1 Overdue (and hopefully permanent) rotation change from Bucks' win vs. Rockets

Gut-wrenching losses have been the theme for the Milwaukee Bucks to begin this season, but they took home a needed win on Monday, thanks to a late shot from Damian Lillard to claim a 101-100 victory over the high-flying Houston Rockets.

It was a wild game, with both teams taking turns with big leads before letting their opponents right back into the game. We have slowly seen the integration of the younger wings into the Bucks' rotation, but this game featured a prominent step towards what has been an overdue change many fans wanted to see.

The Bucks were on the right side of the scoreboard this time, largely thanks to one decision made by Doc Rivers. Hopefully, the overdue decision is more permanent moving forward as the Bucks look to rise up the Eastern Conference standings from their 12th-seeded spot.

Pat Connaughton was not featured in the Bucks' win over Rockets

AJ Green has arguably been the most impressive Bucks player outside of Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo, with him going from a two-way player in 2022-23 to now being a key rotation piece or starter, depending on the night. The former Northern Iowa guard has caught attention thanks to his sharpshooting and stats surrounding his number of 3-point shots, but he has grown into a legitimate defender and had Houston's Jalen Green locked up at times in this last game.

AJ Green was one of many to take on the former No.2 overall pick defensively, and despite him finishing with 21 points, he shot an ugly 9-for-24 (37.5 percent) and that was partially down to the Bucks' Green.

On the night, the Bucks guard held his opponents to 5-for-14 (35.7 percent) shooting from the field, and his tough defense led to two turnovers. Green didn't have a great shooting night of his own, making just one 3-pointer and shooting 2-for-6 (33.3 percent) overall, but if he continues growing as a defender, he will be a key piece for this Milwaukee Bucks team moving forward.

Gary Trent Jr. struggled early on for the Bucks this season, but having spent some time out of the lineup, it feels like he is slowly finding his flow again, with him being a sparkplug off the bench working much better for him than being a starter.

He scored 12 points, with all of them coming from 3-point range. He shot 4-for-8 on the night. In 24 minutes off the bench, he also added a steal and forced two turnovers, along with holding opponents to 3-for-9 (33.3 percent) shooting when guarded by him. Fred VanVleet struggled when guarded by Trent, making just one of his five shots as the former Raptors guards took each other on.

Veteran guard Pat Connaughton has found it tough to make an impact in games this season, but Rivers was relying on his experience to aid the team. He did not play against Houston due to Rivers' decision, and it feels like the overdue move of seeing Green and Trent taking those minutes is starting to come through.

Andre Jackson Jr. started and only played four minutes in the first quarter and the final possession at the end of the game. That was not a lot of court time, but still, Doc Rivers clearly felt he could have a greater impact than Connaughton.

Rumors continue circling as teams find where they are at and what players may be available via trade. Pat Connaughton could be someone the Bucks look to move on with his $9.4 million salary being one of the bigger and more expendable contracts Milwaukee could move.

The Bucks remain 5-9, but things are slowly starting to click together, and the wins are now coming. Rivers is now integrating the younger players into the rotation, and it has been nothing but positive for Milwaukee so far. It will be interesting to see if Connaughton remains out of the lineup.

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