Doc Rivers just stumbled into the answer to Milwaukee's bench problems, and it came from the two guys he's been ignoring all season. Because Andre Jackson Jr. and Jericho Sims just showed what happens when you prioritize energy and athleticism in a league where those things matter more than ever.
Against the Detroit Pistons, Jackson logged 29 minutes and put up 6 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals on 2-of-6 shooting including a three-pointer. Sims, for his part, poured in 6 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, a steal, and a block in his time.
The Bucks lost 116-129, but it feels like they might have found something with Jackson and Sims.
The duo of Jericho Sims and Andre Jackson Jr. might be the answer to the Bucks bench woes
The production is a sight for sore eyes, but what really stood out in the loss out is how both players changed Milwaukee's pace and intensity. Sims and Jackson Jr. provided energy and athleticism at every turn. That alone made them valuable in this game against the Pistons, even in a losing effort.
Watch how the bench unit operated with those two on the floor compared to the usual rotation of Gary Harris and Bobby Portis. Suddenly, Milwaukee's pushing pace, crashing the glass, contesting everything defensively. When you have an additional jolt of energy and playmaking, the ball moves faster, players cut harder, and the offense doesn't stagnate into predictable half-court sets.
Sims' defensive presence anchors the second unit in ways Portis never could. His rim protection and rebounding give Milwaukee actual resistance when opponents attack the paint. Pairing him with Jackson creates a defensive backbone that can survive against opposing starters without getting demolished.
Even Rivers had to acknowledge that Jackson's playmaking opened up everything else. The five assists show he's not just a defensive specialist with a broken jumper. He's reading the game, finding cutters, and keeping possessions alive. That court vision is exactly what Milwaukee's bench has been missing.
The twin triple-single stat lines aren't spectacular, but they don't need to be. Milwaukee's bench doesn't need scorers when they've got enough offensive firepower in the starting lineup. But what they desperately need are guys who won't kill leads when the starters sit. Jackson and Sims fit that description perfectly.
With Giannis out, Rivers needs every advantage he can find. It's a small sample size, but the end result of pairing Jackson and Sims just proved they deserve real rotation minutes going forward, not garbage time scraps when games are already decided.
It's not surprising, either, considering both players thrived alongside Giannis. Sims, in particular, has excelled with Giannis in the past. Per PBP Stats, the Bucks logged a defensive rating of 88.9 points given up per 100 possessions when Antetokounmpo and Sims shared the floor together a season ago, which would've ranked as the best in NBA history over a full season. The Bucks were a net-plus 27.5 in those minutes. And that only means that the two should continue to see playing time even when Antetokounmpo returns from injury.
Energy and athleticism matter. Milwaukee just watched two reserves demonstrate exactly why those qualities can't be replaced by veteran savviness or past reputation.
It turns out the answer was sitting right there the whole time in two young, athletic players who complement each other's strengths and cover each other's weaknesses.
The bench has been drowning all season. Jackson and Sims just threw it a lifeline. Now Rivers has to be smart enough to grab it.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.