Doc Rivers, who has always loved utilizing all-bench units when he can, opted not to use any in the Milwaukee Bucks' latest win over the Chicago Bulls. After the game, Rivers couldn't have made his point any clearer: "Our bench hasn't been great so far." It had been a rough showing for the bench brigade in recent outings, so it was nice to see Rivers actually make the adjustment.
Rivers cut out the all bench lineups, and it worked
The Milwaukee Bucks have had six lineups log 14 or more minutes this season. In terms of net rating, the worst has been the combination of Bobby Portis, Taurean Prince, Kyle Kuzma, Amir Coffey, and Cole Anthony. That group has a -10.8 net rating. The second-worst of the six lineups has a net rating of -3.4. Ouch. No one can blame Rivers for going away from this group.
Instead of trotting out the same strategy and hoping for different results, Rivers adjusted. He made sure at least one starter was always on the floor, and it started with Giannis Antetokounmpo taking different shifts. The Greek Freak got to play with just about everyone while also getting plenty of rest. He logged a near triple-double with 41 points, 15 rebounds, and nine assists in 37 minutes.
Rivers must make this mix and match strategy a mainstay in his thought process.
The all bench units had potential, but that particular group just doesn't fit right now. Anthony can provide shot creation, but there is a clear lack of it elsewhere. Kuzma and Coffey have found more success as complementary pieces. Prince is a catch-and-shoot guy. Portis is struggling all over. These players fit better with starters because they can play more complementary basketball.
Now, things could get interesting when Kevin Porter Jr. returns from his meniscus injury, which will cost him the next month or so. When he returns, it's fair to assume he will come off the bench for at least the first handful of games to regain his footing. He has the shot creation and capability to take on the workload that could help fuel a bench lineup.
For now, it's best to stay away and stick with what helped Milwaukee earn a 126-110 win over the Bulls in NBA Cup play.
It's early. The Milwaukee Bucks have played nine games. They're still working out the kinks and seeing who fits where. Yet, it's clear that the bench lineups are not a winning strategy.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.