went up for a layup, forcing a turnover. Harris held Hornets players to just 4-of-10 shooting in total.
It feels safe to say that Harris will be in Milwaukee's rotation from now on. He replaces Amir Coffey in this one after a stretch of unconvincing outings. The Bucks needed a spark, and Harris showed that he can deliver it on both ends. While many thought Harris' best days were likely long gone, the guard just showed that he can certainly help this Bucks team.
Harris's efforts helped the Bucks secure a 147-134 overtime victory, moving them to 2-0 in NBA Cup play this season as they look to repeat as In-Season Champs.
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