The Bucks lost a heartbreaking overtime game against the Sixers on Thursday night, but they did have an extremely bright spot in Ryan Rollins. Rollins finished the game with 32 points and 14 assists, stepping up as the Bucks’ primary option without Giannis Antetokounmpo. They weren’t able to pull out the win, but Rollins’ performance gives the Bucks hope for an improved team going forward.
Ryan Rollins can be Giannis’ co-star
The Bucks will have difficulty winning games without Giannis, but Rollins proved once again that he can carry the offense when needed. He matched his career-high in points and took a career-high 26 field goal attempts. On a night when he had it going, that scoring aggression was needed for the Bucks to keep pace with the 76ers.
Rollins’ playmaking also stood out. His 14 assists were a career high and included some high-level reads. Rollins thrived as usual at getting to the rim and kicking out to open shooters, but he also ran the pick-and-roll masterfully a few times. His ability to make the right play can make life easier for Giannis when he returns, either by allowing Giannis to be less involved in the offense or serving as a roll man rather than creating his shots on his own.
The Bucks as a whole played very well offensively, which allowed Rollins to rack up his assists. He ended with at least three assists to each of his fellow starters, indicating a well-rounded effort. There was constant off-ball movement and screening to get each other open. Those traits will need to continue even after the Bucks are fully healthy to elevate their offense with Giannis and keep the scoring respectable when he rests.
As Rollins gets more experience being the focus of defensive attention, he’ll be better prepared for a major role in the playoffs. Of course, Giannis will be at the top of everyone’s scouting report, but Rollins will be next up, and he needs to get accustomed to the pressure now. Suffering another defeat without Giannis shows how reliant the Bucks are on his contributions, but also gives Rollins more opportunities to grow in the meantime.
His ability to create good looks and hold his own against the league’s best guards has been the Bucks’ most pleasant surprise this season. He’s in the conversation for Most Improved Player and rapidly adding to his skillset every game. If Rollins can continue to excel as both a scorer and playmaker, the Bucks will be a dangerous playoff team. No one wants to face Giannis in the playoffs, and giving him a sidekick like Rollins will only make the Bucks an even tougher out.