Doc Rivers' abrupt decision could be a game-changer for the Milwaukee Bucks

In the midst of their worst stretch of the season, Doc Rivers made the decision to switch up the lineup for the Milwaukee Bucks.

Just before Milwaukee's matchup against the Boston Celtics, it was announced that Patrick Beverley would be the Bucks' starting two-guard, sending Malik Beasley to the bench. It was a decision that took many by surprise, given how good Milwaukee's starting lineup has been when everyone was on the floor. However, it's proven to be an excellent move by Rivers.

Doc Rivers' abrupt decision could be a game-changer for the Milwaukee Bucks

In these two games, the Bucks are 2-0, picking up a significant win over the Boston Celtics and then taking down the Orlando Magic despite not having Giannis Antetokounmpo or Khris Middleton. A big reason for this recent revival has been the tremendous play from Beverley since becoming a starter, as he's undeniably given this team a spark in the energy department.

Throughout these wins, Beverley has registered averages of 16.5 points on 63.2 percent shooting, nine rebounds and 4.5 assists per contest. Furthermore, he's been playing masterful defense, as he has held opponents to 4-of-16 shooting (25 percent), per NBA.com/stats, by far the best mark on the entire Milwaukee Bucks team.

With Malik Beasley falling into a gruesome slump and the team struggling, moving the guard to the bench made sense to try and give this team some life. It's worked out marvelously thus far, and it's very unlikely Rivers will switch up the lineup again.

Some will say that two games is too small of a sample size to truly judge. Well, in the six games he has started, the Bucks are 5-1, with Beverley boasting averages of 11.8 points on 52.1 percent shooting, 6.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.3 steals per game. When given a larger role, Beverley has stepped up mightily, upping his production and overall impact on the game.

This type of play could propel the Bucks to new heights. Though these numbers, especially over the last two games, may not hold firm long-term, the guard has shown he can be a Swiss Army Knife for this Milwaukee team, making an impact at every turn. In the postseason, teams need role players to do just that, so Beverley may be heating up at the right time.

After Milwaukee's win over Orlando, Beverley said, "Doc Rivers made a hell of a decision starting me," and he's been right thus far. Depending on how things transpire the rest of the way, this could end up being a masterful move by Rivers that is remembered as a turning point for the Milwaukee Bucks.

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