4 Studs and 2 duds from the Milwaukee Bucks' convincing win over Phoenix Suns

Dud - Pat Connaughton

I know Connaughton isn't much of a scorer and that his impact tends to be more on the defensive end, but with Middleton's return and Crowder likely to return to the bench, this was a chance for him to show why he should keep the minutes he has. Yet, it was a quiet 22 minutes for him. He finished with just three points, two rebounds and a block. Alongside Lopez, he was the other player with a negative plus-minus rating.

When you look at A.J. Green, who has started to see more minutes under Rivers and has improved his defense, he has more of an offensive impact, and it feels as though Connuaghton may see his role and minutes lessen down the stretch and in the playoffs. In this game, Eric Gordon played 21 minutes off the bench and scored 10 points. I am not comparing the two players ability, but the impact off the bench has to be felt in some regard.

Come the postseason, when teams shorten their rotation to usually an eight-man mix, we may see Connaughton finish games with a DNP. Lillard, Malik Beasley, Middleton, Antetokounmpo and Lopez are the ideal starters, with Portis and Crowder coming off the bench. Patrick Beverley gives you the guard defense and hustle that the Bucks have been thriving off, and Green's ability to shoot from deep at a high clip may see Rivers turn to him before Connaughton.

Overall, it was a brilliant Bucks performance, and to see Middleton back on the court playing so well was a great sign for Milwaukee.

Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis as we head down the final stretch of the regular season.