Late in games, Ryan Rollins has done nothing but deliver for the Milwaukee Bucks. Quietly, the guard's performance in the clutch, defined as the final five minutes of the fourth quarter or overtime when the game is within five points, has been a huge shot in the arm for the Bucks, who are suddenly surging after another close win over the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Now, when defenses throw the kitchen sink at Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Milwaukee Bucks have another option who can deliver the goods.
Bucks have gone to Rollins in the clutch, and he's delivered
On the season, Rollins has totaled 71 points in the clutch. He's done so with incredible poise, going 25-of-45 (55.6 percent) from the field. Among all players to attempt at least 40 clutch-time shots in 2025-26, Rollins' percentage ranks third in the entire NBA. Looking closer, he is 10-of-19 on 3-point tries, an efficient 52.6 percent (second in the league).
It's not just the offense where Rollins has flexed his clutch gene. He's also played smart defense at almost every turn, logging only five personal fouls. Among players under that previously-mentioned criteria, Rollins is tied for the fewest fouls in the association. When the game has been on the line, the guard has not fallen victim to the moment and cost the team with a foolish error.
All of this was on display in Milwaukee's latest win over the Cleveland Cavaliers. While Kevin Porter Jr. hit the go-ahead shot, Rollins helped propel the Bucks prior to that. In those five clutch minutes in the win, Rollins posted seven points on a perfect 3-of-3 shooting while not recording a single foul. Calm as ever, he helped Milwaukee seal this one.
Rollins being this reliable when the lights are the brightest is a product of his hard work, of course, but also being thrown into the fire this season. With Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kevin Porter Jr. banged up at various points, Rollins has been forced to grow and lead in situations like these. Once all three of these players are back on the court, the team will have three go-to clutch-time options.
Rollins undoubtedly looks comfortable when everything is on the line, and he's still just 23 years old. That speaks volumes to the player he can become. While he's seemingly being forgotten, he is the clear definition of what the Most Improved Player should be. His growth from last year to this year has been eye-popping, but he remains vastly underrated. Not for long.
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