Giannis Antetokounmpo made it clear he was fond of Cole Anthony early on, saying the guard would be an X-factor for this team in an interview with Sport24. Through two games, the Milwaukee Bucks guard certainly has lived up to those lofty expectations. Anthony has been a difference-maker off the Bucks' bench, and he's just getting started.
Cole Anthony has been exactly what the doctor ordered
In two matchups, Anthony is averaging 16 points, six assists, three rebounds, and one steal in just 19.3 minutes per game. His efficiency has been off the charts, shooting 68.4 percent from the floor, including a blazing 42.9 percent from deep. He's done all of this while coming off the bench. That type of impact screams X-factor.
What's stood out the most have been Anthony's diverse scoring approach and thoughtful passing.
Again, it's just two games, but Anthony has shown that he can put the ball in the hoop from anywhere on the court. He has 13 made shots on the season. Five are in the restricted area, four are in the paint (non-restricted area), three are 3-pointers, and one is in the mid-range. His versatile scoring has kept defenses guessing, as they never know where he wants to get his next shot.
As for his passing, Anthony has done a marvelous job setting up his teammates. He is the lone pure point guard on the roster, so it makes sense he's such a pristine passer. Anthony is tied for the team lead in assists with 12, but he has just two turnovers. That type of ball control from the floor general is essential, helping get the Milwaukee Bucks into a flow offensively.
One Buck, in particular, who has benefited from Anthony's presence is Kyle Kuzma. Looking to get back on the right track after last year, Kuzma has cleaned up his shot diet and played complementary basketball, building quite the connection with Anthony. The guard has passed it to Kuzma 16 times, and the forward is shooting 7-of-9 off those looks. A budding bench connection.
With Kevin Porter Jr. getting hurt in the opening quarter of game one, Cole Anthony stepping up in his place at the guard spot has been a shot in the arm. With no firm timetable for his return set, Anthony and Ryan Rollins both must continue to hold things down in the backcourt. If they keep playing how they have early on, that won't be a problem.
It's early, but it feels like the Milwaukee Bucks may legitimately have the steal of the offseason in town.
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