It has been a difficult start to the season for the Milwaukee Bucks, but the team showed a lot of grit on Thursday with an impressive 116-101 win over the Boston Celtics. Gary Trent Jr. has struggled for a good chunk of the season, but he gave fans a glimmer of hope with a much-improved showing.
Bucks need everyone to chip in, including Gary Trent Jr.
Things haven't quite gone swimmingly for Trent in the opening 26 games, with him dipping in and out of the starting lineup and showing a lack of consistency on the court.
His 13 points, two rebounds, and an assist on 5-of-9 (55.6 percent) shooting from the field, including 3-of-6 (50 percent) from deep, don't jump off the statsheet, but his impact was felt in the win. As a team, the Bucks shot a brilliant 13-of-29 (44.8 percent) from 3-point range without their two-time MVP.
Defensively, Trent also held players to 1-for-4 shooting from the field, all of which were from beyond the arc. Milwaukee knows he is not an elite wing defender, but he showed an ability to play stout defense, stay in front of his man, and make any shot a tough make.
What will fill fans with the most positivity is that they held the Celtics to 3-of-26 (11.5 percent) shooting from deep in the second half. Milwaukee's identity has been built on Giannis Antetokounmpo attracting so much attention that it opens opportunities for guys on the perimeter. Doing this without their superstar is a great sign for a team that has been struggling in recent weeks.
With AJ Green out, Trent was plugged into the starting lineup once again, having spent the previous five games on the bench. Doc Rivers has found it difficult to find the best starting five without Giannis, throwing all kinds of combinations together, hoping that something will stick. There was a lot of promise from the latest opening five, especially as they fought back despite a slow start.
Thursday night was a display of what this Bucks team can be when everyone is dialed in. Kyle Kuzma led the way with 31 points, his highest in a Milwaukee jersey so far. Bobby Portis was at his best with a 27-point performance off the bench. Kevin Porter Jr. has always flirted with triple-doubles, and he did just that with 18 points, 13 assists, and 10 rebounds as everyone chipped in for a great win.
The roster has constantly said they need to back this up with another win to get the Bucks back in the playoff mix. They head to Brooklyn on Sunday and have a great chance to put a run together, where they will need a further offensive punch from Gary Trent Jr.