The Milwaukee Bucks came up short in overtime against the 76ers, but not because Ryan Rollins didn't deliver. In addition to a career-high-tying 32 points, he also set a new personal best with 14 assists.
While it wasn't enough to lead the Bucks to victory, the achievement only adds to another feather to his cap amid a revelatory season. In case fans weren't convinced, the Rollins breakout campaign is here.
New week, new heights for Rollins
Plenty of Bucks fans circled Rollins as a player to watch this season. The way he has looked so far, calling it a "breakout campaign" might not even suffice. Rollins has quickly gone from the feel-good fringes of the Most Improved Player discussion to a serious frontrunner. At this point, it's worth asking whether an M.I.P. award is his floor.
In 16 games, Rollins effectively tripled his scoring average from last season at 18.3 points per game. He has done the same with his assist figure (5.9). He is shooting 51 percent from the field, 44 percent from three, and, of course, playing excellent defense. It's the whole package, delivered much sooner than expected.
Setting a career high in assists fittingly tackles the main concern about Rollins' offensive game entering the year. Did he have the playmaking skills necessary to play point guard? The answer is a resounding yes.
Not only has he piled up dimes, he has kept the turnovers low for a primary ball handler at 2.5 per game. Almost immediately, his insertion into the starting five to replace the injured Kevin Porter Jr. evolved from a temporary trial run to a necessity moving forward. The two of them could start together if the Bucks wanted to get creative, but Rollins has to be out there.
The other half of the playmaking question was whether he could create shots not just for teammates but for himself. That is arguably his biggest strength. Rollins is still capitalizing on catch-and-shoot chances, but he's also aggressively hunting points in the paint. His ability to blow by his defender, circumvent rim protectors, and finish off the glass reveals a precious blend of explosiveness and savvy.
If he gets his man off balance, he can go to a smooth step back shot from beyond the arc. On pullup 3-point attempts overall this season, Rollins is shooting 41.7 percent (for comparison, although on higher volume, Steph Curry is shooting 37.3 on pullup threes this season.)
With Giannis out, the Bucks will rely on Rollins more than ever. Say that a month ago, and even his biggest believers would look askance. Yet, here he is.
Depending on Rollins as a No. 1 option is not ideal, but time and again, he's answered the bell. Seven times already, he has eclipsed 20 points. Against Philadelphia, Rollins kept them in the game by adding 15 in the fourth quarter and overtime.
If he keeps playing like this and the Bucks play clean team basketball, most nights they'll have at least a puncher's chance. Until Giannis returns, that's all they can ask for.