November was anything but consistent for the Milwaukee Bucks.
Things started off in heart-breaking fashion, with the Bucks dropping consecutive contests to the Cleveland Cavaliers by a combined three points. They then went 1-2 over their next three matchups. Then the magic happened. Following that 1-4 start, the Bucks finished the month by winning eight of their next nine games, getting above the .500 mark (10-9) for the first time in a long time.
Let us analyze several standouts - both good and bad - from the month of November.
Riser - Gary Trent Jr.
November wasn't perfect for Gary Trent Jr. The guard lost his starting spot and initially had a difficult time finding his footing off the bench. However, after that initial hump, Trent has finally started to find his niche as a second-unit sparkplug, particularly over his last eight games, and he's started to play like the player the Bucks thought they were getting when they signed him.
In that stretch, he put up 10.3 points and 1.3 steals per game while shooting a red-hot 52.4 percent from downtown. Trent has finally come to life as a shooter, providing his trademark floor spacing, but he's also playing pesky defense and generating more offensive opportunities due to his steals. Trent simply looks more comfortable in this new role, and it's helping the Milwaukee Bucks mightily.
Faller - Pat Connaughton
Pat Connaughton has had a tough year. Once a reliable second-unit cog, his regression defensively and inability to space the floor consistently forced Doc Rivers to give the youth more minutes in his place. In fact, Connaughton has not played in five of Milwaukee's last six games, with the exception being a game where the Bucks needed bodies in Giannis Antetokounmpo's absence.
Unless the Milwaukee Bucks are short-handed, this recent trend of Pat Connaughton not playing will likely continue. Given how well players like Andre Jackson Jr. and Gary Trent Jr. have been playing as of late, it is ultimately the right call. The team desperately needed an infusion of youth, and they have gotten it at the expense of Pat Connaughton's once-plentiful minutes.
Riser - Brook Lopez
Plenty of people, including this particular writer, were concerned with Brook Lopez's slow start to the NBA season. His offensive output was putrid, matching some of the least-productive numbers he has ever put up. However, Lopez has found himself in the middle of a hot streak lately, shouldering a good chunk of offensive responsibility - and production.
In November, Lopez averaged 13.1 points and 2.3 blocks while shooting 39.2 percent from distance. The numbers get even better over Milwaukee's last eight contests, where he's put up 17.1 points on 49 percent 3-point shooting, 2.6 blocks and 1.5 steals per contest. The 36-year-old has been a force on both ends of the ball, shooting his stock through the roof after a slow start.
Riser - Ryan Rollins (Briefly)
Though he didn't play considerable minutes, Ryan Rollins was a breath of fresh air for the Bucks when he was on the court early in November. The young guard didn't always put up the flashiest numbers, but he did play with energy, intensity and confidence on both ends, cementing himself as a valuable part of Milwaukee's youth movement.
Unfortunately, in the middle of his best game as a Buck, where he had 12 points and five steals, the guard suffered a shoulder injury, and he hasn't played since. Per Doc Rivers, Ryan Rollins is available. However, whether it's due to Delon Wright filling his role nicely or Rollins still dealing with pain in that shoulder - it's truly unclear - the guard is currently out of the rotation.
He only played five games this past month, but Ryan Rollins undoubtedly made a name for himself, and it will be worth monitoring whether he gets a chance to reclaim his spot.
Riser - AJ Green
The start of November was when Doc Rivers finally let AJ Green off the leash. Since then, the guard has been excellent. In the month, Green averaged 10 points while shooting 48.1 percent from deep on an impressive 6.2 attempts per game. On top of that, the guard has flexed his defensive prowess as well, giving the Milwaukee Bucks a legitimate lift on that side of the ball.
November could be the start of AJ Green's breakout campaign. He's only getting more comfortable by the day, shooting some eye-popping shots while also taking on the tough matchups defensively. There's no telling how good - and important - he may be to the Milwaukee Bucks by the time the NBA Playoffs roll around. If he can keep this production up, he will be a vital cog.
Riser - Giannis Antetokounmpo
It didn't seem possible, but Giannis Antetokounmpo continues to get better. In 12 November games, the Greek Freak averaged an astounding 34 points, 12.1 rebounds, seven assists and 1.8 blocks per night. Not only has he been on a scoring tirade, but he's also found time to create for his teammates on offense while staying active on defense. He's been unbelievable.
This stretch includes three games with over 40 points, including the first 40-point triple-double of his career in Milwaukee's last outing, and a 59-point game. Not only is Giannis putting up huge numbers, but his performance is also leading to wins for the Milwaukee Bucks. If he keeps this up, he should be firmly in MVP talks.
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