Ryan Rollins faced a new level of physicality and pressure against the Warriors, but he was able to embrace the hostility for a career-best performance. Rollins erupted for 32 points and eight assists to lead the Bucks to a win without star Giannis Antetokounmpo. It's still early in Rollins' Bucks tenure, but this promising performance could indicate even bigger things for him in the future.
Ryan Rollins is embracing his newfound role
Rollins has become the team's de facto point guard with Kevin Porter Jr. missing time and has fulfilled the role exceptionally well. He had already proven to be a great complementary piece next to Giannis as a big 3-and-D guard, but no one expected him to carry the team on his own. Doing so with the full focus of arguably the NBA's most intelligent and experienced defense is even more impressive.
The Warriors did whatever they could to throw Rollins off his game. This included some hard fouls from different perimeter defenders and traps to get the ball out of his hands. In the fourth quarter, he even faced the Warriors' ultimate defensive weapon in Draymond Green, who had a lot of trash talk for him. But Rollins used Golden State's aggressiveness to fuel his performance rather than backing down.
A common criticism of the Bucks this season has been the lack of talent surrounding Giannis. But Rollins is quickly showing that he has the right talent and mentality to be Giannis' co-star. His willingness to step up and take on more offensive load in the Greek Freak's absence shows that he can keep the team afloat when Giannis goes to the bench.
If the Bucks can stagger Rollins and Giannis as offensive engines, it will give Giannis a more sustainable approach to the season and save him for the playoffs.
Rollins' scoring versatility was impressive in this game. He has been showing off his improved handle all season, and also did his best Steph Curry impression from outside against the Splash Brother. Rollins shot 5-of-7 from three, including a fair amount off the dribble. By the end of the game, he was hitting true superstar shots, including a stepback deep three over Jimmy Butler to seal the game.
Rollins never looked out of place despite stepping into a new role. His ability to lead the team as a scorer and passer without missing a beat is a testament to his maturity. At just 23 years old, he showed that he's ready to take on whatever the Bucks need from him in his revenge game against the team that drafted him. If he can keep it up with Giannis back in the lineup, the Bucks will have a deadly one-two punch.