After a brutal stretch, the Milwaukee Bucks have gone 4-1 in their last five games, flexing legitimate potential regarding a turnaround. Of course, the Bucks weren't playing against the best teams, but they've still struggled against everyone this season. All the wins count. There are no easy ones this season. As the Bucks finally start taking some strides, let's look at some key observations.
Ryan Rollins is lighting it up on one particular shot
Over his last five, Ryan Rollins is shooting 70 percent on "wide-open" 3-pointers on four attempts per game. Among all players attempting at least 3.5 per contest in this stretch, Rollins is the NBA leader in percentage. That scorching hot shooting has led to Rollins averaging 18 points, the second most on the team in this stretch. He's emerging as the Milwaukee Bucks' legitimate second option.
Kevin Porter Jr. is dribbling, and dribbling, and dribbling
Speaking of second-fiddle contenders, Kevin Porter Jr. has certainly had the ball in his hands like he is the No. 2 to Giannis Antetokounmpo. He's taken far more responsibility lately, averaging 4.87 dribbles per touch, the most on the team. Rollins is second at 2.71. In turn, he's averaged nine assists, flexing his chops as a facilitator. The Milwaukee Bucks clearly believe in his passing capabilities.
AJ Green still failing to find his footing
Since returning from a shoulder injury, AJ Green has been stuck in the mud. The last five games have amplified that problem, as he's putting up 6.6 points per game while shooting 24.3 percent from long distance. He's averaging more 3-point attempts per contest (7.4) than points. The Milwaukee Bucks desperately need their starting small forward to get going, like everyone knows he can.
Bucks cutting back on their turnover problem
Turnovers had been a recurring problem for the Milwaukee Bucks lately, constantly leading to more possessions for the other squad. However, they've stopped the bleeding lately, as they are tallying just 12 per game, tied for the fifth-fewest NBA-wide. A prominent reason is Porter finding his groove after he was practically giving possessions away like candy in previous games.
Bucks' defense is showing... potential
As it has been in recent years, Milwaukee's defense hasn't been great for most of the season. While they are 18th on the season in defensive rating, they've shot up to eighth over their last five contests. They haven't been perfect, but the Bucks have looked more cohesive and intense on that side of the basketball. The team needs to keep the ball rolling in that regard if they want to survive.
Again, the Milwaukee Bucks weren't playing top-tier contenders in this run. That stretch of matchups begins now. The team needs to carry over the positives from this stretch into this upcoming one.
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