The Milwaukee Bucks didn’t waste time showing that a tough rotation decision could pay off. In their win over the Atlanta Hawks, the Bucks looked far more balanced after removing Kevin Porter Jr. from the starting lineup and shifting him into a bench role. For the first time, the bench minutes were productive, and that was key to the result.
Kevin Porter Jr. makes more sense coming off the bench
One of the consistent themes we have seen so far this season is the significant drop-off between the starters and the bench unit for the Milwaukee Bucks. When superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo sits, the production slows to a halt. Many Bucks fans have been calling for a coaching or roster shakeup, but to no avail. Perhaps this lineup change can start addressing that issue.
All four bench players (Porter, Harris, Portis, and Nance) posted a positive plus-minus. Playing Porter off the bench provided the shot creation the Bucks needed not only stay competitive but also win those minutes in the game.
Another subtle but important development was the Bucks giving Pete Nance minutes, marking his first meaningful run of the season. Nance’s presence added energy, rebounding, and defensive versatility, traits other front-court players have sorely lacked. While the stat line won’t jump off the page, his impact was felt all over the court.
In contrast, the Giannis minutes were a bit of a struggle. Despite 21 points and 17 rebounds, Antetokounmpo was a -8 on the game. The only starter with a positive plus-minus was AJ Green, who hit six 3-pointers. If we had seen a similar falloff trend from the starters to the bench in this game, it could have been a disaster.
After leading by as much as 21 points in the third quarter, a barrage of threes saw Atlanta take the lead by one with just a few minutes remaining. Ultimately, Giannis, Kyle Kuzma, and AJ Green were able to battle back and ice the game. Head Coach Doc Rivers' lineup adjustments paid off. Porter and the bench gave the team just enough cushion to outlast the Hawks in the fourth.
With Milwaukee closer to being a lottery team than a playoff contender, every win it can get to claw back in the Eastern Conference is big. This new rotation may be what this team needs to start moving in the right direction. The Bucks still have a long way to go, but picking up a win against the team directly above them in the standings is a good way to start.