In the NBA, every championship team has that one player who can tilt the scales in their favor when the lights are brightest.
Think Bruce Bowen knocking down corner threes for the Spurs or Andre Iguodala locking down LeBron James and hitting clutch shots for the Dynasty Warriors. Even role players like Robert Horry have etched their names into basketball history just by stepping up when it mattered most.
These are the players who don’t always dominate the stat sheet but have a knack for making the right play at the right time, often swinging the momentum of a series with a single shot or defensive stop.
The name recognition isn't quite there yet, but for the Milwaukee Bucks, that player might just be Gary Trent Jr. In a crucial game against a hobbled Dallas Mavericks squad, Trent reminded everyone why he’s the Bucks’ ultimate wild card, even if it might not be that obvious to some yet.
With Bobby Portis sidelined and Kyle Kuzma still generally struggling to find consistency on the offensive end, it was Trent who stepped up as the team’s third scoring option against Dallas, dropping 20 points on 7-of-16 shooting (including hitting four of his 12 attempts from three) in a 132-117 comeback win after the team found themselves down by as much as 10 points in the first half.
When Trent is on, the Milwaukee Bucks aren’t just good, they’re lethal
One common storyline for Milwaukee was that the Bucks had been searching for a reliable third scorer all season. Khris Middleton’s health and consistency were the question marks that eventually prompted his trade to Washington, and while Kyle Kuzma has shown flashes of brilliance, his inconsistency has also been a recurring issue.
Enter Gary Trent Jr., a player who has quietly been one of the most underrated scorers in the league for what feels like years now. With Bobby Portis, the Bucks' perennial Sixth Man of the Year candidate, suspended, Trent seized the opportunity yet again, proving he can be the spark the Bucks need on the offensive side of the ball.
Against the Mavericks, Trent’s scoring was the difference-maker. The Bucks found themselves again struggling to generate offense outside of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard. But Trent’s ability to create his own shot and knock down tough jumpers kept the Bucks within striking distance. By the time the final buzzer sounded, Trent’s 20 points were a reminder of just how dangerous the Milwaukee Bucks can be when he’s firing on all cylinders.
Trent’s game isn’t just about the numbers—everyone has seen his long stretches of inconsistency and inefficiency after all—but it’s been more about the timing.
When the Bucks needed a bucket, Trent delivered. Whether it was pulling up off screens or running to the 3-point line in transition, Trent's gutsy brand of three-level shot-making was on full display. When it was all said and done, Trent showed he can score in a litany of different ways and different spots on the floor. His ability to create his own shot is a luxury the Milwaukee Bucks haven’t had in years, and it’s exactly what they need to complement Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard.
But that's only one side of the basketball, and Trent’s impact very clearly goes beyond scoring for those paying attention. He's not what you'd call a two-way stopper by any means, but he puts in a lot of effort on that end, and his defensive intensity and ability to disrupt passing lanes make him a valuable two-way player, and his willingness to take on tough assignments is a testament to his competitiveness.
In a league where versatility is king, Trent’s skill set is a perfect fit for the Milwaukee Bucks.
Trent's shot-creation ability makes him a valuable playoff commodity
As the NBA playoffs draw closer in the competitive but top-heavy Eastern Conference, Trent’s role becomes even more important.
In a seven-game series, having a third scorer who can get hot and take over a game is invaluable when defenses lock in on superstars and the pace of the game eventually slows down. Trent has shown he can be that player who can take the heat off Dame Time and the Greek Freak, and his ability to stretch the floor and create his own shot makes him a nightmare matchup for opposing defenses.
His inconsistencies are what they are, but the Bucks’ success in the playoffs might very well hinge on Trent’s ability to consistently pull out nights like this one come playoff time. If Trent can continue to deliver as a third scoring option, the Bucks could be well on their way to another deep playoff run. The question is this: when you're as streaky as Trent has shown he can be, can he really keep it up when it matters most? Only time will tell.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks anaysis.