With a laundry list of regulars missing for the regular season finale against the visiting Detroit Pistons, the Milwaukee Bucks would have to dive deep into their bench to craft a rotation.
That involved rookie big man Tyler Smith, who had logged double-digit minutes in only one game this season to that point, earning an extended opportunity. The rookie forward, who's been brimming with potential from the second he landed in Milwaukee, didn't disappoint. In fact, Smith only reafirmed that his long-range shooting, the main reason he was drafted, is very much as advertised.
Tyler Smith lights it up in the Milwaukee Bucks' regular season finale
Smith pieced together what was undoubtedly the best performance of his young NBA career, tallying an impressive 20 points, four rebounds, a steal and a block. It was the perimeter shooting that helped give Milwaukee some life above all else, as the budding youngster knocked down four of his six triple tries for the game.
Despite this being only the second legitimate opportunity for him this season, Smith looked poised and confident. One fourth quarter sequence stood out. With the Pistons up 105-103, Smith knocked in a triple to put the Bucks up. After Detroit gained the lead on the next possession, Smith was unable to connect on an alley-oop, but he hauled in the board and got a putback that resulted in an and-one.
In a game that went to OT, every bucket, every rebound and every hustle play mattered, and Smith did a bit of everything down the stretch.
Smith wasn't alone in helping lead the way - Pat Connaughton had a career-high 43 points! - but the rookie certainly did his part in the 140-133 victory. With the win, the Milwaukee Bucks now head into the playoffs on an eight-game winning streak to close the regular season, which will hopefully give them some needed momentum on the big stage.
What makes Smith so unique is that he's capable of shooting the long ball this well while standing tall at 6-foot-11. That type of size, athletic ability and perimeter shooting jumbled into one 20-year-old is a fascinating thing to think about for the Milwaukee Bucks. They have something on their hands here, and if Smith wants to earn his keep down the line, it all starts with this type of long-distance success.
Although he might not play a key role in the NBA Playoffs, there's no doubt that Tyler Smith has the potential to be a key contributor to the Milwaukee Bucks in due time.
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