Doc Rivers has finally figured out the key piece to the puzzle for the Bucks

Sometimes, the answer is as simple as addition by subtraction.

For years, the Milwaukee Bucks have chased the elusive answer to a playoff-ready wing rotation. From shuffling through veterans to experimenting with young players, the right mix always seemed out of reach. Yet, it appears Doc Rivers has cracked the code, and the results speak for themselves.

It didn't take another flashy free-agent signing or last-minute trade haul - it only took pulling one veteran out of the rotation.

With Andre Jackson Jr. and Taurean Prince now anchoring the starting lineup and AJ Green and Gary Trent Jr. carving out bench minutes at the expense of a declining Pat Connaughton, the Bucks have started to turn things around.

The Milwaukee Bucks’ recent resurgence isn’t just a coincidence—it coincided directly with Connaughton seeing his role diminished. As Rivers tightened his rotation, the Bucks went from a team that lacked cohesion to one playing with clarity and purpose.

Connaughton's exit from the mix has led to a wing rotation that works

It's not as if Connaughton hasn't had his chances. After all, fans witnessed Doc Rivers lean on the established veteran time and time again over younger players. While Connaughton was once upon a time a very serviceable role player who contributed to the team on both ends of the floor, these days, his minutes are often to the detriment of the team.

At this point, it's not even a hot take to say that Connaughton, once a vital part of Milwaukee’s depth, has simply struggled to recapture his former impact on this team. His shooting percentages have dipped to career-low levels, and his defensive liabilities have become harder to mask with every passing game.

By phasing him out of the rotation completely, Doc Rivers has leaned into a rotation that prioritizes younger legs and more consistent production during these last seven games (6-1 record).

Rivers has embraced the strengths of each player, too. Andre Jackson Jr. brings defensive versatility and energy, allowing the Bucks to take on elite wings without overtaxing Giannis Antetokounmpo. Taurean Prince adds toughness, experience, and the ability to space the floor. Meanwhile, AJ Green’s surprisingly sharp defensive instincts and elite three-point shooting (48.1 percent from three this season) along with Gary Trent Jr.’s three-level scoring punch, have made the bench more dynamic.

Since Rivers committed to this wing rotation, the Bucks have seen an uptick in their play on both ends of the court. They’ve posted a seventh-ranked defensive rating of 108.1 points given up per 100 possessions during this seven-game stretch, significantly better than their season average, and their 3-point shooting percentage has jumped to a top-five 39.8 percent with Green and Trent seeing more action.

The Milwaukee Bucks’ net rating for the past seven games is also now at +7.3 - also top 5 in the association - a clear sign that the changes are paying off. More importantly, the team’s energy and chemistry look completely revitalized, something that was sorely missing early in the season. And while a number of things have changed, one constant in the sudden flurry of wins has been the string of DNP-CDs for Connaughton.

With Middleton, Milwaukee's wing rotation might be set for the playoffs

This isn’t the first time Milwaukee has reshuffled its wing rotation in hopes of playoff success, but this time, it feels different. Jackson and Prince provide the defensive backbone the Milwaukee Bucks need to thrive in high-pressure situations, while Green and Trent give the team firepower to keep up with the NBA’s most potent offenses.

While Connaughton’s contributions to past Bucks teams shouldn’t be overlooked, it’s clear that the team is moving forward with its younger players. Rivers has found the balance Milwaukee has been searching for—a blend of youth, athleticism, shooting and defense.

As the Milwaukee Bucks climb back into contention, this wing rotation could prove to be the key to unlocking their full potential. And with Rivers pulling the strings, it seems Milwaukee’s playoff puzzle is finally coming together after their addition by subtraction. Now, they wait on Khris Middleton's return.

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