1 Silver lining from ugly loss to Bulls gives Bucks sliver of optimism

To put things lightly, the Milwaukee Bucks did not look very good in their home opener against the Chicago Bulls, suffering a 133-122 loss.

Above all else, they couldn't stop turning the ball over, and they always seemed to be a step slow on defense when trying to contest Chicago's shooters, who sunk 21 3-pointers. There certainly weren't many positive takeaways from this game, but if there is even a shred of optimism left in the aftermath, some of it must be attributed to third-year wing AJ Green's solid performance.

AJ Green finally sunk some shots for the Milwaukee Bucks

There were high expectations placed on AJ Green's shoulders leading up to this season, but he didn't show much in the preseason or in the first game of the regular season. In these five games, he buried just four 3-pointers. In 11 minutes against the Chicago Bulls, Green nearly matched that total as the marksman sunk three of his four triple tries, finishing the game with nine points.

Doc Rivers has liked AJ Green from the moment he took over as head coach last season. It's clear that he wants to get the youngster involved in his rotations, and if the wing can keep shooting the long ball like this, that will be a much easier decision. As it briefly did in this matchup, this shooting can open up the floor more for Milwaukee's other key players, which they need.

Though Rivers has primarily rolled with Pat Connaughton, the veteran, as his first wing off the bench this season, Green could easily overtake him in the pecking order. Many were calling for Green to get the nod last season, and while it didn't happen then, if he can finally catch fire from deep and stay hot, it will be hard to keep him out of this rotation.

These next few games will be crucial as both Green and Connaughton aim to showcase why they are deserving of being Rivers' first call off the bench in the wing department. Perhaps a competition such as this one could ignite a spark in Milwaukee's second unit, which they could undoubtedly use after a lackluster showing against Chicago. It all starts with Green hitting his 3-pointers with consistency.

The Bucks are back at it on Sunday as they visit the Brooklyn Nets, where there will be plenty of eyes on AJ Green after this recent resurgent showing.

Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.