In the dying minutes of the Milwaukee Bucks' recent in-season tournament win against the Indiana Pacers, the Bucks emptied their bench after weathering what felt like an infinite number of runs in the Pacers' back pocket. It was shaping up to be a wire-to-wire victory, except the Pacers bench was still fighting hard in the closing seconds.
With 20 ticks left, Quenton Jackson sprang free into the right corner off a screen from Myles Turner, took the inbounds pass from Tristen Newton and heaved a desperate three to at least get the Pacers to within seven points.
He missed that shot.
It was Milwaukee's second-year forward in Chris Livingston, waiting along the baseline, who used his vertical to secure the rebound before anyone else on the court could.
Seconds later, the ball ended up in the hands of Andre Jackson Jr., who Livingston was drafted with. Jackson drove into the trees and took an up-and-under layup to attempt to score one last bucket over the Pacers' outstretched arms.
Again, it was Chris Livingston who was ready and waiting in position. With the ball in mid-air, the 6-foot-6 Livingston caught it and slammed it home to seal the game for the Bucks in garbage time. He finished with two points and two rebounds in less than a minute of action that game.
Livingston brings the promise of youth and athleticism to the Bucks
It was only a cleanup duty basket, but those 30 seconds were a snapshot of what the Bucks youngster can bring to this team: heart on the boards and an implacable motor to compete. It might be the clearest example yet of why Livingston could be exactly what this aging Bucks roster needs.
Livingston’s dunk wasn’t just about flair. It showcased traits that have been sorely missing at times this season: rebounding, hustle and athleticism. The Bucks, built around veterans, are among the league’s oldest teams, and it shows on nights when they struggle to keep up with younger, more energetic squads.
Milwaukee currently ranks a disappointing 14th in rebounds as a team with just 43.8 per game—a concerning trend for a team that prides itself on controlling possessions.
Livingston, at 6-foot-6 with a 6-foot-11 wingspan, has the physical tools to make an immediate impact on the glass. His ability to crash the boards with authority and turn defensive rebounds into fast-break opportunities could inject some much-needed life into the Milwaukee Bucks’ transition game, which has been inconsistent at best.
While it’s obviously difficult at best to draw sweeping conclusions from a single play, Livingston’s cameo against the Pacers is a reminder of why the Bucks took a chance on him in the second round of the NBA Draft. His blend of size, athleticism and raw energy is a stark contrast to the deliberate pace of Milwaukee’s veteran-heavy rotation.
Livingston’s G League assignments have shown flashes of his potential. He’s averaged an impressive 22 points and 12.7 rebounds through three games for the Wisconsin Herd, all while playing with the kind of intensity that coaches love. That intensity was on full display in those final 30 seconds against Indiana, where Livingston proved he’s ready to contribute when called upon.
Chris Livingston, even in small doses, offers a fresh dynamic to a team that lacks energy and athleticism. His energy on both ends of the floor could provide a spark for a team that often looks like it’s searching for one.
The Bucks are slowly realizing that the youth movement runs the NBA
As the Bucks navigate a challenging season, their reliance on older players comes with clear risks. Injuries, slower recoveries and defensive lapses have made it clear that Milwaukee could benefit from an infusion of youth. And when the youngsters do see the floor, Livingston has been largely forgotten by the coaching staff.
The challenge, of course, will be finding him consistent minutes. With Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton, along with Andre Jackson Jr. and Bobby Portis anchoring the small and power forward spots and the Bucks prioritizing winning now, Livingston’s opportunities might remain limited.
But performances like this one are how young players earn trust—and more playing time.
Livingston’s highlight-reel dunk against the Pacers might not mean much in the grand scheme of the season, but it was a reminder of the untapped potential still waiting down the bench in Milwaukee’s locker room. Fortunately for him, Doc Rivers has already shown he's open to playing young guys who can show him good production.
For a team that needs every edge it can get in a competitive Eastern Conference, Livingston’s youth, energy and athleticism might just be the spark the Bucks didn’t know they were looking for. He's no savior to take them to the promised land, but he, at the very least, addresses a glaring need in their roster. This isn't to say he should start, but he may be worth taking a look at over guys like Bobby Portis and Pat Connaughton in controlled spurts.
Sometimes, all it takes is a single moment to make a statement. For Milwaukee Bucks rookie Chris Livingston, that moment came in the final seconds of the Bucks’ recent win over the Indiana Pacers.
As the season progresses, don’t be surprised if we see more of Livingston—and more plays like the one that turned 30 seconds into a glimpse of the Bucks’ future.
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