The Milwaukee Bucks' offense needed a jolt. Starting Bobby Portis against the Timberwolves was one way to create it, and the move paid off for Doc Rivers and the team. After a strong first half, however, a late collapse crushed whatever positive narratives the lineup change might have yielded. Rivers might deserve some credit, but it will have to wait.
Bucks' strong start vs. Wolves drowned out by whimpering finish
Before Sunday, the Bucks had gone six games without winning the first quarter. Missing Giannis Antetokounmpo, the offense stalled out of the gate. Starting Jericho Sims in his place did nothing to turn that trend around. To set it right, Rivers had no choice but to try something "drastic."
Portis' start against Minnesota was only his third all season. By comparison, Sims has four. Rivers likes Sims as a rim roller and paint protector, but Portis is by far the Giannis-less Bucks' most motivated scorer in the frontcourt. After Sunday's game, he is averaging 16.4 points per game this month. The Bucks already relied on him heavily off the bench. Rivers finally grew desperate enough to give him the starting nod.
That decision delivered immediately. Portis supplied the first bucket of the game on a long two, then splashed a three to create five of the Bucks' first seven points. They ran out to a 13-4 advantage and led by six after the first period.
It was not Portis' most efficient night overall, but he helped kickstart the offense and did his part to stop the bleeding during Minnesota's 23-2 run. His corner three tied the game at 73 when it seemed like the Milwaukee Bucks' free fall might never end. Portis finished 7-for-17 from the field with 16 points and 11 rebounds.
Unfortunately, no one is going to talk about the gains won by starting Portis over Sims, nor should it be the main focus. The ugly loss, however, should not steer the Bucks away from what appeared to be a successful adjustment. Despite his inefficient shooting, the Bucks won his minutes by a team-high plus-six in the box score. Sims was a net neutral. As a starter versus Toronto, he posted a plus-minus of negative six. Portis was a positive three.
Fans aren't happy with the way the team is playing or the job the head coach is doing. But this, at least, was one of Rivers' better decisions. While no one's patting him on the back right now, let's hope he sticks with Portis in Indiana.