Since acquiring Kyle Kuzma, their matchup with the Denver Nuggets was the first big test that the Milwaukee Bucks faced. No disrespect to the 37-win Houston Rockets, but the Nikola Jokic-led Nuggets are one of the top favorites to win the title. They passed this test with flying colors.
There were many factors that contributed to their convincing nine-point victory. An important reason was the impressive performance by Kyle Kuzma. Admittedly, his official stat line isn’t going to raise any eyebrows. He finished the game with 16 points on 5-of-15 shooting, nine rebounds, and five assists. His true value was displayed in the way he was utilized in key moments of the game.
This occurred in the beginning of the second and fourth quarters. These are moments when four of the five players from the starting lineup were given an opportunity to rest. The only starter Doc Rivers had left on the court was Kyle Kuzma. His most important role on the team is to lead the second unit. According to the numbers, there have been some mixed results since the NBA All-Star break.
The numbers don’t tell the full story for the Milwaukee Bucks
There has been one lineup that Doc Rivers has consistently played in those moments, and it involves Kuzma, Gary Trent Jr., Kevin Porter Jr., AJ Green and Jericho Sims. In 33 total minutes, this lineup has an offensive rating of 100, a defensive rating of 97.1 and a net rating of 2.9.
Out of the eight lineups that Doc Rivers has used in more than two games since the All-Star break ended, that offensive rating is tied for the fifth-best. The defensive rating is second. The net rating is third. We have certainly seen some mixed results in the past couple of weeks. Even with those solid stats, the numbers don’t tell us the full story.
They don't give context to Kyle Kuzma's unique situation. He is currently adapting to a new team and new role. It takes time for a player to learn the offense and to fit with his new teammates.
Kyle Kuzma's value to the Milwaukee Bucks and this lineup
In his ninth game, we have seen exactly how Kuzma can improve this team. In the second quarter, Kuzma was responsible for nine of the Bucks’ 11 points before the starters reentered the game around the six-minute mark. He scored six points and assisted on a 3-pointer by Kevin Porter Jr.
The way he led the offense was such an encouraging sign. He creates one-on-one problems for any team’s second unit, and he can break down the defense with his penetration to create shots for his teammates.
This is vital when you have a team that consists of two of the most accurate 3-point shooters in the league. AJ Green and Gary Trent Jr. both shoot 42.3 percent from the three. That is the 13th and 14th highest average in the league. That’s not to mention that Taurean Prince is second in the league with a 45.7 percent average. The Milwaukee Bucks are the only team that has three players among the top 20 for the highest 3-point field goal percentage.
When you have three snipers like that in your roster, you need to make the most of it. You need to have someone that can break down the defense, and create easy opportunities for them to rain 3-pointers. Having two playmakers like Kyle Kuzma and Gary Trent Jr. leading the second unit allows the Milwaukee Bucks to unleash one of their biggest strengths. In the fourth quarter, we saw exactly what they’re capable of doing on a consistent basis.
In the fourth quarter, this unit outscored the Nuggets lineup that consisted of the trio of Jamal Murray, Russell Westbrook, and Michael Porter Jr. AJ Green contributed with two straight 3-pointers, and Trent was able to attack the rim with ease for two field goals. This was a balanced attack that extended their lead to double digits at the halfway mark of the quarter. That is proof of how dangerous this lineup can be.
This directly responds to one of the question marks surrounding this team. In the first half of the season, the second unit would often put too much pressure on the starting five to come back from a hole that they created. Fans would be anxiously waiting for Doc Rivers to sub in Giannis Antetokounmpo or Damian Lillard to save the team. Against a tough team like the Nuggets, they put the starters in a much comfortable position. All they had to do was close out the game.
Kyle Kuzma has been there before
This is where the addition of Kyle Kuzma will mean so much for the Milwaukee Bucks moving forward. He is the type of talent that can lead an offense on his own for short periods. He has that experience from the past two seasons with the Washington Wizards.
This is a role that he’s used to playing. Yet, instead of having to carry an offense all game against the team’s best lineup, he’s doing it for about 12 minutes each game against the team’s backups. This burden placed on him is much more manageable.
On the other hand, Kuzma is still learning how to fit with his new star teammates. Being the third or fourth scoring option is a role that he has to relearn. But when you’re playing alongside the best duo in the game, there is room for error. Giannis and Damian will be right there to pick up the pieces. As long as he continues to strive when they’re sitting, we will happily live with the mistakes.